Austin news

• Poll finds support for same-sex marriage at all-time high

  01-06-2022 23:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — June marks the official start of Pride Month, and a new national poll released Wednesday shows support reached an all-time high in the United States for same-sex marriage.
  The newest figures released by Gallup found that 71% of Americans now agree same-sex couples should have their marriages recognized as legal and share the same rights as other unions. That approval rate is one percentage point higher than last year's number, which previously was the highest ever measured.
  
  Read more

• Downtown Austin surpasses pre-pandemic levels for development, growth

  01-06-2022 23:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Downtown Austin Alliance (DAA) has revealed findings from its 2022 State of Downtown economic impact report.According to the report, downtown housing and office markets have surpassed pre-pandemic levels with 22 current or planned major commercial construction projects.“Given the recent influx of residents and businesses into our region, the State of Downtown report is essential to understanding the direction our downtown is headed. It also informs strategies for
  
  Read more

• Scattered rain brings slight heat relief through Friday

  01-06-2022 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —Coming off our hottest May on record, we start the new month of June hot... but some could say "manageable heat" (mid-90s are better than upper 90s, right?!)A little bit of instability from the heating of the day will allow a few isolated showers/storms to form this afternoon and continue through the evening, especially east of I-35, but the majority of us are expected to stay dry.
  We have already picked up more than a quarter of an inch of rain in Fayette county. For curren
  
  Read more

• Crash involving 18-wheeler closes lanes on I-35 upper deck southbound

  01-06-2022 22:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — All southbound lanes of the Interstate 35 upper deck are closed following a crash in central Austin, the Austin Fire Department said Wednesday.AFD tweeted at 3:06 p.m. saying there was an "18-wheeler collision" on the freeway and to "expect significant delays" in the area. Crews have lanes blocked off near the Hancock Center and Airport Boulevard on I-35.From the TxDOT camera looking down at I-35 and Concordia in central Austin.Avoid the area if you can as crews works to cl
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Crash involving 18-wheeler closed lanes on I-35 upper deck southbound

  01-06-2022 22:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Lanes are back open on Interstate 35 upper deck following a crash in central Austin, the Austin Fire Department said Wednesday.AFD tweeted at 3:06 p.m. saying there was an "18-wheeler collision" on the freeway and to "expect significant delays" in the area. Crews had lanes blocked off near the Hancock Center and Airport Boulevard on I-35 for hours.
  From the TxDOT camera looking down at I-35 and Concordia in central Austin.
  
  Read more

• Pride Month 2022: Ways to celebrate in Austin

  01-06-2022 20:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, but Austin's "main" Pride event is on Aug. 13; still, there are tons of ways to celebrate with the community.Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall riots, which began on June 28, 1969. The riots occurred after New York City Police's Public Morals Squad raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar, and attempted to arrest the patrons. A crowd grew outside of the bar and fought back against the police.
  Over the next few days, the uprising became a movement.
  
  Read more

• Old racetrack grandstand catches fire in Manor during demolition

  01-06-2022 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  MANOR, Texas (KXAN) — Crews are working to control a fire at an old racetrack in Manor.
  The fire is taking place at 8901 Hill Lane, the site of the former Manor Downs grandstand, according to Travis County ESD No. 12. It's located near Manor Middle School and north of U.S. Highway 290 East.
  ESD No. 12 said the grandstand was being demolished, and now it's "partially involved" in fire.
  Austin Business Journal reported in 2021 the track, which used to host horse races and concerts, shut down
  
  Read more

• Tracking the Tropics: Hurricane season begins with area of potential development in Gulf

  01-06-2022 19:52 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is now officially underway, and there's already an area of potential development to keep an eye on in the Gulf of Mexico.
  The Atlantic hurricane season begins every year on June 1. This year marked the first time in seven years that tropical development did not occur in the Atlantic before June 1.
  However, the National Hurricane Center is tracking possible development in the southern Gulf of Mexico and says a tropical depression or storm i
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Underpasses on Loop 360? How TxDOT is addressing west Austin congestion woes

