Austin news

• Another deadly 6th Street shooting, what's next for the safety initiative meant to curb crime?

  09-12-2022 23:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Council Member Kathie Tovo, whose term is coming to an end, launched the Safer Sixth Street initiative after the June 2021 mass shooting that killed one person and injured 14 others.
  "We saw another tragic death this week, and it's just another reminder there's still a significant amount of work to do," she said.Affidavit: 17 year old faces murder charge in deadly 6th Street shootingShe said council members have done what they can, putting the policies in place needed to make ch
  
  Read more

• Combatting Central Texas' 'tripledemic': RSV, Flu & COVID on the rise

  09-12-2022 23:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Cultivating curious kids and imaginative minds can be challenging when you're also trying to stop sickness.
  "In the wintertime, we would always have a number of cases. It just seems like it's much higher this particular flu season, for example, and RSV season, than it has been in the past," said Dawn Leach, manager of the Austin Community College Children's Lab.
  She's not wrong -- according to data from Austin Public Health, a larger percentage of patients are visiting doctors a
  
  Read more

• It's a whole new ballgame this time for No. 1 Texas against Ohio State

  09-12-2022 23:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns are one win away from making their 14th appearance in the NCAA volleyball semifinals.The top-seeded Longhorns take on Ohio State at 5 p.m. Saturday at Gregory Gym, a team they've beaten twice this season — except it was four months ago in the first two games of the season, and neither team is the same now. No. 1 Texas Longhorns power way into regional finals of NCAA volleyball tournamentAs far as senior middle blocker Asjia O'Neal is concerned, tho
  
  Read more

• Texas bill would ban social media for those under 18

  09-12-2022 23:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A bill filed by a North Texas lawmaker this week would ban social media for Texans under the age of 18.
  HB 896, authored by Rep. Jared Patterson, of Frisco, would prohibit the use of social media by children. The bill was filed on Wednesday. ‘Abolishing daylight saving’ and other new Texas bills that might make you say ‘huh?’If passed, any Texan under the age of 18 would not be authorized to hold a social media account.
  Further, social media companies wou
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• 'Hearing your stories changes everything;' Austin group wants to hear stories about Lion's Municipal Golf Course

  09-12-2022 22:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As new developments and high rises continue filling the Austin skyline, supporters of Lions Municipal Golf Course are working hard to make sure the historic course doesn’t become a piece of the past.Austin's first public golf course and one of the first desegregated courses in the South faces an uncertain future. Since 2018 the course has been operating on short term leases in an agreement between the University of Texas and the City, but the question is how long will
  
  Read more

• Texas mother's mortality data released, full report coming next week

  09-12-2022 21:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In 2019, there were 147 maternal deaths, meaning a woman died while pregnant or within one year of giving birth, according to the Department of State and Health Services (DSHS).Of the deaths that were determined to be connected to the pregnancy, 90% of them could have been prevented, the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee found. Black women were also disproportionately affected, according to the committee. INVESTIGATION: Mothers ErasedDSHS said a biennial re
  
  Read more

• ERCOT to offer new program for cryptocurrency users

  09-12-2022 21:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) said it would launch a Voluntary Curtailment Program to assist all market participants and customers with large flexible loads, such as Bitcoin mining sites, in minimizing their energy use during periods of peak demand.As part of their ongoing initiative to improve grid reliability, ERCOT said it was taking steps to assure reliability enhancements to avert the potential repeated interconnection concerns that occurred wi
  
  Read more

• Austin city manager gets roughly $38K raise, council not unanimous

  09-12-2022 20:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In the final hours of Austin City Council's meeting Thursday night, it bumped City Manager Spencer Cronk's base salary to $388,190.40. It's a roughly $38,000 raise or just under 11%.
  "We have an incredible workforce that I am here to support. And so when we do the work of ensuring that we provide the services that our community expects, I take that responsibility very seriously," Cronk said in his short remarks following the vote.Austin City Council members will make 40% mo
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Man arrested in Austin, suspected of distributing fraudulent temporary tags

