Austin news

• AFD sends 7 to help with flooding from storms in South Texas

  15-08-2022 23:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As storms with potentially flooding rains roll through South Texas, some members of the Austin Fire Department are there to help.AFD said seven of its members were deployed as part of the Texas A&M Task Force 1 to Three Rivers, a town about an hour northwest of Corpus Christi. Gov. Greg Abbott has staged crews and resources there to help people in the event of flash floods and other weather-related events.Sign up for our daily forecast newsletter at kxan.com/newsle
  
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• SEARCH: How did your school or district fare in TEA's Accountability Ratings?

  15-08-2022 23:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Education Agency released its ratings for each school district and campus in the state Monday.The ratings mark the first since 2019, after the TEA paused ratings in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.Previously, ratings were issued on an A-F scale. This year, schools and districts are rated A-C, based on a score out of 100, after the Texas Legislature made the change through the passage of Senate Bill 1365. If a district or campus receives a score belo
  
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• Which downtown Austin roads will be closed for Pride?

  15-08-2022 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Pride returns Aug. 20 following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of the festivities will include a parade through downtown Austin, beginning at the Texas State Capitol at 8 p.m. and traveling along Congress Avenue before ending at the bridge.Here's what you need to know about downtown road closures this weekend, as well as ways to get to Austin Pride.Which roads will be closed for Austin Pride?The Austin Transportation Department approved Austin P
  
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• Texas volleyball ranked No. 2 in nation in first AVCA poll

  15-08-2022 23:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns volleyball team will start the year as the No. 2 team in the country.The American Volleyball Coaches Association released its preseason poll Monday and the Longhorns narrowly missed out on the top spot, 10 points behind the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Texas received more first-place votes than Nebraska, 27-24, but the Cornhuskers racked up more points. ‘We’ve got a shot at it’: Talent, depth on display at Longhorns volleyball scrimmageTexas w
  
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• Hotter weather through Wednesday, then welcome rain looks more likely

  15-08-2022 22:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Hot, mainly dry weather continues this evening as a tropical low pressure system brings heavy rain to South Texas. Rain locally has been isolated, with the highest total only reaching 0.23" at the San Marcos Municipal Airport this morning.Some areas in South Texas are seeing flash flooding and a tornado threat as a tropical disturbance treks up the Rio Grande Valley. Some totals south of San Antonio have exceeded to 9".Our afternoon highs will inch hotter Tuesday and Wednesday,
  
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• What COVID testing options are there for people with visual impairments?

  15-08-2022 22:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With Travis County listed at a medium COVID-19 community risk level, Austin health officials are encouraging people who might have been exposed or are symptomatic to get tested.But one KXAN viewer came to us with this question: What resources are available for people who are blind or have visual impairments and can't drive to a drive-thru testing site, or administer an at-home test?In late June, the White House announced expanded testing options for people who are blind or
  
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• Gov. Abbott inspired California bill to create 'refuge' for transgender health care

  15-08-2022 21:44 via kxan.com
  
  SAN FRANCISCO (KXAN) — A directive issued earlier this year by Gov. Greg Abbott for the state to start investigating families with transgender children for abuse created a new legislative priority far outside Texas.
  State legislators in California are now working to pass a bill before their session ends on Aug. 31 that would essentially create a refuge for families to seek and receive the transgender health care that could get them investigated for child abuse in Texas. State Sen. Scott Wi
  
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• Midway All-Stars win 12U Softball Little League World Series, 5-4 over Maryland

  15-08-2022 21:41 via kxan.com
  
  GREENVILLE, N.C. (FOX 44) -- The team from Hewitt, Texas came in as the youngest team in the Little League World Series but they didn't back down.Maryland jumped out to an early lead 3-0 in the first three innings with pitcher Macy Rickards opening the scoring with an RBI-single in the first inning.Midway Little League’s Zaneria Hughes throws no-hitter at World Series
  The Midway All-Stars didn't back down and continued to fight like they have all season. Texas scored four runs in the fourt
  
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• SWAT situation ends with man in critical condition after 'experiencing emotional trauma'

  15-08-2022 20:10 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — A man is in critical condition Monday after he was found unresponsive by a SWAT team robot following a mental health crisis at a home in Round Rock.Round Rock Police Department Lt. Tom Sloan said police received a call from a family member of the man's around noon Monday saying the man was suicidal in his at in the 2300 block of Vernell Way. When police responded, Sloan said officers saw "what they believed to be potential explosive devices." 988 suicide hotline
  
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• Police activity closes parts of Sunrise Road in Round Rock; some homes evacuated

