Austin news

• Debris from a Chinese rocket could have hit Texas this morning but did not

  04-11-2022 23:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Oct. 31, China launched a Long March rocket into space to deliver its third and final experimental module to China's Tiangon Space Station. Following the delivery, the rocket's core booster -- roughly the size of a 10-story building - made an uncontrolled reentry back to Earth, according to the Aerospace Corporation.
  Before it landed, there was a .5 percent chance of human injury or death, according to an analysis of possible landing spots. Though quite low, this percentage i
  
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• Men robbed ATM technician in south Austin, police say

  04-11-2022 23:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police are searching for three men connected with a robbery at a south Austin ATM.Police said the men came up to an ATM service technician at the Wells Fargo ATM at 3949 South Lamar Boulevard in a pick-up truck and demanded money. The incident happened around 4:18 p.m. on Nov. 2 as the technician was repairing the machine.One suspect reached into the technician's pocket to take his phone and a scuffle followed as the victim tried to stop them from taking it, police s
  
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• Juvenile dies after October shooting in southeast Austin; suspect still wanted

  04-11-2022 23:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One juvenile male died after an October shooting in southeast Austin where police say the suspect shot at two occupied vehicles.
  The Austin Police Department said the Oct. 24 shooting happened in the 1500 block of Brandt Dr. That's near Bastrop Highway.
  APD said officers first responded to a 2:14 p.m. call at the hospital where a juvenile was admitted after being shot. When officers got there, they learned the shooting took place on Brandt Drive around 1:45 p.m.APD said the
  
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• 'It makes me nervous thinking about another storm': Central Texas prepares for severe weather threat

  04-11-2022 22:40 via kxan.com
  
  JARRELL, Texas (KXAN) — With the threat of severe weather in Central Texas, Jacqueline Lane, who lives in Jarrell, said she was on high alert on Friday.”It makes me nervous thinking about another storm,” said Lane.During the last tornado in late October, Lane said she heard the warning go off on her phone, and then went into her closet for safety. PAST COVERAGE: NWS confirms tornado hit the Jarrell area Monday night”It is an eerie feeling when you are hearing the wind out
  
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• 'What you do in November is what they remember': Longhorns locked in on Kansas State

  04-11-2022 22:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — While he still passed for more than 300 yards, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers wasn't nearly as efficient and effective against Oklahoma State two weeks ago as he'd been in past performances. That's OK, Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday.Sarkisian said with a bye week in between games, his young quarterback had plenty of time to process the game and what he needs to work on moving forward. The No. 24 Longhorns and No. 13 Wildcats kick off at 6 p.m. Saturday from Bi
  
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• Study finds racial discrimination in home value appraisals across the country and in Texas

  04-11-2022 21:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In comparing similar homes with similar amenities in neighborhoods of the same economic status, researchers found homes in white areas were appraised at double the value of homes in communities of color, according to a new report. Further, they said the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this trend. Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., conducted the research – they analyzed over 32 million home appraisals in metropolitan regions with populations of over 500,000 across
  
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• Texas has one of the highest rates of liver cancer nationwide

  04-11-2022 21:42 via kxan.com
  
  (KIAH) - October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month, and it's especially important here in Texas.In 2015, Texas had the highest incidence rate and fourth highest mortality rate of all U.S. states. And according to the Texas Health and Human Services, liver cancer has low survival compared to other cancers.26% of Texans diagnosed with localized liver cancer survive for five years11% of Texans diagnosed with regional liver cancer survive for five years4% of Texans diagnosed with distant liver cancer
  
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• Austin PD releases video of police shooting at North Lamar restaurant

  04-11-2022 21:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department on Friday released body-cam video and the 911 audio from an officer-involved shooting that took place at a North Lamar restaurant in October.
  During the Oct. 23 incident, APD said Emeka Williams, 42, opened fire on responding officers as they went inside the restaurant patio area where he was hiding.MORE DETAILS: Affidavit identifies suspect from Sunday night police shooting in north AustinFive APD officers fired back, hitting Williams multiple
  
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• 3 arrested after Hutto ISD police find guns in vehicle during football game

