Austin news

• Texas data on pregnancy-related deaths released after delay

  15-12-2022 23:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A report on maternal mortality data in Texas was released Thursday, after a months-long delay. The report studied cases of pregnancy-related deaths in Texas, and factors that affect the most at-risk populations in the state.Among the findings in the report, obstetric hemorrhage was the leading cause of pregnancy-related death, followed by mental health conditions. The findings linked multiple causes to deaths, including obesity, discrimination, and substance use. Mothers Er
  
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• Taylor fireworks show could move to preserve peace for protected birds

  15-12-2022 23:44 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) — Still months before Independence Day, the City of Taylor is considering relocating its annual fireworks show to keep protected white egrets safe.The decision comes after the 2022 July 4 celebration spooked the birds, some of which flew into nearby powerlines and died. Migratory birds die after fireworks show in Taylor"The Taylor Police Department reports that at 9:16 p.m., when the City fireworks display began, the egrets began flying quickly away from the city
  
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• Texas man denies knowing about the $49K in his car

  15-12-2022 23:33 via kxan.com
  
  SAN BENITO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A driver stopped in San Benito with nearly $50,000 told deputies he didn't know anything about the cash, authorities said.A Cameron County Sheriff's Office deputy with a K9 unit seized up to $49,400 during a traffic stop Dec. 9 in San Benito at northbound I-9 after a traffic stop of a maroon Ford Fusion. The deputy's K9 partner, Dyro, alerted the deputy to something in vehicle, authorities said. Sheriff: Crack cocaine seized from vehicle in Cameron ParkA
  
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• ERCOT providing real-time energy generation usage online

  15-12-2022 23:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) will now provide a real-time view of ERCOT’s energy generation by resource type, according to a news release.“The new Fuel Mix dashboard is the latest in a series of improvements to increase public visibility into the operation of the grid,” said Dan Woodfin, ERCOT vice president of system operations, in the release. “This new dashboard shows real-time data on what generation mix is powering our grid
  
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• Series of cold fronts leads to chillier than normal stretch through Christmas

  15-12-2022 21:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Temperatures Thursday morning were as cold as the upper 20s in Hill Country communities and 31° at Austin-Bergstrom -- the airport's second freeze so far this season. Camp Mabry's low temperature was 36°.Sunshine warmed the area into the 60s with light winds Thursday afternoon.A weak storm system and cold front arrive Friday bringing cloudy skies and a 10% chance of a few sprinkles. High temperatures drop into the 50s Friday, and stay there through the weekend.Low rain c
  
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• Matthew McConaughey's Austin fundraiser to feature Garth Brooks

  15-12-2022 20:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Country superstar Garth Brooks will be part of Matthew McConaughey's annual fundraiser.Mack, Jack & McConaughey (MJ&M) is the joint fundraising effort created by University of Texas coach Mack Brown, recording artist Jack Ingram and actor Matthew McConaughey.
  Since the event began, MJ&M has donated more than $20 million to organizations benefiting children. Funds raised in 2023 will support CureDuchenne, Dell Children’s Medical Center, HeartGift,
  
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• Man caught on video taking packages from front porches in Bastrop, deputies say

  15-12-2022 19:49 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) — A man faces mail theft charges after deputies said he was caught on video stealing packages from front porches in Bastrop.
  The suspect is Octavio Garza, who is in the Bastrop County Jail on a $25,000 bond, the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office said. Further charges could be pending.
  The sheriff's office said on Tuesday, a victim in the 100 block of Patrick Herndon Drive reported he had two packages stolen off his front porch. In Ring doorbell video of the theft, the s
  
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• 'Devastated,' Local healthcare company initiates layoffs ahead of the holidays

  15-12-2022 19:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- "I'm disappointed, I'm sad, I'm devastated," said Rhonda Alvarado, a scheduler at Austin Radiological Association.
  You may have been referred to one of Austin Radiological Association's 17 locations for your mammogram, ultrasound or X-Ray.
  The company has been in Austin since 1954 and works with 22 hospitals across Central Texas.
  KXAN obtained an email ARA's president sent to employees on Monday, informing them of cut-backs.
  "The Executive Committee of ARA's Board of Directors i
  
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• 'Devastated.' Local health care company initiates layoffs ahead of the holidays