  01-06-2022 19:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Transportation kicks off Wednesday a multi-year project designed to enhance mobility and ease congestion levels along Loop 360 in west Austin, with a couple new underpasses.The Loop 360 at Westlake Drive/Cedar Street project breaks ground Wednesday, a $72.1 million investment courtesy TxDOT and the city of Austin's 2016 mobility bond. The improvements begin along Loop 360 near the Bold Ruler Way intersection before heading north toward the highway's
  
  Read more

• Georgetown, Leander are the fastest-growing cities in the nation

  01-06-2022 19:45 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — Georgetown and Leander are the two fastest-growing cities in the nation, new data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows.Between July 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021, Georgetown's population increased by 10.5%, while Leander's increased by 10.1%.No other city in the country with a population of more than 50,000 grew by more than 10%."It's exciting and frightening all at the same time. You know, it's one of those distinctions that might be nice to be 15, 17, somewhere around
  
  Read more

• Verdicts reached in Johnny Depp, Amber Heard libel trial

  01-06-2022 19:42 via kxan.com
  
  FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — A jury on Wednesday said it has reached a verdict in Johnny Depp’s libel lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard, who testified that Depp physically and sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.The jury also has reached a verdict regarding a $100 million counterclaim Heard filed against Depp. Heard said she was defamed when Depp’s lawyer called her abuse allegations a hoax.The verdicts are expected to be read inside the Virginia court at 3 p.m. Wednesday
  
  Read more

• Jury sides with Johnny Depp on lawsuit, Amber Heard on counterclaim

  01-06-2022 19:42 via kxan.com
  
  FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — A jury on Wednesday ruled in favor of Johnny Depp in his libel lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard, vindicating his stance that Heard fabricated claims that she was abused by Depp before and during their brief marriage.The jury also found in favor of Heard, who said she was defamed by Depp’s lawyer when he called her abuse allegations a hoax.Jury members found Depp should be awarded $10.35 million in damages, while Heard should receive $2 million.The verdicts
  
  Read more

• Jury reaches verdict in Johnny Depp, Amber Heard libel trial

  01-06-2022 19:42 via kxan.com
  
  FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — A jury on Wednesday said it has reached a verdict in Johnny Depp’s libel lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard, who testified that Depp physically and sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.The jury also has reached a verdict regarding a $100 million counterclaim Heard filed against Depp. Heard said she was defamed when Depp’s lawyer called her abuse allegations a hoax.The verdicts are expected to be read inside the Virginia court at 3 p.m. Wednesday
  
  Read more

• Depp awarded $10M, Heard $2M in split libel lawsuit verdict

  01-06-2022 19:42 via kxan.com
  
  FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — A jury awarded Johnny Depp more than $10 million on Wednesday in his libel lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard, vindicating his stance that Heard fabricated claims that she was abused by Depp before and during their brief marriage.The jury also found Heard was defamed by a lawyer for Depp who accused her of creating a detailed hoax that included roughing up their apartment to look worse for police. The jury awarded her $2 million in damages.The verdicts bring an en
  
  Read more

• Austin murder suspect arrested in Laredo

  01-06-2022 19:32 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Michael Lance Arendt, 50, was arrested Saturday in Laredo, Texas, for a suspected murder that occurred in Austin, according to the Travis County Sheriff's Office.Arendt was suspected of the murder of 42-year-old Anthony Israel Yancey. RELATED: Suspect at large, accused of shooting another man in the face after argumentAccording to the original Travis County arrest affidavit, Arendt, of California, was being charged for a shooting that occurred around 7:38 p.m. May
  
  Read more

• Arrest made in Laredo for May 16 Austin murder

  01-06-2022 19:32 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Michael Lance Arendt, 50, was arrested Saturday in Laredo, Texas, for a May 16 murder that occurred in Austin, according to the Travis County Sheriff's Office.Arendt was suspected of the murder of 42-year-old Anthony Israel Yancey. RELATED: Suspect at large, accused of shooting another man in the face after argumentAccording to the original Travis County arrest affidavit, Arendt, of California, was being charged for a shooting that occurred around 7:38 p.m. May 16
  