  09-12-2022 20:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County court records filed Wednesday showed an undercover sting operation led to the arrest of a man suspected of distributing fraudulent temporary tags in Austin.Records showed 41-year-old Reinier Pena-Maceo met with an undercover law enforcement official with the Travis County Constable’s Office on Tuesday to provide a 60-day temporary vehicle tag for $100. KXAN INVESTIGATES: TxDMV unveils ‘major design overhaul’ of temp tags tied to widespread fr
  
  Read more

• Brown Santa in need of toy donations after reporting lowest donation turnout ever

  09-12-2022 19:49 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — As holiday shopping continues, organizations like Brown Santa are calling on people to donate.
  The charity, which holds a big toy drive, said it has received the lowest amount of donations in its history. Adding to its challenge, more families are reaching out for help.It can be hard to find the perfect holiday gift, but Dianne Williams had no trouble."I kind of set a budget this year on what I was going to spend, and I think I stayed within it," she said.She
  
  Read more

• Construction starts next year to make Slaughter Lane safer

  09-12-2022 18:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Slaughter Lane between MoPac Expressway and Interstate 35 is truly going through a transformation.In the Summer of 2023, the city is kicking off construction between MoPac and Brodie Lane where in the last 5 years there have been well over 400 crashes. That stretch of Slaughter Lane is just a mile and a half. South Austin neighbor says bike lane curb to blame for tire blowouts, city says it improves safety"I love this neighborhood, all of our neighbors know each other, " An
  
  Read more

• Affidavit: 17 year old faces murder charge in deadly 6th Street shooting

  09-12-2022 18:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Court documents say a teenager faces a murder charge after a deadly shooting on East Sixth Street that stemmed from a physical altercation.
  The shooting happened early Wednesday near Sixth and Trinity Streets around 2 a.m. A 32-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Austin Police Department. Officers have not released his name to the public yet.PAST STORY: Man dies after shooting on East 6th Street; person of interest detainedAn arrest affidavit nam
  
  Read more

• The 'perception of voting' for young voters is split, why?

  09-12-2022 17:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Nov. 8, 2022 was an important day for Ethan Scrimpsher. For the 21 year old, it would be the first time to vote. It was important to him. But he was the only one in his group of friends passionate enough to go to the polls.
  "The perception of voting for this generation of young adults is split. We have people who are getting passionate...but then we have so much division that some just choose not to vote at all which is the bigger issue," Scrimpsher said.
  Who is a part of t
  
  Read more

• LIVE: The 'perception of voting' for young voters is split, why?

  09-12-2022 17:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Nov. 8, 2022 was an important day for Ethan Scrimpsher. For the 21 year old, it would be the first time to vote. It was important to him. But he was the only one in his group of friends passionate enough to go to the polls.
  "The perception of voting for this generation of young adults is split. We have people who are getting passionate...but then we have so much division that some just choose not to vote at all which is the bigger issue," Scrimpsher said.
  Who is a part of t
  
  Read more

• Local veteran gets ride of a lifetime in Lamborghini

  09-12-2022 16:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some of the fastest cars in the world rolled around Circuit of The Americas this week as Lamborghini Austin hosted a track day.Although it was quite a sight to see, something even more special took place on the historic racetrack.A military veteran who lives in Round Rock was given the opportunity to hop in one of the Lamborghinis for a lap around the track.Dragos Carstea has been a racecar enthusiast his entire life."It was more like a dream,” he said. “Growing
  
  Read more

• House passes defense bill scrapping COVID vaccine mandate

  09-12-2022 16:38 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — A bill to rescind the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the U.S. military and provide nearly $858 billion for national defense passed the House on Thursday as lawmakers scratch off one of the final items on their yearly to-do list.The bill provides for about $45 billion more for defense programs than President Joe Biden requested, the second consecutive year Congress significantly exceeded his request, as lawmakers seek to boost the nation's military competitiveness
  
  Read more

• VIDEO: Brittney Griner back in US, lands in San Antonio

  09-12-2022 16:29 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO (KXAN) — WNBA star Brittney Griner returned to the United States early Friday morning, nearly 10 months after her detention in Russia.
  Videos and photos captured Griner getting off a plane at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas.Griner was swapped for arms dealer Viktor Bout Thursday. The deal achieved a top goal for President Joe Biden, but the U.S. failed to win freedom for another American, Paul Whelan, who has been jailed for nearly four ye
  