  04-11-2022 20:38 via kxan.com
  
  HUTTO, Texas (KXAN) — Three people were arrested in Hutto after police found guns in their vehicle during a football game Thursday.
  During the game, which was held at Hutto Memorial Stadium, a Hutto Independent School District police officer was tipped by someone who overheard an argument and information about the possible presence of a gun. Police said while the threat was vague, they took the tip seriously.Affidavit: Student charged after gun found in backpack at north Austin schoolHutto
  
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• Candidates make final push on Texas’ last day of early voting

  04-11-2022 20:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Heading into the weekend before the Tuesday election following a two-week period of low voter turnout, candidates are crisscrossing the state to drive home their messages to voters, mainly to do just that: vote.Keep up-to-date by going to KXAN's election page for coverage ahead of election day Nov. 8 and results.At the top of the ticket, incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke have been on respective campaign blitzes. The gover
  
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• Traffic pattern change coming soon to Oak Hill construction project

  04-11-2022 19:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Oak Hill Parkway construction project has been going on for a year, and there will soon be a traffic pattern change that could really add to delays in an already very busy corridor.The project has been decades in the making and it'll be years before everything is done. 2 years into Austin’s Project Connect, is the light rail still on track?KXAN Traffic Anchor Erica Brennes spoke with one business at the "Y at Oak Hill" hoping it will all be worth it."We have so ma
  
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• 13 plead guilty in DOJ West Campus drug ring case, remaining 4 face jury trial

  04-11-2022 18:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Thirteen defendants plead guilty in 2022 to charges from the 2020 DOJ drug sting "Operation Spyder Web," which uncovered a million-dollar drug operation near the University of Texas at Austin.Defendants include eight former UT students, as well as individuals not associated with the school. All 17 defendants were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.PREVIOUS: 13 people including current and former UT students arrested on drug t
  
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• What do recent tech layoffs, hiring freezes mean for Austin?

  04-11-2022 17:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- This week, a senior Amazon employee posted a memo online about hiring changes at the company over concerns of a recession.
  "With the economy in an uncertain place and in light of how many people we have hired in the last few years, Andy and S-team decided this week to pause on new incremental hires in our corporate workforce," wrote Beth Galetti, Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology at Amazon.
  She said they had already paused hiring in other areas over the l
  
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• Search warrant reveals new details after buried body found at Leander home

  04-11-2022 17:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A search warrant reveals more information about the investigation into a woman's body found wrapped in a tarp and buried about a foot beneath a burn pit at a Leander home.Peter Perius, 52, is in custody on a driving without a license charge and a tamper/fabricate physical evidence with intent to impact a human corpse charge. TCSO said Thursday further charges related to the death will be added.
  KXAN reached out to Perius' attorney and will update this story when we recieve
  
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• Hiring freezes and layoffs ramp up in Austin area

  04-11-2022 17:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- This week, a senior Amazon employee posted a memo online about hiring changes at the company over concerns of a recession.
  "With the economy in an uncertain place and in light of how many people we have hired in the last few years, Andy and S-team decided this week to pause on new incremental hires in our corporate workforce," wrote Beth Galetti, Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology at Amazon.
  She said they had already paused hiring in other areas over the l
  
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• UT Austin students only U.S. team in top ten at international research competition

  04-11-2022 17:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A team of undergraduate students from the University of Texas at Austin won several awards at the international iGEM "Grand Jamboree" last week, and were the only U.S.-based team to place in the top ten for the overall competition.The team won in the foundational advance category, and were finalists for best part collection (created a large amount of DNA sequences) and best presentation.You can view the team's 2022 iGEM presentation here. PREVIOUS: UT students trying to sav
  
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• UT Austin students only US team in top 10 at international research competition

  04-11-2022 17:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A team of undergraduate students from the University of Texas at Austin won several awards at the international iGEM "Grand Jamboree" last week and were the only U.S.-based team to place in the top ten for the overall competition.The team won in the foundational advance category and were finalists for best part collection (created a large amount of DNA sequences) and best presentation.You can view the team's 2022 iGEM presentation here. PREVIOUS: UT students trying to save
  
