Austin news

• Biden signs Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act, allowing cold cases to be reopened

  03-08-2022 23:55 via kxan.com
  
  Washington, D.C. (KXAN) — President Joe Biden signed H.R. 3359 on Wednesday, putting the Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act of 2021 into law.The bill originated in the U.S. House of Representatives and was originally sponsored by Representative Eric Swalwell (D-California) and co-sponsored by Michael McCaul (R-Texas). The House passed the resolution by a vote of 406-20.Previous: Cold case bill motivated by Austin yogurt shop murders passes SenateMcCaul spoke with KXAN last
  
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• Protesters downtown Austin call on Elon Musk's 'Neuralink' company to stop testing on monkeys

  03-08-2022 23:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, protesters with the Physicians Committee on Responsible Medicine lined up outside of Austin City Hall to call attention to testing on animals at Neuralink's testing facilities, which has resulted in several monkeys dying.
  In addition to the protest, the group is paying for ads to run inside all of Capital Metro's 400 buses, along with a full wrap around two of them.
  "We have two huge bus ads. These are 60 foot long ads. And they say, 'Elon Musk, release the vi
  
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• Two arrested in connection to Austin's 34th robbery series of the year

  03-08-2022 23:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police arrested two people for their alleged involvement in two robberies that happened between July 29 and August 1. The robberies mark Austin's 34th robbery series so far in 2022.
  Police said Whitley Smith, 32, and Eddie Silva, 33, are facing charges of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
  The first robbery happened on July 29 at approximately 5:30 p.m. at Givens Park, in the 3800 block of 12th Street. APD said the victim was beaten
  
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• Texas murder suspect in custody, found in Colorado

  03-08-2022 23:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A man wanted in connection to a May 23 south Austin murder investigation was arrested Tuesday in Colorado, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Officials said the shooting occurred in the parking lot of a south Austin gym.John W. Bagwell, 19, was charged with first-degree murder and accused of being involved in the shooting that killed 36-year-old Jose Alberto Aguirre Castellanos. Austin police previously arrested 17-year-old Juan Lopez-Espinoza in connection to the murd
  
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• How California, Texas water conservation efforts differ

  03-08-2022 23:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Texans face a record-breaking scorcher of a summer and some local municipalities adopt additional water conservation efforts, it begged the question: Who controls and enforces water conservation staging, requirements and penalties for violations, and how does it differ from other drought-prone states?Here in Texas, all water conservation rules, staging and violation penalties are decided at the local level by individual municipalities, a spokesperson for the Texas Water
  
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• WATCH: Alex Jones testifies Sandy Hook shooting was '100% real'

  03-08-2022 22:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The plaintiff's attorneys in Alex Jones' defamation case said they "inadvertently" received text messages and data from the Infowars host's cell phone, sent by his defense team.Mark Bankston represents Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, who lost their son Jesse in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. The parents are suing over claims by Jones and others at Infowars that the shooting was a hoax.
  Judge Maya Guerra Gamble has already found Jones liable for defamation and inflictin
  
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• Sandy Hook family attorney says he was sent Alex Jones' cell phone data

  03-08-2022 22:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The plaintiff's attorneys in Alex Jones' defamation case said they "inadvertently" received text messages and data from the Infowars host's cell phone, sent by his defense team.Mark Bankston represents Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, who lost their son Jesse in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting. The parents are suing over claims by Jones and others at Infowars that the shooting was a hoax.
  Judge Maya Guerra Gamble has already found Jones liable for defamation and in
  
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• Alex Jones: Sandy Hook shooting was '100% real'

  03-08-2022 22:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The plaintiff's attorneys in Alex Jones' defamation case said they "inadvertently" received text messages and data from the Infowars host's cell phone, sent by his defense team.Mark Bankston represents Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, who lost their son Jesse in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting. The parents are suing over claims by Jones and others at Infowars that the shooting was a hoax.
  Judge Maya Guerra Gamble has already found Jones liable for defamation and in
  
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• Austin Public Health preparing for Pride as monkeypox cases go up

