Austin news

• 'We have to prepare for the system': Horns need to stay disciplined to top Jayhawks

  18-11-2022 23:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's another situation Saturday where the Texas Longhrons are preparing for uncertainy to a certain degree, and that's in the form of two Kansas quarterbacks who are both very good at operating the Jayhawks' offensive scheme.Jalon Daniels, Kansas' first-string quarterback, injured his right shoulder during a game against TCU on Oct. 8 and hasn't played since. The backup, Jason Bean, has filled in admirably but the Jayhawks went from 5-0 to 6-4 with him running the offense.
  
  Read more

• Meet the Texas senator who's never missed a floor vote

  18-11-2022 23:27 via kxan.com
  
  LAREDO, Texas (Nexstar) — If lawmaking were a class, state Sen. Judith Zaffirini would probably write the syllabus.When pre-filing for Texas' 88th Legislative Session opened up Monday, more than 900 bills were filed. And sure enough, the Laredo Democrat was again first in line to file legislation in the Senate — this time, the first 44 bills filed for her chamber.
  One of the longest-serving state senators and first Mexican-American woman elected to the Texas Senate, Zaffirini began h
  
  Read more

• Mystery of exploding toilet at south Austin dental office

  18-11-2022 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Maggie Kieffer works at the front desk at Circle C Dental in south Austin. On Tuesday morning, the 31 year old headed to work to open the office as she usually does, but when she arrived, Kieffer immediately recognized that something was off. “There was this acidic, putrid smoke throughout the entire place – it burned to breathe. It was pretty scary,” Kieffer admitted.She and her colleagues determined that the smoke was coming from the staff bathroom
  
  Read more

• TCSO investigating suspicious death in Lago Vista

  18-11-2022 22:13 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The Travis County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a woman in her 50s was found dead in Lago Vista Thursday.TCSO said in a release the death is being worked as a suspicious death after detectives saw physical evidence of "concern" near the scene in the 5100 block of Sundown Street. 4 arrested in connection with ‘dozens’ of storage unit burglaries"A suspicious death does not mean criminal activity has taken place. It’s important that we take
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Austin Community College South campus under shelter in place

  18-11-2022 21:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Community College's South campus issued a shelter in place Friday afternoon.
  An emergency alert was sent out around 2:15 p.m. that Austin ISD said there was a report of an armed suspect near the campus on W. Stassney Ln.
  This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
  Read more

• Austin Community College South campus shelter in place lifted

  18-11-2022 21:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A shelter in place order has been lifted at Austin Community College's South campus.The campus went under shelter in place after an emergency alert was sent out around 2:15 p.m. At that time, Austin ISD said there was a report of an armed suspect near the campus on W. Stassney Lane.
  The shelter in place was lifted shortly after 2:30 p.m.
  A spokesperson for ACC said Austin ISD police cleared the incident, and the campus returned to normal operations.
  
  Read more

• Food drive supports almost-empty Austin food pantry

  18-11-2022 20:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The neighborhood food pantry at the Terrace at Oak Springs is almost empty. At this rate, all supplies will be gone by January.The Terrace at Oak Springs offers permanent supportive housing (PSH) to individuals experiencing homelessness in Travis County. The food pantry serves all of Integral Care’s PSH locations. When fully stocked, it is open to neighbors as well, serving more than 119.
  As one staffer said, “as part of this community, we want to do what we can
  
  Read more

• KXAN launching new Texas politics email newsletter — how to sign up

  18-11-2022 20:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — KXAN News is bringing you a new way to immerse yourself in the world of Texas politics.
  On Saturday, Nov. 19, the news station will launch a weekly email newsletter dedicated to happenings in the Texas legislature, updates on the issues state politicians are tackling and analysis of the current political climate in the state.The KXAN Texas Politics Newsletter will also give you a peek at what's to come in "State of Texas" — a statewide, network-affiliated show that ce
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Which city could become 'Wellness Capital of Texas'