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• $6M car wash in the works for Central Texas Buc-ee's

  04-11-2022 16:35 via kxan.com
  
  NEW BRAUNFELS (KXAN) — Texans could soon have a new spot to wash off the bugs on a road trip.Buc-ee's plans to add a car wash to its New Braunfels location. The specifics were outlined in a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing for the project. This project would expand the location, which currently holds the record for biggest convenience store in the world. It's a record that will soon be shattered after the new Luling location is completed. Country’s largest Buc
  
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• Texas state resources activated ahead of severe storms

  04-11-2022 16:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – State emergency response resources activated ahead of severe storms and potential flash flooding expected to move across Texas Friday.Severe storms are expected to move through the state with damaging winds, strong tornadoes, large hail and flash-flood potential. Highest tornado threat since March expected Friday evening"State and local emergency response partners are monitoring weather conditions and are on standby to swiftly provide all necessary resources to protect our
  
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• Crohn's Disease survivor inspiring others through endurance racing

  04-11-2022 14:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Crohn’s Disease is a deadly digestive disease that affects an estimated 3 million Americans.Although there is no known cure, treatment or surgery can stop symptoms.In Austin, one Crohn’s Disease survivor has completely flipped the script on his life.Following a successful surgery in 2021, Jeffrey Campbell has competed in 15 endurance races.Yet, things were quickly taking a turn for the worse late last year.“I became extremely fatigued, started losing weigh
  
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• Study: Greater Austin area named 2nd best warm destination for winter travel in US, 1st in Texas

  04-11-2022 13:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Recent forecasts show this winter will have colder than usual weather across most of the country, and a new study listed Greater Austin as one of the best winter vacation destinations for warm-weather lovers.The study focused on cost and convenience rather than scenic beauty, according to surveyors.The WalletHub study placed the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown area second overall in the United States, highlighting it was high on the list for the lowest travel costs and fewest
  
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• Need a Job? Why UPS needs to hire hundreds in Austin in 3 days

  04-11-2022 13:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Let the seasonal hiring begin. The United Parcel Service said it plans to hire at least 60,000 people over the weekend in anticipation of a busy holiday shipping season.“We're looking to hire about 525 people in the Austin market,” said Matt Lavery, the director of Global Sourcing and Recruiting for UPS.The three-day hiring event, starting Nov. 4, would include both virtual and in-person interviews."We're trying to make our process as fast and as transparent as possi
  
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• LIST: Texas references on Drake, 21 Savage's 'Her Loss' album

  04-11-2022 12:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Drake and 21 Savage dropped a joint album, "Her Loss," and there are several nods to Texas.After the album dropped Friday, fans took to social media to talk about the Texas references. One user said, "Every album Drake can't wait to namedrop Texas cities," another saying, "Drake wanna be from Texas so bad."What's not to love about Texas? Drake has made several references to the Lone Star State in years past, including the infamous lyrics, "All my exes live in Texas like I&r
  
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• Hill Country photo contest winners announced

  04-11-2022 12:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Hill Country Alliance (HCA) announced Wednesday it had selected the winners of a photo contest recording the beauty of the area.
  The four winners of the 2022 Hill Country Photo Contest will be featured in the 2023 Texas Hill Country Calendar.Yu Zhou won the grand prize with a picture in Austin of a yellow-crowned night heron.
  David Satterwhite won first place with a picture in Kendall County of a gray fox, Jeremiah Terry earned second place with a shot of the Milky Way over
  
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• Severe storms possible this afternoon into evening

  04-11-2022 11:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Warm, humid and breezy conditions to start our Friday ahead of what is likely to be a very active afternoon and evening.Between 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. tonight, a significant severe weather threat will develop bringing the highest risk of tornadoes in our area since March, when we saw the tornado outbreak. Read details on the storm timing and where the threat is the highest below. DETAILS -- Severe storm, tornado threat on Friday eveningRisk of scattered to numerous severe storms late
  
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• Scattered severe storms possible this evening, mainly east of I-35