  Read more

• Active shooter training group: Our response protocols haven't changed after Uvalde

  01-06-2022 19:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Federal Bureau of Investigation-sanctioned group that provides law enforcement active shooter training at Texas State University said its instruction and response protocols remain unchanged following the tragedy in Uvalde.In a Facebook post Tuesday, Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) said the school shooting that left 19 children and two teachers dead "reinforces the need for constant training, correct equipment, and competent leadership."Uvalde C
  
  Read more

• Austin Water Utility leaks plummet, largest drop in nearly a decade

  01-06-2022 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin’s water system leaked 854 million fewer gallons of treated water in 2021 than the year before, marking the city’s largest reduction in year-over-year water losses in almost a decade, according to a system audit.In 2020, Austin’s pipes leaked a record 7.34 billion gallons. That dropped to 6.49 billion gallons last year, according to a yearly report submitted to the Texas Water Development Board.While 6.49 billion gallons is a huge amount – near
  
  Read more

• Austin pipes leaked 6.49 billion gallons last year, an improvement over 2020

  01-06-2022 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin’s water system leaked 854 million fewer gallons of treated water in 2021 than the year before, marking the city’s largest reduction in year-over-year water losses in almost a decade, according to a system audit.In 2020, Austin’s pipes leaked a record 7.34 billion gallons. That dropped to 6.49 billion gallons last year, according to a yearly report submitted to the Texas Water Development Board.While 6.49 billion gallons is a huge amount – near
  
  Read more

• 2 Austin Chick-fil-A's to use self-driving vehicles

  01-06-2022 18:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two Chick-fil-A's in downtown Austin received self-driving vehicles Tuesday to begin test deliveries, according to a release from Refraction AI.The company said its goal was to provide energy-efficient meal deliveries."Autonomous delivery using Refraction's robots creates an exciting new opportunity to extend the Chick-fil-A experience to a growing number of delivery guests," Luke Steigmeyer, an operator at the 6th & Congress  Chick-fil-A, said.After initial testin
  
  Read more

• Round Rock PD responds to man claiming to be armed inside business

  01-06-2022 18:26 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — A man who claims to be armed is refusing to leave a business near the 2500 block of South Interstate 35 Wednesday, the Round Rock Police Department said.All other people inside the business have left the building, RRPD said. Some nearby businesses have been evacuated as a precaution, police said.The area is near Batteries Plus and Home Depot, according to RRPD.Drivers are asked to avoid the area.This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN for updates.
  
  Read more

• Round Rock PD responds to barricaded person near I-35

  01-06-2022 18:26 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — The Round Rock Police Department said it is responding to a "barricaded" person in the 2500 block of South Interstate 35 Wednesday.The area is near Batteries Plus and Home Depot, according to RRPD.Drivers are asked to avoid the area.This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN for updates.
  
  Read more

• Man claiming to be armed inside Round Rock business taken into custody

  01-06-2022 18:26 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — A man who claimed to be armed inside of a business near the 2500 block of South Interstate 35 Wednesday was taken into custody, the Round Rock Police Department said around 12:15 p.m. Wednesday.All other people inside the business left the building, RRPD said. Some nearby businesses were evacuated as a precaution, police said.The area was near Batteries Plus and Home Depot, according to RRPD.SWAT and RRPD responded to the scene.
  
  Read more

• After Uvalde shooting, Gov. Abbott requests special committees to address school safety

  01-06-2022 18:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Some Texans are calling for leaders to take action after mass shootings — rather than providing just thoughts and prayers.
  In a letter to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker of the House Dade Phelan, Gov. Greg Abbott requested they begin special legislative committees to develop recommendations on "school safety, mental health, social media, police training, firearm safety, and more."This is less action than some lawmakers have called for. Some have asked Abbott to ca
  
  Read more

• Federal report: Monkey died at UT research center after surgery

  01-06-2022 17:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A U.S. Department of Agriculture report from April found a monkey in the care of the Animal Resources Center at the University of Texas at Austin died.The USDA inspection report shows the university had a "critical" noncompliance item for not giving adequate veterinary care to the adult male rhesus macaque that died after a surgery.
  The USDA defines a critical noncompliance item as an event "that had a serious or severe adverse effect on the health and well-being of the ani
  