  15-08-2022 20:10 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Police activity in Round Rock is shutting down roadways near Jester Farms Park and Hernandez Middle School after reports of explosives at a home.
  The Round Rock Police Department said Sunrise Road is closed from the intersection of Bradley Lane and David Curry Drive to the intersection of Bowman Road and Tiger Trail.
  Officers are responding to reports of what police call a "barricaded subject" or a person who's refusing to cooperate in the 2300 block of Vernell W
  
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• Police activity closes parts of Sunrise Road in Round Rock

  15-08-2022 20:10 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Police activity in Round Rock is shutting down roadways near Jester Farms Park and Hernandez Middle School.
  The Round Rock Police Department said Sunrise Road is closed from the intersection of Bradley Lane and David Curry Drive to the intersection of Bowman Road and Tiger Trail.
  Officers are responding to reports of what police call a "barricaded subject" or a person who's refusing to cooperate in the 2300 block of Vernell Way.Police are asking people to avoid t
  
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• LIVE: Police activity closes parts of Sunrise Road in Round Rock; some homes evacuated

  15-08-2022 20:10 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Police activity in Round Rock is shutting down roadways and evacuating homes near Jester Farms Park and Hernandez Middle School after police said there were reports of explosives at a home. As of just before 4 p.m., no explosives had been found.The Round Rock Police Department said Sunrise Road is closed from the intersection of Bradley Lane and David Curry Drive to the intersection of Bowman Road and Tiger Trail.
  Round Rock SWAT and other officers responded to a
  
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• Dan Patrick to 'blue' cities: Be 'on notice' for buses of migrants from Texas

  15-08-2022 20:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Monday warned mayors of big, mostly Democratic cities to be "on notice" as groups of migrants could be bused to their town from Texas.
  This comes after New York City received its first busload of migrants from Texas earlier this month as part of a program launched by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in April. The program organizes charter buses to take migrants who have crossed the border and agree to it to Washington, D.C. Now, New York City is bei
  
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• Austin ISD outlines efforts to combat TikTok distractions this school year

  15-08-2022 19:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With Austin ISD students back in session, so, too are concerns about possible classroom distractions, courtesy TikTok trends.Last year, area schools responded to a handful of TikTok trends that disrupted daily learning. In September, Round Rock ISD officials reported more than $15,000 in damages due to the "Devious Lick" challenge, where students were dared to steal from and vandalize schools and post a recording of it online. Austin ISD gets a ‘B’ from Texas Ed
  
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• LIST: The most mispronounced places across Central Texas

  15-08-2022 19:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Whether you’re a newcomer to Central Texas or a tourist, pronouncing names around the area can be head-scratching or embarrassing. The good news is that KXAN has assembled an alphabetized cheat sheet to use when you’re talking to Central Texas natives. MAPS: Austin airport restaurants with brick-and-mortar locations in the cityWe asked our community to share their most commonly heard mispronounced places in the region (and added a few of our own.)BastropBastrop
  
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• Clues to alien life on Jupiter's moon could be found in 'underwater snow'

  15-08-2022 19:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — New research out of the University of Texas could help scientists discover alien life on one of Jupiter's moons. Europa is about the size of Earth's moon and is believed to have a liquid ocean on its surface. This ocean is covered by a thick layer of ice that is formed by "underwater snow".
  According to the university, the ice, formed by the "snow", that covers Europa floats up from the depths of the ocean and sticks to the underside of the ice. The snow then freezes and ca
  
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• It's been two months since gas prices peaked in Texas. How much have they fallen?

  15-08-2022 18:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Monday marks exactly two months since gas prices in Texas hit their peak.A gallon of regular unleaded gas topped out at $4.70 on June 15. As of today, the average is down to $3.46, a decrease of $1.24 in those two months.Drivers in College Station are currently paying the most at the pump: an average of $3.69 per gallon. The Brownsville-Harlingen and McAllen metro areas have the cheapest gas in the state right now, at $3.16 per gallon.According to AAA, there are several fac
  
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• Austin ISD's interim superintendent juggling safety, staffing as new year begins

  15-08-2022 17:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin ISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays is kicking off the school year with a lot on his plate.
  His first school year at the district's helm comes as enrollment has dropped, staffing issues plague schools, parents worry about school safety and as a global pandemic persists.Dr. Mays talked with KXAN's Tom Miller about navigating those challenges while hoping this school year feels more like normal.
  The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.Tom:
  
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• Q&A: Local mental health centers struggle to raise money, hire staff

  15-08-2022 16:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Organizations that offer mental health services in the Austin area are battling staff shortages which can impact care for those who need it.
  One organization that's facing these issues is the Austin Child Guidance Center. Moriah Looten, the bilingual program manager with the center, joined KXAN News at 4 p.m. to discuss an urgent plea from the center to raise $500,000 to continue its services.
  Looten explained the center offers mental health services to children and their f
  
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• Austin ISD to announce district, campus ratings from Texas Education Agency