  15-12-2022 19:42 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: ARA provided additional context regarding its layoffs in a statement to KXAN. This story has been updated.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- "I'm disappointed, I'm sad, I'm devastated," said Rhonda Alvarado, a scheduler at Austin Radiological Association.
  You may have been referred to one of Austin Radiological Association's 17 locations for your mammogram, ultrasound or X-Ray.
  The company has been in Austin since 1954 and works with 22 hospitals across Central Texas.
  KXAN obtained an email ARA's p
  
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• DOJ: 8 men, 4 from Texas, indicted for $114M social media fraud scheme

  15-12-2022 19:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Tuesday, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Texas indicted eight men on charges of conspiracy to commit securities fraud for a long-running, social media-based “pump and dump” scheme, according to the United States Department of Justice.The DOJ said the scheme involved the defendants hyping interest in particular securities by posting false and misleading information in order to “pump” the prices of those securities while concealing
  
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• Q&A with Kirk Watson after being he was elected as Austin's next mayor

  15-12-2022 18:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Kirk Watson was elected as Austin's next mayor in the City's runoff election Tuesday, winning against Rep. Celia Israel by the smallest margin in an Austin mayoral race in decades.KXAN's Grace Reader interviewed the mayor-elect one-on-one Wednesday to see what his plans are, and how he'll work to fulfill the desires of not only his but also Israel's voters along the way.
  Talk a little bit about what you'd like voters to know after last night's results came in.Watson: Well, I wan
  
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• Q&A with Kirk Watson after being elected as Austin's next mayor

  15-12-2022 18:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Kirk Watson was elected as Austin's next mayor in the City's runoff election Tuesday, winning against Rep. Celia Israel by the smallest margin in an Austin mayoral race in decades.KXAN's Grace Reader interviewed the mayor-elect one-on-one Wednesday to see what his plans are, and how he'll work to fulfill the desires of not only his but also Israel's voters along the way.
  Talk a little bit about what you'd like voters to know after last night's results came in.Watson: Well, I wan
  
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• David Bowie's connection to this Texas historical figure

  15-12-2022 17:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The story you may not know is how David Bowie got his iconic stage name and how it was inspired by Texas history.
  David Robert Jones was born on Jan. 8, 1947, in Brixton, London. At a young age, he picked up the saxophone and started playing in bands. This gave him an introduction to the music world. In 1966, he would change his name to David Bowie."He changed his name when he was 18 to avoid confusion with another British musician of the same name, Davy Jones, who later be
  
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• WATCH: Congressional hearing on Uvalde and gun violence

  15-12-2022 17:15 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nexstar) — The U.S. House Judiciary Committee will hear remarks from survivors and families of victims of the Uvalde mass school shooting on Tuesday morning in a hearing specifically focused on "bipartisan solutions for gun violence."Witnesses include Faith Mata, whose little sister Tess was one of the 21 people killed during the May 24 massacre at Robb Elementary. Dr. Roy Guerrero, Uvalde's sole pediatrician, is also on the witness list. Texas Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-Sa
  
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• Sister of Uvalde victim, town doctor give emotional testimony before Congress

  15-12-2022 17:15 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nexstar) — Following the bang of the gavel to commence the beginning of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee hearing, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee gave no opening remarks or explanation as to the work the committee would conduct Thursday. Instead, she opened her phone to play the shrill staccato of rapid gunfire that came from a semi-automatic rifle on May 24 in the halls of Robb Elementary School.
  "I wanted, however, the very first sound to be in this hearing gunfire &
  
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• 'Our light has left': Uvalde victim's sister gives emotional testimony before Congress

  15-12-2022 17:15 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nexstar) — Following the bang of the gavel to commence the beginning of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee hearing, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee gave no opening remarks or explanation as to the work the committee would conduct Thursday. Instead, she opened her phone to play the shrill staccato of rapid gunfire that came from a semi-automatic rifle on May 24 in the halls of Robb Elementary School.
  "I wanted, however, the very first sound to be in this hearing gunfire &
  
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• Poll: Americans split on how well Elon Musk is running Twitter

  15-12-2022 16:39 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) — A new national poll released Wednesday shows Americans are split on their feelings about Elon Musk and how he's running Twitter now.
  The Tesla CEO officially acquired the social media platform in late October after closing the deal by a court-imposed deadline, multiple reports stated.Musk officially closes Twitter deal: reportsSince then, Musk has made a few changes to Twitter, including a $7.99-a-month subscription service to get the blue check that was only given out to verified
  