  Read more

• Austin Police: 5 tips to stop thieves from robbing your holiday joy

  09-12-2022 15:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The number one thing Austin Police said you can do to prevent becoming a victim of holiday crime is to watch your surroundings. It sounds simple, said Cpl. Destiny Silva, but distractions are everywhere.Silva gave KXAN five tips to keep thieves from stealing your joy and more.
  Turn down the volume“Some people sometimes put headphones in when they're walking around shopping, because it can be noisy,” said Silva, but that can distract you from your surroundings. &
  
  Read more

• Round Rock first responders help deliver baby boy at home

  09-12-2022 15:13 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — First responders with the Round Rock Fire Department got to help one family with one of the most important moments of their life.
  They helped deliver a baby boy on Monday.
  The City of Round Rock posted on Facebook, saying a public safety team responded to a call about a woman going into labor.
  After a quick assessment and equipment setup, the mom gave birth to a healthy boy within 10 minutes of when the crew arrived.
  The City said the father got home just in time
  
  Read more

• What's the secret sauce behind P. Terry's Texas growth?

  09-12-2022 13:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For 17 years, P. Terry's Burger Stand has been a mainstay in Austin's fast food scene, a brand born out of its first location at the intersection of Barton Springs Road and South Lamar Boulevard.As the local burger chain gears up for its 29th location, P. Terry's CEO Todd Coerver said the business is constantly working 14 months out to prep for new locations — with the Houston metro on the company's horizon. These are the most popular Texas-made beers in Texas, Specs
  
  Read more

• Austin activist Shudde Fath passes away at 106 years old

  09-12-2022 13:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Shudde Fath, an Austin woman who pushed for equal rights in Texas, passed away Friday morning at the age of 106, her daughter confirmed to KXAN.
  Fath fought for equal pay in Texas. In 1980, she took a lawsuit to the Texas Employment Commission and won, becoming the first woman to win a sex discrimination case in the state.She was a member of the Electric Utility Commission from 1977 to 2017 and served as treasurer for the Save Barton Creek Association for nearly 30 years. F
  
  Read more

• City of Austin Memo: New fire/EMS station 85% complete

  09-12-2022 03:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One of Austin's new fire and EMS stations is ahead of its construction schedule.
  According to a new memo from the City of Austin, the station in west Austin off Loop 360 near Davenport station is 85%. The city plans to open it in February.
  In 2017, the city identified five permanent stations to be built in six years, based on population growth.
  Two of those are finished, and the other two remain in development.
  Here's a breakdown of the progress on each station:
  Del Valle/Moore&
  
  Read more

• Texas' Bijan Robinson wins Doak Walker Award for nation's best running back

  09-12-2022 02:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If it wasn't clear at the beginning of the season, it certainly was at the end.Texas junior running back Bijan Robinson capped a brilliant season by winning the Doak Walker Award, given to the college football's most outstanding running back by the PxC SMU Athletic Foundation.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/newslettersRobinson is the fourth Longhorn to win the award, fol
  
  Read more

• APD responding to active SWAT situation in east Austin

  09-12-2022 02:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said it was on the scene responding to a barricaded subject/SWAT call in the 4400 block of Airport Boulevard.Officials asked people to avoid the area.An APD spokesperson is expected to provide more information during a media briefing.This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN for updates.
  
  Read more

• 2 taken into custody after east Austin SWAT situation

  09-12-2022 02:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two people were taken into custody in connection with a SWAT situation at an apartment complex off Airport Boulevard Thursday night, according to the Austin Police Department.At approximately 7 p.m., APD responded to a barricaded subject/SWAT call in the 4400 block of Airport Blvd.According to police, the APD Organized Crime Unit saw a suspect with felony warrants enter a vehicle with another person. Police attempted a vehicle containment, but said the suspect vehicle ramme
  
