Austin news

• Tracking our next chance of soaking rainfall, with an influence from the tropics

  19-10-2022 23:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Following a record cold morning on Wednesday, a warming trend begins that will transform the way it feels outside by the coming weekend.Wednesday morning started with low temperatures as cold as 33° on Sandy Creek in southern Llano County. Low temperatures dropped to 38° at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, smashing the previous record low for Oct. 19 of 42° set in 1975. Even with the record cold reading this morning, the Austin area has recorded 44 daily heat
  
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• Why construction still hasn't started on this 2016 South Lamar mobility project

  19-10-2022 23:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's a gateway to 6th Street, Zilker Park, and Ladybird lake, among other Austin hotspots.
  The section of South Lamar Boulevard between Riverside Drive and Barton Springs Road is dotted with mixed-use developments, small businesses, and tons of drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
  That's why it's a target of the 2016 mobility bond for intersection, bicycle, and pedestrian improvements, along with eight other major corridor projects.
  So, why hasn't construction begun there?
  "The
  
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• Pflugerville water treatment plant to expand after being damaged by invasive zebra mussels

  19-10-2022 22:33 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) -- Many Central Texas bodies of water have been plagued by zebra mussels over the last couple years, and one Travis County city is working to combat the issues the invasive species caused in its water treatment plant.
  Lake Pflugerville was infested and damaged by the non-native, invasive species in 2019, which resulted in damage to the city's water treatment plant. Because of the damage, and exponential population growth over the last decade, the treatment plant will b
  
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• Man pleads guilty to 2019 San Marcos murder, receives life sentence

  19-10-2022 21:04 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A Kyle man was sentenced to life in prison Oct. 4 in connection to a 2019 San Marcos murder, Hays County records showed.James Lee Zapata Jr., 23, pled guilty and was sentenced for the February 2019 murder of ­­­Texas State University student Aaron Jackson Peterman. RELATED: Man pleads guilty to San Marcos murder of Texas State studentImage of Martin Garcia Jr. (Hays County photo)A second person connected to the case pled guilty to Peterman’s mu
  
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• Why your tire pressure light turned on

  19-10-2022 20:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Clear skies and calm winds overnight helped drop temperatures areawide into the 30s and 40s Wednesday morning. This was the coldest morning we have experienced since April. A record low temperature of 38 degrees was even set at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.Wednesday morning's low temperatures (10/19)You may have been one of the many who saw the low tire pressure warning light on your car's dashboard turning on. This was more than likely the result of the big drop
  
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• Longhorns confident ahead of tough conference stretch

  19-10-2022 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Texas is set to embark on a very tough stretch of football, they appear to be playing some of their best football. Winners of three in a row, the Longhorns have already matched their win total from a season ago.With five games left, all of Texas' opponents from here on out are currently ranked or have been at one point this season. For the Longhorns' starting quarterback, he's confident in how his team has been playing heading into these big showdowns."We have a good few
  
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• Nearly 60 arrests after DWI operations during ACL weekends

  19-10-2022 18:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said there were 59 DWI-related arrests while it conducted a DWI Enforcement and No Refusal Initiative over the past two weekends.APD said the operation ran between Oct. 6-10 and Oct. 14-17 from 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., which was consecutive with both Austin City Limits Festival weekends. How ACL taps into local muralists for annual festivalAPD said there were 28 during the first week and 31 in the second week, according to a report.“APD, th
  
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• Grease fire out at longtime east Austin restaurant Sam's BBQ

  19-10-2022 17:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A longtime east Austin barbecue restaurant is waiting to reopen after a grease fire Wednesday morning.The Austin Fire Department said the fire happened at 2000 E. 12th St., the address for Sam's BBQ.AFD said the fire was contained to the exhaust system. No injuries were reported. Its crews are clearing the scene.AFD said Austin Code has taken over to help speed up the reopening of the restaurant.
  A grease fire broke out at Sam's BBQ in east Austin the morning of Oct. 19, 20
  
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• Court docs: Texas mother was attacked in home, later found in trunk of car driven by son

  19-10-2022 17:39 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KIAH) — More disturbing details surrounding the death of a Humble mother.The boy accused in her mother's death is still in a Nebraska hospital following a chase and crash with law enforcement.According to court documents, Michelle Roenz was brutally attacked in her home. Her husband recalled seeing blood and teeth inside the bedroom.Her body was found days later in the trunk of her car that was driven by her son, Tyler.The Nebraska State Patrol said the crash happened Friday
  