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• Paddles up: Pickleball becoming big business, led by an Austin league with pro sports team owners

  15-12-2022 16:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — Kevin Durant. LeBron James. Draymond Green. Kevin Love.No, this isn't the next incarnation of the Monstars. These NBA superstars are all part owners of new teams in Major League Pickleball Inc., the Austin-based organization at the vanguard of a once niche sport now hitting the mainstream. The game is attracting millions of dollars and attention from businesses in Texas and across the nation.MLP launched in 2021 with an initial valuation of a little more
  
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• Finland government officials visit Austin to sign economic partnership with Texas

  15-12-2022 16:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday hosted several officials from Finland as part of Texas' ongoing economic partnership with the Republic of Finland.
  Minister for Development Cooperation Foreign Trade of Finland Ville Skinnari, Ambassador of Finland to the United States Mikko Hautala and other Finnish government officials visited the governor's mansion in Austin where they discussed the economic partnership.
  Abbott and Minister Skinnari signed a Statemen
  
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• UT professor's AI system aims to help patients reach their nutrition goals

  15-12-2022 15:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new artificial intelligence system developed in Austin is helping people improve their diets and cut down risk factors linked to potentially deadly diseases.It's called Nutri, and the creator, Dr. Marissa Burgermaster from the University of Texas at Austin and Dell Medical School, joined KXAN News on Tuesday to talk about it.
  "When doctors talk about nutrition, it helps patients act on their goals. But it's complicated, it's emotional, it's not easy to talk about," Burger
  
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• Black holes are having a month; the lab grown, exploding and singing space objects explained

  15-12-2022 14:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Black holes have been having a busy month. Researchers around the world have revealed a great deal of new information about the space phenomenon in the last few weeks. Space nerds, it is time to rejoice!Black holes can be found in deep space. The objects have gravity that is so strong, not even light can escape them. According to NASA, the "surface" of a black hole, called the event horizon, has such a high gravity that you would need to travel faster than the speed of light to e
  
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• Delays on I-35 southbound after fatal crash in Georgetown

  15-12-2022 14:49 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — First responders are on the scene of a fatal crash in Georgetown on Interstate 35 southbound.
  The Georgetown Police Department tweeted at 7:34 a.m. that it happened on I-35 south near Leander Road.
  Police said there will be traffic delays and asked drivers to avoid the area.
  This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
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• 1 dead in deadly crash on I-35 southbound in Georgetown

  15-12-2022 14:49 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — A pickup truck driver was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 in Georgetown Thursday morning, according to Georgetown Police.
  The crash occurred in the southbound lanes of I-35 just south of State Highway 29 and University Avenue just before 7 a.m.
  Witnesses told police a pickup truck was speeding and recklessly driving when it slid out of control and hit the cement center divider, which flipped the truck on its side, police said.
  Georgetown PD said
  
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• 1 dead in crash on I-35 southbound in Georgetown

  15-12-2022 14:49 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — A pickup truck driver was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 in Georgetown Thursday morning, according to Georgetown Police.
  The crash occurred in the southbound lanes of I-35 just south of State Highway 29 and University Avenue just before 7 a.m.
  Witnesses told police a pickup truck was speeding and recklessly driving when it slid out of control and hit the cement center divider, which flipped the truck on its side, police said.
  Georgetown PD said
  
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• LIVE: Inside the ghost kitchens haunting Austin's restaurant industry

  15-12-2022 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We've all been there: too tired to cook dinner and scrolling through a favorite food delivery app. Luckily, Austin has a huge selection of local restaurants to choose from — the catch is, some of them don't even exist.Since the pandemic forced restaurants to close their dining rooms, a new, lucrative business model began haunting Austin's food industry: ghost kitchens. Expert: How tech job cuts could help smaller startups in AustinWhat is a ghost kitchen?Julius Sheih
  
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• Inside the ghost kitchens haunting Austin's restaurant industry

  15-12-2022 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We've all been there: too tired to cook dinner and scrolling through a favorite food delivery app. Luckily, Austin has a huge selection of local restaurants to choose from — the catch is, some of them don't even exist.Since the pandemic forced restaurants to close their dining rooms, a new, lucrative business model began haunting Austin's food industry: ghost kitchens. Expert: How tech job cuts could help smaller startups in AustinWhat is a ghost kitchen?Julius Sheih
  