  15-08-2022 15:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Independent School District is expected to announce campus and district ratings from the Texas Education Agency on Monday.
  The state agency paused ratings in 2020 and 2021 for both districts and campuses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, ratings were issued on an A-F scale, however, this year it's different due to Senate Bill 1365, according to TEA.Austin ISD tries to stabilize student enrollmentThis year, districts and schools will be rated A-C. If a dis
  
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• Austin ISD gets a 'B' from Texas Education Agency, announces campus ratings

  15-08-2022 15:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Independent School District received an overall "B" rating from the Texas Education Agency in its first series of ratings since 2019, which were released Monday.The state agency paused ratings in 2020 and 2021 for both districts and campuses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, ratings were issued on an A-F scale; however, this year it's different due to Senate Bill 1365, according to the TEA.Austin ISD tries to stabilize student enrollmentThis year, distric
  
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• LIST: Ongoing construction surrounding Austin ISD schools

  15-08-2022 14:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Ongoing construction work across the city of Austin could have an impact on parents dropping off or picking up their kids from school.
  In southeast Austin on Stassney Lane from Teri Road to Burleson Road, there is work underway to revamp the street by adding wider sidewalks.City officials said the project will impact Widén Elementary, Mendez Middle and some of the other Del Valle schools in the area. This construction will go on for a year. Officials t
  
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• How to avoid a hefty fine when driving near a school bus

  15-08-2022 13:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Central Texas students are headed back to school, and you'll see more school buses along your commute.It's a good time to remind drivers of Texas law when driving around school buses; breaking the law could cost you. Back to school: When do local districts begin classes?It's illegal to pass a school bus loading or unloading kids. If you pass the bus, it could lead to a fine from $300 to more than $1,200.Robert Salazar's stop arm camera violation (KXAN Photo/Erin Cargile)
  Te
  
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• Manor ISD superintendent talks security, teacher shortage for new school year

  15-08-2022 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  MANOR, Texas (KXAN) — Manor Independent School District will kick off the 2022-23 school year with new security improvements from a $280 million bond passed by voters.“We installed doorbell cameras for every school and every campus,” said Superintendent Andre Spencer. Manor ISD superintendent to resign in June 2023The security upgrades mean front office staff will monitor and control who is allowed in and out of the school.“Once they enter into the facility, every campus
  
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• Texas voter registration deadline is Oct. 11 for November election

  15-08-2022 12:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Secretary of State's Office wants to remind all eligible Texas voters they have until Oct. 11 to register for the Nov. 8 election.
  "Even though we're still two months away from the voter registration deadline, it's never too early to make sure you're registered. Update your registration information if you need to, and prepare yourself to vote in the upcoming election," said Secretary of State John Scott in a Thursday press release.Abbott lead over O’Rourke s
  
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• The number of Texas teachers quitting is rising. In their own words, here’s why.

  15-08-2022 12:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As a new school year begins, Texas is reeling from a record number of teacher resignations. While leaders and districts look for solutions to combat recruitment and retention challenges, some worry classrooms may continue to be left without qualified educators.
  But what's really behind the shortage? To find out, KXAN obtained thousands of exit surveys detailing why teachers left and the impact it has on students.
  Click here to explore our interactive story and watch each ch
  
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• Texas resignations: 'I can no longer afford to be a teacher'

  15-08-2022 12:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As a new school year begins, Texas is reeling from a record number of teacher resignations. While leaders and districts look for solutions to combat recruitment and retention challenges, some worry classrooms may continue to be left without qualified educators.
  But what's really behind the shortage? To find out, we obtained thousands of exit surveys detailing why teachers left and the impact it has on students.
  Click here to explore our interactive story.Go directly to each
  
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• How Texas schools are trying to avoid a teacher resignation repeat

  15-08-2022 12:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As a new school year begins, Texas is reeling from a record number of teacher resignations. While leaders and districts look for solutions to combat recruitment and retention challenges, some worry classrooms may continue to be left without qualified educators.
  But what's really behind the shortage? To find out, we obtained thousands of exit surveys detailing why teachers left and the impact it has on students.
  Click here to explore our interactive story.Go directly to each
  
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• 200 Texas teachers suspended for quitting in middle of the year

  15-08-2022 12:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As a new school year begins, Texas is reeling from a record number of teacher resignations. While leaders and districts look for solutions to combat recruitment and retention challenges, some worry classrooms may continue to be left without qualified educators.
  But what's really behind the shortage? To find out, we obtained thousands of exit surveys detailing why teachers left and the impact it has on students.
  Click here to explore our interactive story.Go directly to each
  
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• Why this Texas teacher stayed amid an education vacancy crisis