  04-11-2022 11:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A large storm system moving through the Plains is leading to a threat of severe thunderstorms this evening through 10 p.m. A Tornado Watch is in effect for Milam County, not the Austin area, through 8 p.m. for the potential of tornado development.Tornado Watch in effect for Milam county through 8 p.m.As discussed yesterday, there is some uncertainty on where exactly the storms form as the front progresses eastward through our area this evening. We now have more clarity that this
  
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• LULAC unveils 1st national hotline to stop Latino voter intimidation

  04-11-2022 11:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, on Thursday unveiled the first-ever national hotline aimed at stopping Latino voter intimidation.
  LULAC's president Domingo Garcia unveiled it during a press conference on Thursday morning. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about reporting polling station violations intended to suppress the Latino vote during the 2022 midterm elections.
  The hotline can be reached at 1-833-MY LULAC. The hotline can be used if th
  
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• Kittens rescued in Kuwait available for adoption in Austin

  04-11-2022 11:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Four kittens trapped in a manhole in Kuwait are now available for adoption in Austin.According to a press release from Austin Pets Alive!, Burhan Girgin was on deployment in Kuwait City when he and several others rescued the kittens.
  Girgin and the others took care of the cats: Minoş, Tarçin, Aziz and Kismet.
  Girgin has since returned to Austin and he and his wife are now fostering the four kittens.
  The couple would like the four kittens to stay together or at least
  
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• Austin Food and Wine Festival cancels first night event due to weather

  04-11-2022 11:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Chances for severe weather Friday night brought changes to the Austin Food and Wine Festival.
  The Festival said Thursday night it is cancelling Friday night's opening kickoff party.
  Those events were for people who bought either an All-In or VIP All-In Ticket. Those tickets start at $508, according to the festival's website.The festival posted on its website that if you bought an All-In or VIP All-In Ticket, you will get an email from Front Gate Tickets with refund information.
  
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• Texas high school football scores for Thursday, Nov. 3

  04-11-2022 04:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — LBJ wrapped up the 5A-District 12 championship with a 49-0 win over Crockett, and Jaguars running back Sedrick Alexander set the Austin Independent School District career rushing record Thursday at Burger Stadium.Westlake won its 50th consecutive game with a 70-10 victory over Buda Johnson and Hutto outlasted Weiss 41-38.Some of the games were moved up from Friday to avoid potentially severe weather Friday evening.
  Check out the scores from around Texas below:Scores from ar
  
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• LBJ senior Sedrick Alexander breaks all-time AISD rushing record

  04-11-2022 04:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — LBJ senior running back Sedrick Alexander went down in Austin football history Thursday night.With a 17-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against Crockett, Alexander broke the Austin Independent School District all-time career rushing record previously held by Mulbah Car who ran 4,836 yards for Reagan (now Northeast ECHS) from 2013-16. Car went on to play college football at the University of Houston.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these,
  
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• Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife closes 3 oyster harvesting bays; Some aren't happy about it

  04-11-2022 03:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A clash over protecting Texas' gulf ecosystems and protecting jobs came front and center in Austin Thursday.
  The Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife is closing some oyster harvesting areas along the gulf coast. That region produces nearly half of America's $250 million dollar oyster industry, but the closures could mean a lot more than fewer fresh oysters on your plate.Tony Jurisich's family has been harvesting oysters for generations, but now, Jurisich says, their livelihood
  
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• Tornado threat lowers but severe storms still possible

  04-11-2022 03:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The risk of severe weather has slightly decreased for our area. With that said, we still severe thunderstorms are still possible with damaging winds and tornadoes the most pressing concerns.Much of the KXAN viewing area -- including parts of the Austin Metro area -- have been placed in the "slight" 2 out of 5 severe weather risk late Friday. The orange color on the map means that numerous damaging thunderstorms are possible.Scattered to numerous severe storms possible late
  
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• Severe thunderstorms possible in eastern counties through midnight

  04-11-2022 03:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Severe weather remains possible from I-35 eastward tonight as storms roll eastward through the area. Damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are the most pressing concerns.The Hill Country and western Travis, Hays and Williamson counties are no longer under a severe storm threat. A few isolated strong to severe storms will remain possible east of the I-35 corridor through midnight.Isolated to scattered severe storms possible late FridayAn isolated tornado and thunderstorm win
  