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• Austin ISD interim superintendent search to conclude Thursday night

  15-12-2022 13:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Independent School District will soon select a new interim superintendent.The AISD school board plans to announce its next leader after a vote during a meeting Thursday evening.This comes just over a month after interim superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays announced he was leaving the district for a similar position with Alief ISD in Houston.AISD recently narrowed down its candidates from 17 to four finalists. This week, school board members met with all four of the f
  
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• Austin ISD interim superintendent search concludes Thursday night

  15-12-2022 13:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Independent School District selected a new interim superintendent: Matias Segura.
  The AISD school board announced its next leader after a vote during a meeting Thursday evening. UPDATE: Austin ISD names new interim superintendent, but search for permanent district leader continuesThis comes just over a month after interim superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays announced he was leaving the district for a similar position with Alief ISD in Houston.AISD narrowed down its c
  
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• MAPS: How did each precinct vote in Austin's city council runoff elections?

  15-12-2022 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Voters in three districts chose their new representatives on Austin City Council Tuesday.Districts 3, 5 and 9 went to runoff elections after no candidates reached 50% of the vote in the Nov. 8 general election.For in-depth coverage of the races and election news, head to KXAN's election coverage pageKXAN analyzed precinct-level results in each district to determine where each candidates' support was strongest.In District 3, which covers much of east Austin, José Vel&
  
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• I-35 southbound at McNeil Road shut down in Round Rock

  15-12-2022 13:17 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Parts of Interstate 35 southbound in Round Rock are closed due to a crash Thursday morning.
  The closure is taking place on the southbound lanes of the highway at McNeil Road, the Round Rock Police Department said.
  This is a developing story; stick with KXAN for updates.
  
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• 2 taken to hospital after crash on I-35 SB in Round Rock; some lanes closed

  15-12-2022 13:17 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Two people were taken to the hospital after a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 southbound Thursday morning in Round Rock, police said. The crash caused southbound lanes to be shut down.
  The closure is taking place on the southbound lanes of the highway at McNeil Road, the Round Rock Police Department said. Officers said one southbound lane has reopened so far as of 6:45 a.m.
  The call for the multi-vehicle crash came in at about 5:40 a.m., RRPD said. Five vehi
  
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• 2 taken to hospital after crash on I-35 SB in Round Rock

  15-12-2022 13:17 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Two people were taken to the hospital after a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 southbound Thursday morning in Round Rock, police said.
  The crash previously caused closures along the highway at McNeil Road, the Round Rock Police Department said, but as of 7:30 a.m., all lanes had reopened.
  The call for the multi-vehicle crash came in at about 5:40 a.m., RRPD said. Five vehicles were towed from the scene.
  Two people were also taken to the hospital, Round Rock P
  
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• Cooler days and very cold nights through next week

  15-12-2022 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's been awhile (about a month, in fact) since we've woken up to 30s... yet here we are, December 15th, with a string of them heading into the weekend.Despite the cold start, today will be a gorgeous day with sunshine, light winds and afternoon highs in the mid-60s.Clouds increase again tomorrow with a few spots of light rain in the mix later in the day (10%). A few more spot showers are possible overnight Friday (20%) before gradually clearing by midday Saturday (10%).Low rain
  
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• Austin hosting annual 'Austin's New Year' celebration Dec. 31 at Auditorium Shores

  15-12-2022 03:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin announced Wednesday it plans to host its annual Austin’s New Year celebration at Auditorium Shores on Saturday, Dec. 31, according to a news release.The lawn will open at 6 p.m., and the event will conclude with a firework show at midnight, the release said.The free, all-ages event will showcase live music from local favorites El Combo Oscuro, Tameca Jones the Texas Gentlemen and more.The schedule below is as follows:
  6:00 p.m. — Auditorium Shores
  
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• Who's the group behind the 'other' Austin Police Oversight Act?