  03-08-2022 21:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One of the first people to get monkeypox in Austin said he's worried about folks gathering at Pride this year as the virus -- which can be spread to anyone, but has so far been most prevalent locally among gay and bisexual men -- continues to spread.
  "I'm curious what prevention is gonna happen at gay pride," the Austin man told us. "This is not a fun illness. It hurts. It will be the most pain that they've ever been in." Pride Month 2022: Ways to celebrate in AustinIn 2019, rou
  
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• Austin prepares for Pride as monkeypox cases go up

  03-08-2022 21:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One of the first people to get monkeypox in Austin said he's worried about folks gathering at Pride this year as the virus -- which can be spread to anyone, but has so far been most prevalent locally among gay and bisexual men -- continues to spread.
  "I'm curious what prevention is gonna happen at gay pride," the Austin man told us. "This is not a fun illness. It hurts. It will be the most pain that they've ever been in." Pride Month 2022: Ways to celebrate in AustinIn 2019, rou
  
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• Austin hits 100° for 21st day in a row — the 2nd longest streak ever

  03-08-2022 21:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Temperature records have been falling left and right in Austin lately, and we're also climbing up the ranks in another metric.Friday's high temperature of at least 101° means Camp Mabry — Austin's official weather reporting site — has hit 100° for 21 days in a row.That's the 2nd longest consecutive streak of all time, with records dating back to the 1890s. How often does Austin hit 100°? Here's a breakdown by date, month, year and decadeThe chart bel
  
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• Austin hits 100° for 20th day in a row — the 3rd longest streak ever

  03-08-2022 21:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Temperature records have been falling left and right in Austin lately, and we're also climbing up the ranks in another metric.Thursday's high temperature of at least 101° means Camp Mabry — Austin's official weather reporting site — has hit 100° for 20 days in a row.That's the 3rd longest consecutive streak of all time, with records dating back to the 1890s. How often does Austin hit 100°? Here's a breakdown by date, month, year and decadeThe chart b
  
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• Austin hits 100° for 19th day in a row — the 4th longest streak ever

  03-08-2022 21:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Temperature records have been falling left and right in Austin lately, and we're also climbing up the ranks in another metric.Wednesday's high temperature of at least 102° means Camp Mabry — Austin's official weather reporting site — has hit 100° for 19 days in a row.That's the 4th longest consecutive streak of all time, with records dating back to the 1890s. How often does Austin hit 100°? Here's a breakdown by date, month, year and decadeThe chart
  
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• Can hurricanes be stopped with bombs or ice? 5 theories debunked

  03-08-2022 20:32 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- Whenever a hurricane looks like it's going to take aim at the United States, it's a good bet that theories and proposals will start making the rounds from people who think the storm could be stopped, weakened or pushed out to sea -- but are any of them crazy enough to work?From bizarre to realistic, some of the ideas tossed around each hurricane season include using bombs, icebergs, fans or chemical compounds to combat storms. So why wouldn't any of those methods work? The
  
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• PHOTOS: Local, state crews battle fires across Central Texas

  03-08-2022 20:28 via kxan.com
  
  CENTRAL TEXAS (KXAN) — Both local and state crews have kept busy this week as several wildfires have cropped up across Central Texas. In Travis, Blanco and Gillepsie counties, fires ranging in size from 100 acres to approximately 1,400 have been blazing since Tuesday.Statewide, the Texas A&M Forest Service reports there are more than a dozen active wildfires the agency has helped respond to, some as large as nearly 6,800 acres. The agency also reports 16 wildfires that are now 100% con
  
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• Trail planned for east Austin — here's how it would be funded

  03-08-2022 20:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There's about to be a new spot for walkers and cyclists in east Austin. It's called the Mokan Trail.The mile-and-a-half-long trail is being built in space surrounding a former railroad track: the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. That's where "Mokan" comes from — from shortened parts of the state names.The trail would start at Shady Lane behind the Trailhead Apartments and extend to the bike path on Pedernales Street.The Pedernales Street connection would eventually tie
  
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• APD arrests man accused of 'severely' beating, killing roommate; releases victim's name

  03-08-2022 18:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – On Wednesday, the Austin Police Department released new details surrounding a Monday night homicide investigation where one person died in the 8500 block of Bradford Drive.According to APD, police responded after a caller said 24-year-old Cristo Jesus Rodriguez had hit his roommate and then left.
  A report said when officers arrived, Kenneth George Emery was found on the ground, badly beaten and unresponsive. Emery died at the scene, according to police. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: A
  
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• How are Texas wildfires named?