  Read more

• Judge to review 'breathtaking' $67M payout in APD wrongful death suit

  01-06-2022 17:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A federal judge will consider lowering the amount of money awarded to the family of a man shot and killed by Austin Police Department officers.
  In December, a jury found APD's Richard Egal and Maxwell Johnson used excessive force on Landon Nobles, 24, after chasing him on Sixth Street and shooting him in the back in 2017. The jury recommended the defendants pay a total of $67 million in damages, to be split among Nobles’ mother and the mothers of his two children.Afte
  
  Read more

• Hearing held in civil trial after jury recommended APD officers pay $67M

  01-06-2022 17:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A judge on Tuesday will decide how the parties involved in a wrongful death civil trial in Austin will move forward in a mediation agreement.
  In May 2017, Landon Nobles, 24, was shot and killed by Austin Police Department officers Richard Egal and Maxwell Johnson after they chased him on East Sixth Street.The family sued APD and the officers in May 2018, saying new evidence shows Nobles did not turn and fire a gun at officers first like APD had previously stated. The family
  
  Read more

• June bird forecast

  01-06-2022 15:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Here’s the Central Texas bird forecast for the month, courtesy of Travis Audubon. Learn more about Central Texas birds and bird-related events for all ages at travisaudubon.org or by calling (512) 300-BIRD. Follow us on Facebook as well.
  Invasion of the Nest SnatchersIn Central Texas we have two species of cowbirds. June is a good month to look for both adults and juvenile birds. Brown-headed and bronzed cowbirds lay their eggs in other songbirds’ nests, letting
  
  Read more

• Tiny but dangerous — seek shelter during a microburst

  01-06-2022 14:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Despite their tiny name, microbursts can cause big trouble. This weather event can happen when it is raining or even on just a cloudy day. They can also be bad news for pilots. In this First Warning Weather University lesson, we take a look at microbursts and why they can be dangerous.What you'll learn in this lesson:Why microbursts are called microburstsHow a microburst occurs on a sunny dayWhy microbursts can make flying dangerous
  
  Read more

• Man arrested after security guard shot outside Austin nightclub

  01-06-2022 14:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A security guard is recovering, and a man is in the Travis County Jail after a shooting at a northeast Austin club early Saturday morning.Austin police said Denzel Hardman, 28, shot and wounded a security guard at Club Lobos on the northbound service road of Interstate 35. That's just northeast of East Rundberg Lane.
  According to the arrest affidavit, Hardman was at an album release party at the club. The affidavit said the club hired the guard to provide security.
  Officers
  
  Read more

• TxDOT to expand pedestrian barriers along 25 miles of I-35

  01-06-2022 13:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Transportation Commission approved a $3 million contract to expand the pedestrian barriers along Interstate 35.The expansion will stretch from State Highway 45 Southeast near Buda north to Greenlawn Boulevard near I-35 in Round Rock.
  The plastic barriers add about two feet of height to the current concrete median barrier along I-35. Officials with the Texas Department of Transportation hope these pedestrian barriers will discourage people from attempting to cross.
  
  Read more

• DPS: 6 dead, 4 injured after crash in Loving County

  01-06-2022 13:39 via kxan.com
  
  LOVING COUNTY, Texas (KLBK) — A two-vehicle crash left six people dead and four people hurt Monday, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
  DPS reported the crash took place at 6 a.m. on County Road 300 at Ranch to Market Road 652, about 21 miles north of Mentone.According to DPS, a Toyota pickup truck slammed into a Ford F-250 pickup. The crash sent the Toyota traveling through the intersection and crashing into a utility pole. The Ford came to a stop in a north barrow di
  
  Read more

• Why are more people traveling to Austin?