  18-11-2022 20:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When the new legislative session begins in January, lawmakers in the Texas House of Representatives could decide to designate one community as the official "Wellness Capital of Texas" for the next decade.
  State Rep. Glenn Rogers, R-Graford, filed a resolution Monday that would bestow the distinctionon Mineral Wells, located in Palo Pinto County about an hour west of Fort Worth. He writes in his proposal the town "has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers
  
  Read more

• MacKenzie Scott donates $8M to South Texas ISD

  18-11-2022 19:41 via kxan.com
  
  MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott continues to bless Rio Grande Valley schools with millions of dollars in donations.On Friday, South Texas Independent School District announced they received an $8 million donation from Scott. The donation is the largest in the district's history, officials said. Top 10 dive bars in Texas, according to Yelp reviewsThe funds provided are not tied to any specific purpose but may be used in the way the district sees
  
  Read more

• Top 10 dive bars in Texas, according to Yelp reviews

  18-11-2022 19:28 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Texas does dive bars so well that they are practically an official state export. But locals usually look for something more authentic than the nearest Coyote Ugly location when they pull up a stool. So we asked for help identifying the true top dives.
  Yelp gave us data on the best single dive bar in each state, but drilled down specifically into Texas to label 10 top affordable watering holes. Obviously, not every bar is a dive, and some owners don't even want the label. So we
  
  Read more

• Stopping porch pirates: Round Rock PD starts annual Operation Front Porch

  18-11-2022 19:23 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — The Round Rock Police Department is again hosting its Operation Front Porch program, which lets residents ship packages to the police station to prevent porch pirates from stealing them. Police Chief Allen Banks said the program started after the community saw an increase in package thefts a few years ago.  Austin couple puts dirty diapers in box to trick porch pirates, thieves strike back with cow manureHe said in 2017, Round Rock saw about 13 reported
  
  Read more

• 15 Texas housing markets fall 'under the radar,' report claims

  18-11-2022 19:23 via kxan.com
  
  McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The secret is getting out about cities across Texas that might have fallen "under the radar" as the housing market heats up.(Courtesy of Orchard)According to a recent report, communities far from Texas' Hill Country should be getting a second look from real estate investors. Some buyers of new homes are dropping out of contractsReal estate brokerage firm Orchard this week released its ranking of Texas' top 15 "under-the-radar" communities that might not be
  
  Read more

• 4 arrested in connection with 'dozens' of storage unit burglaries

  18-11-2022 18:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said it arrested a group of people it believes is connected to "dozens" of burglaries at Austin storage units over the last six months — and it believes there could be more than 100 other victims. Austin Police launches no refusal for ThanksgivingAPD said the following people are in custody on a number of charges according to Travis County Jail records:Michael Dominic Ruiz, 37, was booked Nov. 8 on three counts of burglary of a building, c
  
  Read more

• Texas inmate fakes sickness then tries to escape, sheriff's office says

  18-11-2022 17:16 via kxan.com
  
  FAYETTE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A 30-year-old inmate in Fayette County — roughly an hour's drive from Austin — told staff Thursday he was feeling sick and was taken by EMS to the St. Mark Emergency Room, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office said.
  Despite being restrained and in the company of an officer, Deshawn Villanueva managed to escape and run out of the hospital doors, according to a release from the county.
  Villanueva eluded officers for over 20 minutes before he was broug
  
  Read more

• PHOTO: TxDOT placing temporary metal plates over gap in north Austin flyover

  18-11-2022 17:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Transportation will be making a temporary fix to a gap in an Austin flyover before final repairs can be made.
  KXAN viewers reported to us a gap in the overpass connecting U.S. Highway 290 West and South Interstate 35 in north Austin.TxDOT breaks ground on I-35 Capital Express South ProjectTxDOT said it has assessed the flyover and will be placing temporary metal plates over the separated joint gaps until final repairs can be done.
  The agency explaine
  
  Read more

• Fans report buyers remorse, call on Taylor Swift to stop dynamic pricing

  18-11-2022 16:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Taylor Swift fans also known as Swifties have "Bad Blood" over a recent ticket fiasco for the artist's upcoming "Eras Tour."Millions of fans failed to snag a ticket Tuesday to Swift's first tour in five years because of system issues. Now fans are calling out the music icon for reportedly using "dynamic pricing."Ticketmaster cancels Taylor Swift public ticket sales due to demand, ‘insufficient’ supplyTicket prices were supposed to cost between $49 and $449, with
  