  03-08-2022 17:32 via kxan.com
  
  CENTRAL TEXAS (KXAN) — Currently, state and local crews are battling fires across Texas, including the Margarita Fire, the Prairie Dog Fire, the Snake Draw Fire and the Chalk Mountain Fire. But how are these fires named?"Unlike when a hurricane forms, there are no list of names for wildfires," said Erin O'Connor, a Texas A&M Forest Service spokesperson, in an email to KXAN. Crews fighting several fires in Central TexasInstead, the first responders who arrive on scene typically name the
  
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• Man arrested, charged in deadly shooting near north Austin hotel

  03-08-2022 17:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man faces a murder charge after another man was shot and killed near a hotel off North Lamar Boulevard on July 9.
  The Austin Police Department said officers arrested Cesar Lopez, 21, in connection with the shooting death of Michael Richardson, 37. A warrant was issued for Lopez on July 28, and according to APD, he was found in a parking lot off North Lamar by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force.
  Right now, Travis County Jail records list his bond at $300,000. An attorney fo
  
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• How have enrollment numbers changed in Central Texas school districts in the past decade?

  03-08-2022 16:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Over the past decade, the number of students enrolled in Central Texas school districts increased by nearly 35,000.KXAN looked at enrollment data from the Texas Education Agency for all 58 districts in our viewing area. MAP: When do local districts begin classes for the 2022-23 school year?Between the 2011-12 and 2021-22 school years, enrollment areawide increased by 34,772. That's despite a dip of about 12,000 in the 2020-21 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Across
  
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• Enchanted Rock to reopen, Pedernales Falls State Park remains closed due to nearby wildfires

  03-08-2022 16:46 via kxan.com
  
  BLANCO COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — One of two Central Texas state parks that closed Wednesday due to wildfires says it will reopen Thursday.The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area tweeted at 11:02 p.m. Wednesday the park would be open on Thursday for the normal hours of 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  Pedernales Falls State Park tweeted at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday the park was closed due to fire threat and roads leading into the park had smoke going across.Crews fighting several fires in Central TexasThe park is i
  
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• 2 Texas state parks closing temporarily due to nearby wildfires

  03-08-2022 16:46 via kxan.com
  
  GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Two state parks in Central Texas are being shut down temporarily because of nearby wildfires.
  Texas Parks and Wildlife said Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Pedernales Falls State Park are the affected parks.Crews fighting several fires in Central TexasPedernales Falls State Park is in Blanco County and is close to the Smoke Rider Fire near the Hays County line. As of Tuesday night, that fire burned an estimated 800 acres and was 30% contained. Pa
  
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• Central Texas caves feeling the heat amid rapid development

  03-08-2022 15:19 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, TX (KXAN) - There are more than 3,000 caves in Central Texas and they are dealing with the heat just like the rest of us. In what will likely turn out to be the hottest summer on record, the caves are seeing an increase in visitors and a slow down in growth."This summer has been really busy," said Patty Perlaky, assistant manager of Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown. The caverns were discovered in 1963 during the construction of I-35 and opened to the public in 1966.Tourists have bee
  
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• Wonderspaces: Austin interactive art experience always has something new

  03-08-2022 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  Wonderspaces Austin1205 Sheldon Cove #2A
  ~30 minutes from Austin Cost: $24 Hours: noon-10 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun., closed Tues. Must reserve a time slot online.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Stepping out of the summer heat, Wonderspaces Austin feels like a blissfully cool cave. Going deeper into the art show reveals unique art and experiences.Currently, there are 14 exhibits installed at the Austin location. General manager Brian Kief said the current must-see exhib
  
