Austin news

• APD, bouncers and TABC talk NYE safety preps

  30-12-2022 23:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department will patrol with typical weekend staffing numbers for New Year's Eve, but many officers will have newly graduated cadets with them."They're out trying to learn new things, and we'll probably be making more contacts than normal while they're in their learning process," said Detective Jason Day with APD's Impaired Driving Investigations Unit.APD's annual "No Refusal Initiative" runs through the weekend as well. IN DEPTH: Trying to make anti-DWI message
  
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• Very warm weekend forecast, but fog may develop late New Year's Eve

  30-12-2022 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Cloudy, cooler weather on Friday with a few sprinkles will vacate the area overnight with a completely different day Saturday to wrap up 2022.Sunshine returns Saturday with gusty southwest winds and low humidity -- a recipe for a rapidly-warming afternoon. High temperatures will approach 80 degrees with very pleasant weather for outdoor plans.
  IN-DEPTH: Friday marks highest cedar count of the season so far
  As moisture quietly returns to the area Saturday night, areas of dense fo
  
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• Austin pharmacy steps in to help as children's Tylenol, antibiotics shortage continues

  30-12-2022 22:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- If you have noticed empty shelves at your local pharmacy lately, experts explain as to why.Medicine like children's acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be hard to find these days as shortages continue.Those aren't the only medicines that are hard to find. When Kevan Blanco's son got sick with strep throat his doctor prescribed him Amoxicillin."When I called the pharmacy to have it filled they couldn't fill it because they didn't have it," said Blanco. "Every time I went to a differen
  
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• Texas authorities searching for man connected with police officer shooting

  30-12-2022 21:31 via kxan.com
  
  ROBERTSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Authorities in Robertson County are searching for a man wanted in connection with a police officer shooting Thursday.Bryan Police said one of its officers was taken to the hospital after being shot late Thursday night. BPD said the officer is in stable condition.The Robertson County Sheriff's Office alerted the public through Facebook posts that certain roads in the town were closed due to reports of an active shooter. The area was also ordered to shelter in pla
  
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• Man wanted in shooting of Bryan PD officer arrested

  30-12-2022 21:31 via kxan.com
  
  ROBERTSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Authorities on Friday said a man wanted in connection with a police officer shooting in Bryan Thursday was arrested, officials said in a tweet.Bryan Police said one of its officers was taken to the hospital after being shot late Thursday night. BPD said the officer is in stable condition.The Robertson County Sheriff's Office previously alerted the public through Facebook posts that certain roads in the town were closed due to reports of an active shooter. The ar
  
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• Emergency preparedness 'pop-ups' scheduled across Austin

  30-12-2022 20:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin is helping residents prepare for emergencies and disasters before they happen.
  The city's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) will host monthly Emergency Preparedness pop-up events in each of Austin's City Council Districts throughout 2023.
  These events are designed to help equip Austinites with the information, tools and resources needed in emergency situations, according to a press release.
  Community members are invited to attend the
  
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• New Texas laws taking effect in 2023

  30-12-2022 20:37 via kxan.com
  
  AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — While communities across the state of Texas gear up to celebrate the new year, they should also be aware of a few new state laws taking effect as soon as the ball drops for 2023.
  The laws going into effect in 2023 were signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in 2021 and relate to subjects including the state government's judicial branch, state agency rulemaking, education, taxes, water, and construction.January 2023Changes to the Texas government's judicial branch
  HB
  
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• Who is the suspect in the Idaho killings?

  30-12-2022 20:32 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation) — Police on Friday arrested 28-year-old Bryan Christopher Kohberger in connection with the November deaths of four University of Idaho students who were stabbed to death in a rental house near campus.
  The suspect was arrested early Friday morning in Scranton, Pennsylvania and documents filed in the Monroe County court in Pennsylvania revealed he was “awaiting extradition.”
  The Associated Press reports he is being held based on an active arrest warrant citing f
  
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• Police identify pedestrian killed in northwest Austin crash

  30-12-2022 19:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police identified a pedestrian who was struck and killed during a crash that happened last week in a northwest Austin work zone.
  Police said Roman Ferretiz Cervantes, 53, died after the driver of an SUV hit him while he "was operating a work zone." The wreck happened on the morning of Dec. 22 in the 13200 block of North U.S. Highway 183 Service Road, which is near Balcones Club Drive.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: One dead after crash on U.S. 183 service road in northwest AustinPolice
  
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• Texas' biggest lotto payouts of 2022 — Did scratch tickets out-perform draws?