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• Severe storm threat over in Central Texas; pleasant weekend follows

  04-11-2022 03:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Friday night's severe weather risk has come to an end. While we did see several Severe Thunderstorm Warnings south and east of the Austin area, we did not receive any reports of wind damage, hail damage, nor tornadoes.We dodged a bullet locally as we received reports of several large, violent tornadoes touching down late Friday in northeast Texas and Oklahoma. The Associated Press reports that at least two people were injured, and some of the damage in that area indicates t
  
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• LIVE: Highest tornado threat since March expected Friday evening

  04-11-2022 03:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The risk of severe weather is increasing in our area Friday evening, with damaging winds and tornadoes the most pressing concerns.Much of the KXAN viewing area -- including parts of the Austin Metro area -- have been upgraded to an "enhanced" 3 out of 5 severe weather risk late Friday. The orange color on the map means that numerous damaging thunderstorms are possible.Scattered to numerous severe storms possible late FridayAs breaks form in the clouds Friday afternoon, surf
  
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• Severe weather expected on last day of early voting

  04-11-2022 02:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The risk of severe weather is increasing in the Central Texas area Friday evening, with damaging winds and tornadoes -- at EF-2 intensity or higher -- being the most pressing concerns.The day we could see the highest risk for tornados since March is also the last day of early voting.Highest tornado threat since March expected Friday evening"As always, safety is our main concern, and we will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves," a spokesperson for the Travis County cl
  
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• Facebook parent Meta won't fill downtown Austin skyscraper

  04-11-2022 01:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) -- Meta Platforms Inc. will not occupy the office space in the tallest building under construction in Austin, casting a pall over the city's commercial real estate scene.The Facebook parent company plans to sublease the 589,000 square feet in the Sixth and Guadalupe high-rise.On the last day of 2021, Meta (Nasdaq: META) leased all of the office space in the tower, which is rising downtown at 400 W. Sixth St., Austin Business Journal first reported in Ja
  
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• Repeated arrests highlight need for mental health services for jail, court system

  04-11-2022 01:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Police have arrested the same man almost a dozen times just this year. Since 2019, he's been arrested around 20 times - with court records indicating two of those arrests resulted in jail sentences.
  Most of these are property crimes like burglary, theft and criminal trespass.
  KXAN first reported on Marion Osborne on Oct. 27, when police arrested him in connection with a downtown burglary at Royal Blue Grocery on Red River Street.Travis County jail records show police arre
  
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• Numerous arrests highlights need for mental health services for jail, court system

  04-11-2022 01:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Police have arrested the same man almost a dozen times just this year. Since 2019, he's been arrested around 20 times - with court records indicating two of those arrests resulted in jail sentences.
  Most of these are property crimes like burglary, theft and criminal trespass.
  KXAN first reported on Marion Osborne on Oct. 27, when police arrested him in connection with a downtown burglary at Royal Blue Grocery on Red River Street.Travis County jail records show police arre
  
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• American to launch nonstop from Austin to Florida beach destination in March

  04-11-2022 00:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — American Airlines continues to expand service out of Austin's airport, with a new nonstop route to Panama City, Florida, launching in March.The seasonal route will operate daily from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport between March 1 and Sept. 5, 2023.Flights will depart Austin at 9 a.m. and arrive in Panama City at 11:01 a.m. Return flights leave at 11:40 a.m. and arrive at AUS at 2:09 p.m.The route is already offered by Southwest Airlines, which resumed seasonal servi
  
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• A 15-month-old died in his sleep, his family continues the fight for research and awareness

  04-11-2022 00:09 via kxan.com
  
  Moss Pieratt was 15 months old when he took a nap and never woke up. His death was categorized as a Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood -- a phenomenon that eludes scientific understanding (Photo courtesy: Chelsea Jenkins Myers)AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In 2014, J. Pieratt and his wife, Jessica, experienced every new parent’s nightmare – they found their firstborn son, Moss, unresponsive following a morning nap. Moss was 15 months old, and after his parents rushed him to Dell Medical C
  
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