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• LIVE: Adoption or abortion? Families, experts say it's not that simple

  03-08-2022 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When Kenda McCormic signed her daughter’s relinquishment papers, the decision became final. The newborn would be placed for adoption.McCormic recalls the moment she relinquished her daughter as "bittersweet." She said she cherished the 48 hours they were in the hospital room together before separating but knew she wasn’t in a place to raise another child.McCormic considers herself fortunate for the experience she’s had as a birth mother in an open adoption
  
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• Adoption or abortion? Families, experts say it's not that simple

  03-08-2022 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When Kenda McCormic signed her daughter’s relinquishment papers, the decision became final. The newborn would be placed for adoption.McCormic recalls the moment she relinquished her daughter as "bittersweet." She said she cherished the 48 hours they were in the hospital room together before separating but knew she wasn’t in a place to raise another child.McCormic considers herself fortunate for the experience she’s had as a birth mother in an open adoption
  
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• Triple-digit heat streak may break this weekend, albeit just barely

  03-08-2022 12:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Wednesday's high temperature of 106° in Austin was our hottest day in two weeks, and our 19th-consecutive day of triple-digit heat. This is the fourth-longest stretch of triple-digit heat ever observed at Camp Mabry.With a day just as hot in your Thursday forecast, a Heat Advisory in effect continues through Thursday evening for a dangerous combination of high heat and humidity.Heat Advisory in effectA weak disturbance is moving our way Friday and Saturday while a Saharan du
  
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• Extreme heat returns as wildfire danger increases

  03-08-2022 12:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's been a rough go given our recent hot and dry weather pattern. But just when you think it can't get any worse, it does.Today's high temperature is likely to reach 106° in Austin under a mainly sunny and dry sky. When factoring in humidity, "feels like" temps will soar up to 110°. Given this dangerous combo of heat and humidity, a HEAT ADVISORY has been issued for the I-35 corridor, eastern counties + Burnet & Llano County from 1PM to 9PM.Heat Advisory in effect 1
  
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• Fire burns 96 acres in Bastrop County

  03-08-2022 12:33 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management said a wildfire near Dale is 90% contained as of 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
  Crews with Bastrop County Emergency Services District 1 from Red Rock have been fighting the fire off Margarita Drive since Monday morning. That is just northwest of Texas 21 in far western Bastrop County near the Travis and Caldwell County lines.RELATED: Crews fighting several fires in Central TexasAccording to the Texas A&M Forest Servic
  
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• Evacuation checklist: what to grab when evacuating

  03-08-2022 12:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Whether it's a hurricane, wildfire or other natural disaster, it's important to be prepared if forced to evacuate. Below is a list of suggested items to grab if time allows in an evacuation situation.Evacuation checklist:
  PassportsBirth certificatesSocial security cardsHouse deedCar titleAll other legal documentsDiplomasBank recordsPrescriptions/medicineValuables: jewelry, electronics, etc.Photo albums & baby booksHard drives & computer towersAddress bookExtra house/car
  
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• Vin Scully remembered by L.A., sports world

  03-08-2022 07:32 via kxan.com
  
  When your name becomes synonymous with one of the world's premier sports franchises, you're legacy eventually transcends sport.
  For Vin Scully, who for more than six decades embodied what it meant to be a Dodger, he became more than just a voice in a booth. He became a symbol for the city of Los Angeles and all who call it home.Just like palm trees, traffic on the 405 and the Hollywood sign, Vin Scully was Los Angeles.And as the sun sets on a groundbreaking life, members of the sports world, the
  
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• Legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully dies

  03-08-2022 05:45 via kxan.com
  
  Vin Scully, who for more than 60 years was the voice of Los Angeles Dodgers baseball, has died.The Dodgers announced Scully's death on social media, calling the incomparable legend of the broadcast booth, "the heartbeat of the Dodgers.""He was the voice of the Dodgers, and so much more. He was their conscience, their poet laureate, capturing their beauty and chronicling their glory from Jackie Robinson to Sandy Koufax, Kirk Gibson to Clayton Kershaw," the organization wrote.Vincent Edward Scully
  