  Read more

• After devastating fire, Texas French Bread reopens as a food truck

  18-11-2022 15:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After being destroyed by a fire in January, Texas French Bread is now operating again on a smaller scale.
  The bakery opened a food truck on its property at Rio Grande and West 29th Street, keeping its legacy alive after more than 40 years.
  The Austin Fire Department said in January the fire caused $1.1 million in damages to the bakery's original building at 2900 Rio Grande St. and $500,000 in damages to what was inside.PAST STORY: Fire causes more than $1M in damage to cent
  
  Read more

• Blue Genie Art Bazaar reopens Friday

  18-11-2022 14:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Blue Genie Art Bazaar, a holiday shopping tradition in Austin since 2001, reopens Friday morning.
  Organizers said the storefront opens at 10 a.m. at 6100 Airport Blvd. across from the Highland Campus of Austin Community College. LIST: Holiday light events in Central Texas for 2022 seasonAccording to organizers, the bazaar features gifts and creations from over 200 local artists.
  You can shop at the event from Friday to Dec. 24. The hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. except on
  
  Read more

• Uncomfortably cold and wet weekend weather

  18-11-2022 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Central Texas averages lows in the 40s early January... but those, unfortunately, will be our highs this coming weekend.Clouds will likely hold temperatures in the 50s again Friday, but the chance of rain is low. However, after an early morning cold front, drizzle, and intermittent light rain is expected to spread across Central Texas Saturday, locking temperatures in the 40s.
  Scattered rain (with a few non-accumulating sleet pellets possible) expected SaturdayLower rain chances
  
  Read more

• A rainy, frigid Saturday with wind chills in the 30s

  18-11-2022 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Expect dropping temperatures overnight with isolated light rain showers becoming more numerous closer to daybreak. Lows should fall into the upper 30s and low 40s.Tomorrow (Saturday) is looking to be a colder and wetter day with scattered to widespread rain from early morning through the middle of the evening. Afternoon high temps are expected to not leave the 40s. Wind chills will be even colder with temperatures stuck in the 30s all day long.A frigid SaturdayScattered rain (wi
  
  Read more

• 2 in custody after car burglaries at central Austin apartment complex

  18-11-2022 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police said two men are in custody Friday morning after allegedly breaking into cars in a parking garage at an apartment complex in central Austin.
  Police said officers were called to the garage at the Troubador on Harmon and Concordia avenues west of Interstate 35 just before 1 a.m. Austin Police launches no refusal for ThanksgivingThey said officers briefly chased the two men.According to APD, a weapon one of the men was carrying fired during the chase. No one was
  
  Read more

• Austin Police launches no refusal for Thanksgiving

  18-11-2022 12:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police on Thursday launched its Thanksgiving no-refusal operation as officers look for drunk drivers on the roads.
  APD said the operation will be in effect until Nov. 27 from 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. each night.
  According to APD, the operation allows officers to apply for blood search warrants if drivers suspected of DWI refuse to do a breath test.The Austin Police Department said on Oct. 19 it made 59 DWI-related arrests while it conducted a DWI Enforcement and No Ref
  
  Read more

• Miami Dolphins tight end partners with Austin Pets Alive! for NFL's 'My Cause My Cleats'

  18-11-2022 10:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An NFL player has chosen Austin Pets Alive! as his charity of choice for the league's "My Cause My Cleats" campaign.
  Miami Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe said Thursday he would partner with APA! for the campaign. He grew up in Central Texas and lives in Austin during the off season, and he said choosing the shelter was a no-brainer for him.
  Smythe said he thinks animal shelters are part of an under-represented group, and he wants to raise awareness for all the good things APA!
  