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• COTA holds student competition for free F1 tickets

  19-10-2022 16:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's race week in Austin, as hundreds of thousands of folks flock to the Circuit of the Americas for the United States Grand Prix.This year, tickets sold out months in advance for the 10th anniversary of the F1 race in Austin. This left those trying to watch the race without many options other than paying a hefty fee for three-day pass tickets starting at $275.COTA launched a contest that gave free admission to the three-day race weekend. Circuit of the Americas gears up fo
  
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• 30% increase in officers leaving DPS in 3 months following Uvalde, compared to 2021

  19-10-2022 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — At least 79 officers have left the Texas Department of Public Safety since the deadly Robb Elementary School shooting on May 24 in Uvalde, according to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, or TCOLE.Among them were the top two highest-ranking leaders of the Texas Rangers. Those officers were Chief Chance Collins and his second in command Assistant Chief Bryan Burzynski.The retirements came in the middle of an ongoing internal DPS investigation into the Robb Elementa
  
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• It's finally cold!!! But your skin isn't happy about it

  19-10-2022 13:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We did it! After months and months of hot, dry weather, we made it to the colder months. With temps nearing freezing in the Hill Country and more cool weather on the way, we can finally say the cold weather has arrived. That doesn't mean your skin is happy about it, though.
  Sadly, with the colder weather comes a lot of irritation. The colder temperatures can dry out your skin, damaging it in some frustrating ways.Meteorologist Sean Kelly spoke with plastic surgeon Dr. Edwar
  
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• Could 2022 set a new record for most 90-degree days?

  19-10-2022 13:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Coming off the second-hottest summer on record in Austin and an unusually warm start to October, another record is now in jeopardy — the most number of 90-degree days ever seen in a year.As of Wednesday, 2022 is currently tied with 2011 for the most number of days at or above 90° at 164 days. Austin-Bergstrom is also currently tied with 2011 at 155 days.Most number of 90-degree days in a year at Austin-Camp MabryLooking ahead, this week's forecast calls for a high
  
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• Hobby Lobby, Rudy's Bar-B-Q, Academy Sports coming to Kyle

  19-10-2022 13:18 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (Austin Business Journal) - This southern suburb of Austin is hitting a trifecta in small-town retail, bringing in an arts and crafts retail giant, a well-known barbecue chain and a major sports outfitter.Last week, Hobby Lobby, Rudy’s Bar-B-Q and Academy Sports and Outdoors filed paperwork with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation indicating plans to open in Kyle.Businesses continue to follow rooftops in fast-growing Hays County, which saw its population climb 53%
  
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• Fall weather put on hold with late week warm-up

  19-10-2022 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --Coming off our coldest morning in months, dry air overhead will allow for a quick recovery in today's temperatures with 70s expected late day.You may have needed that heavy coat this morning, but you can put that away for the next week as a warming trend kicks into high gear starting tomorrow. Afternoon highs will climb well into the 80s both Thursday and Friday, even nearing 90° Saturday and Sunday.As of today, Austin is currently tied with 2011 for the most number of 90°
  
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• Who can you vote for? Here's how you can find your sample ballot in the November election

  19-10-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There's a whole lot more than just the governor's race on the ballot in the upcoming midterm elections.From Congressional seats to school board races and city propositions, voters will be choosing between an array of candidates and making decisions about several local issues. Here’s how to become a poll watcher in TexasSome Texas races — like governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general — will appear on the ballot for all Texans. Other items on the b
  
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• Brewery near Q2 Stadium to shut down on Halloween

  19-10-2022 12:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Adelbert's Brewery is shutting down its north Austin location on Oct. 31.The brewery at 2314 Rutland Dr. is about three blocks south of Q2 Stadium.Adelbert's is closing because the landlords decided to end their lease to make way for an office building.
  The brewery's owners said they learned of the decision in January and spent the next two to three months trying unsuccessfully to relocate.Tesoros Trading Company to close S. Congress store for goodAccording to a May article
  
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• Boyfriend of woman found dead in bathtub in 2019 convicted of her murder

  19-10-2022 09:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A man who was charged with murder after his girlfriend was found dead in her bathtub in 2019 has been convicted in the case.
  A Travis County jury convicted Sergio Jose Gomez-Herrada, 37, of murder on Friday.
  Jury selection for Gomez-Herrada’s trial started Oct. 3, and testimony began Oct. 4.
  Austin Police arrested Gomez-Herrada on Aug. 8, 2019.
  He was charged with killing Francy Vanessa Martinez, 41, on Aug. 4, 2019.
  Gomez-Herraded was indicted on a murder charge on Sept.
  