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• Austin Novosad, Dripping Springs QB, reaffirms Baylor commitment

  03-08-2022 05:44 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) — Austin Novosad, one of the top quarterback recruits in Texas, made sure Monday that everyone knows he's going to be a Baylor Bear next year.The Dripping Springs High School senior threw for almost 3,400 yards with 40 touchdowns and just nine interceptions last season for the Tigers, and after fielding offers from several high-profile college programs, he said he's not going far. Texas high school football: UIL realignment shakes up Central Texas"This past w
  
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• LBJ moves up to 5A after historic season in 4A last year

  03-08-2022 04:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The LBJ Jaguars football team made its first ever trip to the state championship game last year only to lose to Stephenville 38-21 for the Class 4A Division 1 title. This year, however, they're moving up.The Jags opted to play in Class 5A at the Division 2 level for the next two seasons in the latest state realignment, and they're set on gaining some respect after being out of the preseason Top 10 rankings for 5A-D2 by Dave Campbell's Texas Football. AISD’s first stat
  
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• Austin Transportation looks to improve downtown area, wants public input

  03-08-2022 04:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Transportation Department is working on a plan to enhance downtown Austin's street grid, and the department wants your input.
  The Austin Core Transportation (ACT) Plan, led by ATD, is a study of transportation and mobility options in downtown Austin.
  The ACT Plan will include a list of projects to help ATD achieve their mobility vision for downtown, as well as an implementation plan. The first step in the process is a survey.It can be taken in English and Spanish.
  The
  
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• New mural added to Pecan Springs Elementary

  03-08-2022 03:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Rotary Club of Austin invited a young artist to paint a mural on an outside wall of Pecan Springs Elementary School. Tuesday, the mural was presented to the school.Vivian Butler, president of the Liberal Arts and Science Academy High School Mural Club signed her mural Tuesday. She was invited by the Rotary Club to create the mural, which the school wanted to include their eagle mascot, represent some of the traits of their Early Act First Knight character program, and create
  
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• Texas men's hoops names new assistant coach

  03-08-2022 01:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team will have a new coach on the sidelines this upcoming season.Longhorns head coach Chris Beard announced Monday that Brandon Chappell, a veteran assistant coach for nine years at various schools but most recently at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas., will join the staff.MORE THAN THE SCORE: If you want to stay up to date on sports stories like these, sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersChappe
  
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• Mobile home evictions underway in South Austin

  03-08-2022 01:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In one South Austin mobile home community, dozens of families are being forced to leave their homes. The land some of them have lived on for decades has been sold.After 19 years living at the Congress Mobile Home and RV Park, Dewain Willmore has been evicted.Willmore got a 60-day notice to leave. "I've got nowhere to go. I can't afford moving into these places right now. Basically, this is it," he said.
  But there aren't many options for him, some other communities are only
  
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• Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian talks QBs, youth as fall camp opens Wednesday

  03-08-2022 00:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Quarterbacks were a big topic of discussion Tuesday as Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian met with the media for the first time before fall camp opens Wednesday.The two signal-callers vying for the starting job are both familiar with the program in their own ways — transfer Quinn Ewers and Lake Travis product Hudson Card — and Sarkisian said while Card has more familiarity with the offense, Ewers is learning the intricacies of it. It’s official, Te
  
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• APD searching for suspect of hit-and-run at Lavaca and W. Cesar Chavez

  03-08-2022 00:09 via kxan.com
  
  Warning: The video may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is searching for the suspect of a hit-and-run that happened downtown in mid-July.
  APD responded to a hit-and-run call on July 16 at approximately 11:57 p.m. It involved a vehicle and two people at the intersection of Lavaca Street and W. Cesar Chavez Street.Both of the victims were taken to the hospital to be treated for severe injuries.
  After hitting the victims,
  
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