  Read more

• Texas high school football playoff scores for Thursday, Nov. 17

  18-11-2022 05:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A handful of area-round games kicked off Thursday, but the bulk of them will be played Friday with a few on Saturday to conclude the second round of Texas high school football playoffs.A couple of Central Texas teams played their area games Thursday. Flatonia picked up a 56-21 win over Three Rivers in Class 2A-Division 1 play and Thorndale fell to Ganado 66-12 in the same division.In Class 6A-Division 1 play, San Antonio Brennan beat Los Fresnos 42-7 and will face the winne
  
  Read more

• How weather impacts sports betting and fantasy football

  18-11-2022 05:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- This NFL season has been nothing short of major upsets, surprises and unpredictability. With sports betting participation growing rapidly across the nation as states increasingly legalize the practice, many have questioned what role weather has on shaping the odds or outcome of the game.Sports media company The Action Network analyzed average weather conditions at each NFL stadium over the course of the 2021 regular NFL season to see which teams were impacted most by weather con
  
  Read more

• No. 1 Longhorns lock up at least a share of Big 12 volleyball title with win over Kansas

  18-11-2022 04:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The No. 1 Texas Longhorns notched another Big 12 Conference sweep Wednesday against Kansas at Gregory Gym.In their past seven matches, the Longhorns have dropped just one set and improved its record to 20-1 with the win over the Jayhawks. Set scores were 25-16, 25-18 and 26-24.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersThe win clinched at least a share of the Big 12 titl
  
  Read more

• More than 700 students experiencing homelessness in Round Rock ISD

  18-11-2022 03:57 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) – There are hundreds of students in Round Rock ISD who are experiencing homelessness, and the district says those numbers are the highest they have ever been."I have never had 703 in November," said Desiree Viramontes, homeless and foster care liaison with Round Rock ISD. "I have never seen numbers like this."When some people think of homelessness, they might assume it is the people we see living on the streets, but that's not always the case."They could be living
  
  Read more

• Police looking for person of interest in missing persons case

  18-11-2022 03:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is asking for the public's help to identify a person of interest connected to a missing persons case.
  Surveillance footage shows the man (pictured) with missing person Justin Haden several times the day before Haden was last seen.Person of interest in missing persons case of Justin Haden (Images courtesy Austin Police Department)Person of interest in missing persons case of Justin Haden (Images courtesy Austin Police Department)
  Haden, 34, was last s
  
  Read more

• Former TXST slugger Paul Goldschmidt wins NL MVP

  18-11-2022 03:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former Texas State Bobcats slugger Paul Goldschmidt won an MVP award for the first time of his career Thursday night.The Baseball Writers Association of America named Goldschmidt the National League MVP after his terrific season with the St. Louis Cardinals. The first baseman led the senior circuit in slugging percentage (.578) and on-base plus slugging (.981) while hitting .317 with 35 home runs and 115 RBIs for the NL Central champions. Goldschmidt also won his fifth Silv
  
  Read more

• One injured after being hit by vehicle on Wells Branch Parkway

  18-11-2022 03:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One person is being transported to a hospital after being hit by a vehicle on Well Branch Pkwy.
  Austin-Travis County EMS said on Twitter that it happened in the 1400 block of Wells Branch, near its intersection with Interstate 35.
  ATCEMS brought the patient to St. David's Round Rock Medical Center, with "serious, potentially life threatening injuries."It happened around 7:30 p.m. ATCEMS said drivers should expect delays in the area and take alternate routes if possible.
  
  Read more

• MLS players name Q2 Stadium their favorite place to play in survey

  18-11-2022 02:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It turns out that opposing players in Major League Soccer actually like playing in Q2 Stadium.The MLS Players Association released its 2022 "Players Voices Poll," and players around the league think Austin FC's home stadium has the best playing surface and it's their preferred place to play. Q2 Stadium has the longest sellout streak in MLS with 36 matches and an average attendance of 20,738, so the electric atmosphere in Austin resonates with players across the league.MORE
  
  Read more

• Abbott: COVID-19 vaccine mandates for students prohibited

  18-11-2022 02:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – On Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Education Agency and Texas school superintendents that the COVID-19 vaccine cannot be mandated as part of school entry requirements.“In letters to TEA Commissioner Mike Morath and school superintendents statewide, the Governor explains that his Executive Order GA-39, issued on August 25, 2021, allows Texas parents to opt-out of the COVID-19 vaccine for their children and further empowers parents to
  