  Read more

• 2 arrested in east Austin SWAT situation

  09-12-2022 02:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two people were taken into custody in connection with a SWAT situation at an apartment complex off Airport Blvd. Thursday night, according to the Austin Police Department.At approximately 7 p.m., APD responded to a barricaded subject/SWAT call in the 4400 block of Airport Boulevard.According to police, the APD Organized Crime Unit saw a suspect with felony warrants enter a vehicle with another person. Police attempted a vehicle containment, but say that the suspect vehicle
  
  Read more

• 1 arrested in east Austin SWAT situation, scene still active

  09-12-2022 02:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One person was arrested and another possibly remains barricaded in an apartment complex off Airport Boulevard in connection with a SWAT situation, according to the Austin Police Department.At approximately 7 p.m., APD responded to a barricaded subject/SWAT call in the 4400 block of Airport Boulevard.According to police, the APD Organized Crime Unit saw a suspect with felony warrants enter a vehicle with another person. Police attempted a vehicle containment, but the suspect
  
  Read more

• Surveillance video shows teen overdosing on fentanyl in Hays CISD parking lot

  09-12-2022 01:56 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The moment a teenage boy overdosed on fentanyl outside of a Hays CISD campus was all caught on camera.Now, the district plans to show it to its high schoolers as part of its Fighting Fentanyl Campaign. RELATED COVERAGE: ‘It’s targeting kids’: Families share their stories of fentanyl overdosesIn the video, a teenage boy in the driver's seat appears unconscious. The passenger, another teenage boy, pulled him out of the car and onto the sidewalk.H
  
  Read more

• Grinch sentenced to spread holiday cheer in Kyle

  09-12-2022 01:47 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) – The Grinch may have tried to steal Christmas, but the City of Kyle made sure he’ll serve his time.In a tweet, the City of Kyle announced the Grinch was sentenced to community service for his misdeeds against the community. Interesting things to know about Austin’s Trail of Lights“Kyle residents can expect to see the Grinch at Santa Rides in Kyle from Dec. 13-15 this year, after the Kyle City Council sentenced him to serve his last community service ho
  
  Read more

• City of Austin staff working toward eliminating single-use plastic

  09-12-2022 01:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – On Thursday, the City of Austin's chief sustainability officer and the director of Austin Resource Recovery responded to the city’s single-use plastics resolution.According to the staff response, the resolution directed the city manager to:
  implement a strategy, engage with stakeholders, and provide public education campaigns to reduce the use of single-use plastic by restaurants, bars, and other commercial food or beverage establishmentswork with the Austin Restauran
  
  Read more

• Airbnb to crack down on New Year's Eve parties

  09-12-2022 01:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Short-term rental company Airbnb announced it would implement heightened defenses to prevent disruptive New Year's Eve parties.
  The company will ban certain one-night bookings during New Year's Eve for entire home listings in Austin and throughout the country. This will be in effect for guests without a positive account history or without previous bookings on the platform, according to a press release from the company.
  This rollout follows a successful trial in eight countries l
  
  Read more

• Your mom is going to love this: Austin startup reminds you to text mom every day

  09-12-2022 00:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A local business started a project called Text Your Mom – a free service that reminds you daily to message your parents, even providing prompt suggestions. WayWiser is a startup in Austin that provides a service to coordinate the care and financial safety of an aging loved one. The elderly population often is targeted in phishing attempts; AARP estimates this population loses approximately $3 billion every year to these scams. Aging is obviously on the mind
  
  Read more

• Number of abortions in Texas dropped 97% in month after Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade ruling

  09-12-2022 00:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The number of Texans who received an abortion dropped by 97% in the month after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, according to data released by the state of Texas.The Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in a 6-3 decision on June 24, eliminating the nearly 50-year-old constitutional right to abortion. The ruling gave states the authority to limit or ban the procedure.Despite the state's trigger law banning most abortions not going into effect until Aug. 22, Te
  
  Read more

• How the holidays can be hard on your heart

  09-12-2022 00:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The holidays can be a lovely time to relax, have some fun and indulge. While this season is considered the most wonderful time of year, it is also recognized as the peak time of year for cardiovascular issues. This is in part due to a condition called holiday heart syndrome – when a person who did not previously have an arrhythmia develops one. Experts think the culprit is the steady flow of booze into your cup at holiday parties or elsewhere during this time. &l
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!