  15-12-2022 02:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Canvassers are currently circulating a petition titled the "Austin Police Oversight Act."There's already an initiative that will be on the May 2023 ballot under the same name.Both measures have to do with police oversight, but map out different ways to do so.Equity Action: Canvassers collecting signatures on ‘fraud’ police oversight petitionOn Dec. 1, the board president of advocacy group Equity Action said “there are people circulating a petition in our commun
  
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• AISD board to vote on contested tax breaks for billion-dollar semiconductor company

  15-12-2022 01:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Independent School District board members are set to make an important vote this week that could give a billion-dollar semiconductor company millions of dollars in tax breaks.
  NXP, based in the Netherlands, already has two locations in Austin. They applied for Ch. 313 incentives with AISD in May, according to filings with the Texas comptroller's office. PREVIOUS: Chipmaking company seeks tax breaks from Austin ISD to expand facilitiesIn its filings, NXP said they wan
  
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• Can I test for the flu or RSV at home?

  15-12-2022 01:49 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – The country seems to be collectively battling a host of viruses right now, with influenza ripping through communities and RSV crowding hospitals with sick, young patients.So if you're one of the many sick Americans right now and have already tested negative for COVID-19, you may be wondering what exactly you have – is it the flu, RSV or just a common cold?Unfortunately, nailing down a test for influenza and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is not quite as convenient a
  
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• Thinking about making tamales? Here's why many choose to buy them instead

  15-12-2022 01:44 via kxan.com
  
  HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Across Texas, cravings for tamales have reached a peak for the year.A Christmas tradition for many Texans, tamales have long been a December staple. Google Trends indicates online searches for the beloved Mexican fare have been increasing every year across Texas—and the United States—since 2004.
  And every year, searches have spiked in December.The states with the most interest in the maiz-wrapped goodness include Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.
  
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• 'This is not a livable wage': Texas graduate student workers want livable wages

  15-12-2022 01:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Graduate student workers at the University of Texas are demanding more money from the university after they claim they aren't being paid livable wages.Members of Underpaid@UT held a rally outside the UT Tower on Tuesday. Shortly after they held a "grade in" where they sat inside the Life Science Library and graded papers. The group also presented a letter with their demands to UT Provost Sharon Wood. Law professor files suit against UT, claims she was paid less than male co
  
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• Elite group of first responders help Texans recover from disasters

  15-12-2022 01:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As North Texans prepared for severe weather and heeded tornado warnings Monday night, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a familiar directive."The State of Texas has resources ready for swift deployment, and we are fully prepared to address any potential severe weather expected to impact communities across our state," the governor announced Monday afternoon. "I thank all of our emergency response personnel who are working around the clock to protect their fellow Texans this holiday season.
  
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• VIDEO: APD searching for 3 men in southeast Austin jugging robbery

  15-12-2022 00:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department said it was searching for three men involved in a jugging robbery at a southeast Austin gas station.On Dec. 12, APD officers responded to a robbery call at a gas station located in the 1700 block of E. William Cannon Drive, an APD release said. What is ‘jugging’?Once police arrived on the scene, the victim said he had withdrawn cash from a bank before stopping at the gas station. The release said once the victim arrived at the gas station
  
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• VIDEO: APD searching for 3 men in east Austin jugging robbery

  15-12-2022 00:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department said it was searching for three men involved in a jugging robbery at an east Austin gas station.On Dec. 12, APD officers responded to a robbery call at a gas station located in the 1700 block of E. William Cannon Drive, an APD release said.Once police arrived on the scene, the victim said he had withdrawn cash from a bank before stopping at the gas station. The release said once the victim arrived at the gas station, he was violently attacked and rob
  
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• LIVE: VIDEO: APD searching for 3 men in southeast Austin jugging robbery

  15-12-2022 00:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department said it was searching for three men involved in a jugging robbery at a southeast Austin gas station.On Dec. 10, APD officers responded to a robbery call at a gas station located in the 1700 block of E. William Cannon Drive, an APD release said. What is ‘jugging’?Once police arrived on the scene, the victim said he had withdrawn cash from a bank before stopping at the gas station. The release said once the victim arrived at the gas station
  
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• Burnet CISD confirms student died in Wednesday car crash

  15-12-2022 00:03 via kxan.com
  
  BURNET, Texas (KXAN)-- Burnet CISD confirmed a high school student died in a car crash Wednesday.“The accident is being investigated by law enforcement, and details are not yet known,” the statement said. “No other students were injured in the incident. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are not releasing a name or details at this time. Our hearts and prayers go out to the student’s family and friends.”Furthermore, BCISD said counseling was available
  
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