  Read more

• Former corrections officer arrested on second sexual assault of a child charge

  18-11-2022 02:01 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — Court documents state Daniel Perez, a former supervisor at the Williamson County Juvenile Justice Center, was arrested this week for the sexual assault of a child in custody. This is the second accusation against Perez, who this summer was charged with improper conduct with a child.A court affidavit details this second alleged assault took place in a chicken coop on the center's property in mid-July. This is the same location as the previous assault, which does n
  
  Read more

• Disney World announces ticket price hike, more changes

  18-11-2022 01:23 via kxan.com
  
  ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) – Planning a trip to Disney World? You might want to check the ticket prices.
  On Tuesday morning, Disney announced new park-specific prices for 1-day, 1 park ticket that are set to go into effect Dec. 8. The prices will vary depending on the park and the date.Here's what 1-day, 1-park tickets will cost starting Dec. 8:
  Animal Kingdom: $109 - $159 (no increase)
  Hollywood Studios: $124 - $179
  EPCOT: $114 - $179
  Magic Kingdom: $124 - $189The park notes the $189 price at M
  
  Read more

• U.S., China agree to work together on climate, says White House

  18-11-2022 01:19 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. and China will once again collaborate on issues including climate change, according to a White House readout of a meeting between President Biden and Xi Jinping. The readout said that Biden “underscored” that the countries need to work together to address global challenges including climate change. “The two leaders agreed to empower key senior officials to maintain communication and deepen constructive efforts on these and other issues,&rd
  
  Read more

• 'He was my everything,' Austin woman calls off search for dad after body found

  18-11-2022 01:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — "I'm devastated…Really just, this is nothing you ever imagine happens," Laurel Patterson said Thursday.
  She was joined by her aunt and attorneys while addressing journalists, a day after Austin Police said they found a body whom they believe to be her father's, Paull Patterson. PREVIOUS: Body found in north Austin believed to be 76-year-old missing man"He was my everything later in life. He was a really good man... Growing up, he was my hero," Patterson said through
  
  Read more

• Flu activity in Texas 'very high,' CDC says

  18-11-2022 01:15 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – The 2022 flu season is off to an early and vicious start, especially in the South, according to tracking by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV v. COVID v. flu: Here’s what you need to knowThe CDC has seven states, plus Washington, D.C., in the highest category for flu activity, shown in purple on the map below. Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina and Virginia are all categorized as "very high."
  It's not much better in T
  
  Read more

• Sports betting in Texas: Behind the push to legalize

  18-11-2022 00:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — A big player in Texas politics threw his support behind legalizing sports betting on Thursday, as policymakers are already drafting related legislation before returning to the Austin Capitol in January.
  Former Republican Gov. Rick Perry announced Thursday he'll be joining the Texas Sports Betting Alliance as a spokesperson, pushing for the Lone Star State to join the 35 other states that have already legalized mobile sports betting.“The legalization of mobile sport
  
  Read more

• Travis County commissions art piece to honor sex assault survivors after lawsuit settlement

  18-11-2022 00:56 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- To honor survivors of sexual assault, Travis County is seeking an artist to create a piece that will be displayed in the Travis County District Clerk's Office, a press release from the county said.'We believe survivors’: Travis County says changes coming to sexual assault case handlingThis initiative is a part of a series of significant reforms Travis County vowed to make last year following a lawsuit in order to improve the treatment of sexual assault surviv
  
  Read more

• Texas could remove period products' sales tax in next legislative session

  18-11-2022 00:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas state legislators could take action in the next legislative session to remove the state's sales tax on menstrual products.State Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, filed a bill in advance of the 88th Texas Legislative Session that proposes a "sales and use tax exemption for certain feminine hygiene products." Under HB70, those exemptions would be applied to tampons, pads, menstrual cups and other menstrual products.Howard has filed similar tax exemption bills each session si
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!