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• Stanton, Judge HR, Yankees beat Guards, into ALCS vs Astros

  19-10-2022 04:15 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Gleyber Torres stepped on second base for the final out, swinging his arms back and forth, four times in all, while glaring at Josh Naylor and the Guardians dugout.Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge rocked Cleveland with early homers, and Nestor Cortes and the New York Yankees rolled into another AL Championship Series matchup with the Houston Astros.“We got our revenge. We’re happy to beat those guys. Now they can watch on TV the next series
  
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• Salamanders in Pedernales River may be put on federal endangered species list

  19-10-2022 03:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Salamanders living in the Pedernales River are on track to become a federally-recognized endangered species.On Tuesday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it initiated a status review process for the species. This decision comes after a 2021 petition by Austin's Save Our Springs Alliance demanded the salamanders be added to their Endangered Species List. Judge throws out Trump-era rollbacks on endangered speciesIn 2019, University of Texas scientists discovered the rar
  
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• Lawsuit claims excessive force by APD officers during mental health crisis

  19-10-2022 03:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Attorneys have filed a lawsuit against the City of Austin and three of its officers, claiming the officers used excessive force against a man the attorneys say had a history of suicidal thoughts."His mother was worried about him because he made suicidal threats," said Jeff Edwards, who is representing James Johnson in the suit. "The police had an obligation to go there."Edwards said Johnson's jaw was broken in the August 2021 incident.
  In police body camera video of the incident
  
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• Texas, Austin groups report increase in runaways

  19-10-2022 01:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services said they've seen a 67% increase in call volume to their Texas Youth Helpline.
  The hotline offers free and confidential resources to young people in crisis and their family members who need help finding a counselor, safe shelter, legal information, or someone to simply talk to.
  The agency said texts and chat messages to the helpline have increased by 58%.
  DFPS said the requests are a combination of those running away and, mo
  
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• Script to Screen: Matthew McConaughey UT class to study commercials

  19-10-2022 01:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Professor Matthew McConaughey will be back again next semester at The University of Texas at Austin. He will offer a new format of his Script to Screen class for the first time, transitioning from studying film to now commercials.The school is offering the undergraduate course – “Script to Screen: Commercials” – this spring 2023. The class will be cross-listed with the Radio-Television-Film and the Advertising and Public Relations programs at Moody C
  
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• Families pay top dollar for college admissions consultants amid falling acceptance rates

  19-10-2022 01:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As college admissions become more competitive, some Texas families are willing to pay top dollar for pricey college application consultants.
  Despite a recent surge in college applicants following the pandemic, the class of 2026 saw record low acceptance rates, even at public universities.
  For Fall 2022, The University of Texas at Austin accepted only 29% of applicants -- the lowest rate of any public college in the state.Though low acceptance rates may seem like a mark of popula
  
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• Austin ranks second on list of fastest-growing US economies, city demographer weighs in

  19-10-2022 01:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a new report on regional economic trends, the American Growth Project ranked Austin as the second fastest-growing city in the United States, falling behind the San Francisco Bay area. The researchers behind the report were interested in examining the 50 most populous metropolitan regions in the United States and measured variables such “as industry growth potential; labor flexibility and readiness; skills levels and gaps; and the urban/rural economic divide,&r
  
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• How Texas races could impact Biden's abortion legislation push to 'Restore Roe'

  19-10-2022 01:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In an effort to energize voters for the upcoming midterm elections, President Joe Biden promised Tuesday to make codifying Roe v. Wade his first legislative priority next year if — and that's a big if — Democrats can retain control of Congress. Voters here in Texas could help to make that either easier or more difficult to deliver this November.
  Three of the most competitive Congressional races in the country, for example, are all happening in South Texas. Repub
  
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• City of Buda to vote on 775-acre housing development

  19-10-2022 00:32 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - The 775-acre Persimmon housing development is hoping to set up shop in Buda. It's a project MileStone Community Builders has been working on for five years.Tuesday night, the city council will vote whether to approve or deny it.
  But regardless of that decision, the development could legally still continue. It has some residents concerned.
  "The first time I saw that sign, I saw red," said Buda resident David Patterson.
  The CEO of Milestone said if they have to go throu
  
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