  15-08-2022 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  This story accompanies KXAN's investigative project on Texas teacher resignations called "The Exit: Teachers Leave. Students Suffer."WATCH: Austin teacher Nikki Sorto almost retired last school year, but an ‘epiphany’ changed that.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Biology teacher Nikki Sorto has been a teacher at McCallum High School for as long as she has been married to her husband of 29 years. Her now-adult children went to the school.  As a veteran teacher, she still gets excited when
  
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• Texans celebrate Indian Independence Day

  15-08-2022 12:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Seventy-five years ago on Monday, India declared its independence from the United Kingdom. A group gathered on the south steps of the Texas State Capitol on Saturday to celebrate the occasion.
  The eighth annual Parade of India featured music, food, national anthems and a celebration of tradition.
  Celebration of Indian Independence Day on the south steps of the Texas State Capitol (KXAN: Jake Sykes)Celebration of Indian Independence Day on the south steps of the Texas State
  
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• Austin Music Census extended until Sept. 9

  15-08-2022 12:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The organizers of a census of Austin's music community said they are extending the survey by a month.
  Sound Music Cities said the 2022 Greater Austin Area Music Census will be extended until Sept. 9 instead of Aug. 15.It said Sunday night the number of daily responses to the survey was picking up. It also said 68% of those who have responded have completed all the requested sections and gave additional comments.
  The census and assessment study aims to capture the voices and
  
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• Triple digit heat ahead of late week rain

  15-08-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As many Central Texas students head back to the classroom this week, triple digit heat returns... but doesn't stay long.The tropical low that brought significant rainfall to south Texas over the weekend will continue to push south and west of us today... staying close enough to bring a low chance of rain but not for everyone. Our southern counties (Gillespie, Blanco, hays, Caldwell, etc.) will have a better chance of rain than the rest of us... but coverage and intensity will st
  
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• 'We've got a shot at it': Talent, depth on display at Longhorns volleyball scrimmage

  15-08-2022 05:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Not even a week into practice before the 2022 season begins Aug. 26, the Texas Longhorns volleyball team gave fans a first look at the squad Sunday in Gregory Gym.The Orange-White scrimmage provided an early view of the favorites to not only win the Big 12 Conference, but a favorite to go deep into the postseason and compete for a national title.UT volleyball primed for big 2022The scrimmage was six sets to 15 points, so fans got to see plenty of action for their money &mda
  
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• 3 shot at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee

  15-08-2022 05:21 via kxan.com
  
  GURNEE, Ill.  —Three people were reportedly shot in the parking lot of Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, prompting a heavy police presence.According to a police source, the injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. No one is in custody.The amusement park, which closes at 8 p.m., was evacuated.
  WGN News spoke with Laurie Walker and her daughter, Grace, who were inside the park when the shooting incident occurred. Walker said they were waiting in line for the 'Ricochet' in the
  
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• Anne Heche, star with troubled life, dies of crash injuries

  15-08-2022 04:58 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actor Anne Heche has died of injuries suffered in a fiery car crash. She was 53.Spokeswoman Holly Baird said Sunday night that Heche had “been peacefully taken off life support.”Heche had been on life support at a Los Angeles burn center after suffering a severe brain injury when her car crashed into a home Aug. 5, according to a statement released Thursday by a representative on behalf of her family and friends.
  She had not been expected to survive the crash
  
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• Anne Heche dies of crash injuries after life support removed

  15-08-2022 04:58 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Anne Heche, the Emmy-winning film and television actor whose dramatic Hollywood rise in the 1990s and accomplished career contrasted with personal chapters of turmoil, died of injuries from a fiery car crash. She was 53.Heche was “peacefully taken off life support," spokeswoman Holly Baird said in a statement Sunday night.Heche had been on life support at a Los Angeles burn center after suffering a “severe anoxic brain injury,” caused by a lack of oxyge
  
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• Trash pick-up increases at the San Marcos River

  15-08-2022 04:39 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) -- The San Marcos River is one of the only places to enjoy the water with so many other areas dried up from the drought.
  But those with The Eyes of the San Marcos River said more visitors means more waste.
  "The lack of flow in so many rivers across Central and West Texas is just driving people here and we're seeing increased numbers. We're seeing a lot more trash," member of the group, Joshua Sarkardehi said.The group has been picking up litter in and around the waters s
  
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• 2 shootings, 1 'in retaliation,' leaves person dead in Elgin

  15-08-2022 01:03 via kxan.com
  
  ELGIN, Texas (KXAN) — A person is dead after two shootings happened about nine hours apart over the weekend, Elgin Police said.EPD said officers found the shooting victim dead in a crashed car on West Brenham Street and South Avenue C, but officers said that the shooting happened a block away on East Alamo Street.Elgin Police responded to that shooting around 4 p.m. Saturday. EPD said the victim and the suspect knew each other.The next shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, EPD said.
  
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