  01-06-2022 13:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's almost summer and people are flocking to Austin for their summer vacation.People are ready to travel again after travel was hindered during the pandemic. Austin took the No. 4 spot on the Best Summer Travel Destinations for 2022 list.
  WalletHub, a personal finance website, analyzed 100 of the largest cities in the country and used more than 40 metrics. The cities were ranked based on travel costs, attractions, weather and safety.FILE: Austin's Barton Springs Pool. (KXA
  
  Read more

• Round Rock police take man into custody after robbery

  01-06-2022 13:16 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- Round Rock Police said it has a man in custody officers believe took part in a robbery Tuesday night.
  They found money with the man but no weapons. They gave no other details except the robbery took place in the 800 block of West Old Settlers Blvd. around 6 p.m. That is west of Interstate 35 and Chisholm Trail Road.
  Police tweeted around 7:25 p.m. they had the man in custody.
  A Google search of the address found a CVS Pharmacy located there.
  
  Read more

• 2 Central Texas students make quarterfinals in National Spelling Bee

  01-06-2022 12:57 via kxan.com
  
  OXON HILL, Maryland (KXAN) — One of two middle schoolers from Round Rock could make it all the way to become the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion.
  Tarini Nandakumar, 11, and Michael Kolagani, 14, compete Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the bee with a chance to compete in Thursday night's finals.
  According to the Scripps, both Nandakumar and Kolagani are sponsored by a local organization, Sweet Success ATX. Nandakumar is a sixth grader at Walsh Middle School, and Kolagani is an
  
  Read more

• $28 million plan to relocate the Dougherty Arts Center in design phase

  01-06-2022 12:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is continuing work toward moving the Dougherty Arts Center from its current location along Barton Springs Road to Butler Shores.The Dougherty Arts Center building has been in the same place since 1947 and was originally built as a Naval and Marine Reserve Center. The DAC was dedicated to the city and named for the late arts advocate Mary Ireland Graves in 1978. Since then, it has been serving the community as an arts center, but th
  
  Read more

• Texas to take on Arizona State for NCAA men's golf title

  01-06-2022 06:30 via kxan.com
  
  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Preston Summerhays birdied the 18th hole to close out his match 2 up and Arizona State beat reigning national champion Pepperdine 4-1 to earn a spot in the championship match against Texas.
  The Longhorns beat Vanderbilt 3 1/2-1 1/2 when Pierceson Coody and Travis Vick closed out their matches seconds apart at Grayhawk Golf Club. Texas is playing in the championship match for the third time in six years.
  The Sun Devils led Pepperdine big in three matches early in th
  
  Read more

• Silver Alert issued for missing 73-year-old man last seen in south Austin

  01-06-2022 04:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Silver Alert was issued Tuesday for a missing Austin man, and police believe his disappearance "poses a credible threat to his own health and safety."On behalf of the Austin Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued the alert for 73-year-old Charles Younger, who was last seen shortly after 6 p.m. in the 7000 block of Menchaca Road.Silver Alert flyer for Charles Younger, courtesy Texas DPSYounger is described by
  
  Read more

• LIVE: APD briefing on 'crisis situation' in downtown Austin on 15th Street

  01-06-2022 03:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There's a heavy police presence outside of a downtown Austin hotel for what the Austin Police Department described as a "crisis situation."Officers are outside the Doubletree hotel in the 300 block of W. 15th St. responding to the situation. That's across 15th Street from the Attorney General's Office and two blocks northwest of the Texas Capitol grounds.A public information officer is responding and will provide more details at 9:45 p.m., APD said. APD asks people to avoid
  
  Read more

• 'Crisis situation' in downtown Austin on 15th Street ends with no injuries

  01-06-2022 03:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police said a man believed to be "suffering from a mental health crisis," was uninjured after authorities were able to get him off a hotel balcony Tuesday in downtown Austin.APD responded to Doubletree hotel at 303 W. 15th St. for the call at 6:11 p.m. That's across 15th Street from the Attorney General's Office and two blocks northwest of the Texas Capitol grounds.During a briefing just before 10 p.m., APD said the situation came "to a peaceful resolution" around 9:
  
  Read more

• APD: 'Crisis situation' in downtown Austin on 15th Street

  01-06-2022 03:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There's a heavy police presence outside of a downtown Austin hotel for what the Austin Police Department described as a "crisis situation."Officers are outside the Doubletree hotel in the 300 block of W. 15th St. responding to the situation. That's across 15th Street from the Attorney General's Office and two blocks northwest of the Texas Capitol grounds.A public information officer is responding and will provide more details later Tuesday. APD asks people to avoid the area
  
  Read more

• Uvalde CISD police chief hasn't responded to investigators' follow-up request

  01-06-2022 02:35 via kxan.com
  
  UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) — The Uvalde CISD Police Chief has not responded to a Texas Rangers' request for a follow-up interview made "a couple of days ago," a Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson told KXAN Tuesday.The spokesperson said the Uvalde Police Department and Uvalde CISD are still cooperating. The district police chief, Pete Arredondo, has come under criticism from Uvalde citizens after state police officials said it took approximately 40 minutes to an hour for officers to e
  
  Read more

• U.S. Supreme Court blocks Texas social media law

  01-06-2022 02:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked a Texas law that prohibits large social media companies, such as Facebook or Twitter, from banning or removing users’ posts based on political viewpoints.The justices, in a 5-4 vote, granted NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association’s request to reinstate a block imposed by a federal district judge as the lawsuit makes its way through the courts. The justices who voted to reverse the l
  
  Read more

• Austin City Council pushes to decriminalize abortion

  01-06-2022 01:54 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin is already putting plans in place in case the Supreme Court overturns Roe v Wade.The Texas trigger law would take effect 30 days after a Supreme Court ruling.It would make it a second-degree felony for a person who knowingly performs, induces, or attempts an abortion.That penalty would increase to a first-degree felony if the unborn child dies as a result.Although the law doesn't penalize women directly, the City of Austin’s general counsel foresees
  
  Read more

• Round Rock PD nears end of free trial for license plate camera program

  01-06-2022 01:07 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — The Round Rock Police Department began a pilot program for Flock license plate reader cameras in April. The free trial will end June 17, and the decision to continue the program would require council approval for funding.
  The police department began a 60-day pilot program with 30 cameras in April. Cameras collect images of the rears of cars. The data collected includes license plates and the make, model and color of cars.  READ MORE: License plate reader cam
  
  Read more

• Gov. Abbott mum on calls for special session in wake of Uvalde

  01-06-2022 00:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Days after Democratic state lawmakers and at least one Republican called on Gov. Greg Abbott to call an emergency special legislative session in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting tragedy, it remained unclear Tuesday whether he plans to do so.A spokesperson for Abbott's office directed KXAN to the governor's comments last Friday in which he said "all options are on the table" when asked about a special session. Texas state senator interrupts Gov. Abbott’s press co
  
  Read more

• Social media 'friend' describes Uvalde school shooter

  01-06-2022 00:43 via kxan.com
  
  UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) – In the week following the Robb Elementary mass shooting in Uvalde, KXAN has learned more information about the gunman, Salvador Ramos, and his social media activity.Sean Colvin, 18, of Virginia says he has known Salvador Ramos for the last year via Yubo, a relatively new social media company based in Paris, France that established its presence in the U.S. in 2020 when it opened its new American headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida. Latest: Uvalde School Shooting&ldq
  
  Read more

• Spot rain late week ahead of scorching June heat

  01-06-2022 00:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —Coming off our hottest May on record, we start the new month of June hot... but some could say "manageable heat" (mid-90s are better than upper 90s, right?!)Like yesterday, today will start with a cloudy sky and a few pockets of drizzle. A little bit of instability from the heating of the day will allow a few isolated showers/storms to form this afternoon, but the majority of us are expected to stay dry. The combination of clouds and spot rain will keep temperatures a few de
  
  Read more

• Hottest May on record ends: Here's what to expect in June

  01-06-2022 00:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —We just lived through the Austin area's hottest May on record by a wide margin, with temperature readings going back to 1897.
  May brought 6 daily record highs to Camp Mabry, and our fourth-earliest 100 degree day on record.Average day and night temperatures were 1.6 degrees above the previous hottest May in Austin history, and 5.4 degrees above normal.As we reported on in our Summer Outlook series, a record-hot May is correlated to a hotter than normal summer. Unsurprisingly
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!