  30-12-2022 19:18 via kxan.com
  
  HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Texas' largest lottery payout of 2022 totaled $20 million and went to a Rio Grande Valley resident.The Harlingen winner claimed the prize Sept. 16 after purchasing a winning scratch-off ticket--the highest prize in that particular game. Home prices jumped 13% in Texas this year; Many counties saw much higher increasesBut 2022's luck was spread out across the state, with winners hauling in millions from a slew of cities. Of course, none of the biggest winn
  
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• Why right now is not a good time for many home sellers in Austin

  30-12-2022 18:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- There's a window of opportunity for homebuyers right now, according an expert, and it means many home sellers are at a major disadvantage.
  "When I look at who suffers in this market, in my opinion, it's really... the people that have bought a home in the last two years," said Ryan Rodenbeck, owner of Spyglass Realty.
  He said those folks would have bought their home when the average appreciation was about 36% in the Austin-area. He said selling it now would give you much less equ
  
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• Suspect faces 4 murder charges in Idaho killings, police say

  30-12-2022 17:59 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation) — A suspect was arrested Friday morning in connection with the brutal November stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
  Bryan Christopher Kohberger, 28, was arrested in the early hours of Friday in Monroe County, Pennsylvania where he is being held while "awaiting extradition."
  His detainment is based on an active arrest warrant from Latah County, Idaho where he faces four counts of first-degree murder and a felony burglary charge in connection with the November i
  
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• Suspect arrested in stabbing deaths of Idaho students

  30-12-2022 17:59 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation) — A suspect was arrested Friday morning in connection with the brutal November stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
  Federal law enforcement sources confirmed to NewsNation that the suspect was arrested in the early hours of Friday in Scranton, Pennsylvania and that the arrest was not made by the FBI.
  The Moscow Police Department is expected to hold a press conference at 3 p.m. Central time in the City Council Chambers to provide the community with an update. N
  
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• Suspect, 28 arrested in stabbing deaths of Idaho students

  30-12-2022 17:59 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation) — A suspect was arrested Friday morning in connection with the brutal November stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
  Federal law enforcement sources confirmed to NewsNation that 28-year-old Bryan Christopher Kohberger was arrested in the early hours of Friday in Scranton, Pennsylvania and that the arrest was not made by the FBI.
  The Moscow Police Department is expected to hold a press conference at 4 p.m. ET in the City Council chambers to provide the community
  
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• LIVE: Idaho police provide update after suspect arrested

  30-12-2022 17:59 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation) — A suspect was arrested Friday morning in connection with the brutal November stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
  Bryan Christopher Kohberger, 28, was arrested in the early hours of Friday in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. The FBI did not make the arrest, NewsNation sources confirmed.
  On Nov. 13, four University of Idaho students — 21-year-old Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and 20-year-old Ethan Chapin — were found dead in
  
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• Why are droughts becoming more common and more severe?

  30-12-2022 17:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas has seen record-breaking dry periods in the last several years, and it isn't the only state. Droughts are becoming more common and more severe as a direct result of climate change.
  Drier climates are impacting not only our water supply, but our businesses and recreation.In this First Warning Weather University lesson, Chief Meteorologist David Yeomans takes a closer look at why droughts are intensifying and why it is bad for all of us.In this FWWU lesson you will lear
  
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• East William Cannon Drive improvements to kick off in 2023

  30-12-2022 17:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Much needed changes are coming to East William Cannon Drive soon.
  KXAN Traffic Anchor Erica Brennes took an in-depth look at the improvements the city just approved.Drop a pin at any point along William Cannon Drive, and you’re bound to find plenty of traffic. But drivers on the east side of William Cannon, between Running Water Drive and McKinney Falls Parkway, will soon experience a much smoother ride.This one-mile stretch of road is about to get a $24.6 millio
  
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• Police searching for suspects who stole southeast Austin food truck trailer

  30-12-2022 17:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police are looking for two suspects who officers believe stole a food truck trailer from William Cannon Drive.
  The trailer was stolen on Nov. 3 around 5:30 p.m. from the 1900 block of E. William Cannon Drive.
  The Austin Police Department said two suspects were in a white Dodge Dakota truck with an extended cab. The model of the truck is 1991-1996.Suspect vehicle of food truck trailer theft. The trailer was stolen from the 1900 block of E. William Cannon Drive on Nov.
  
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• Safe and legal ways to use fireworks

  30-12-2022 16:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- People often celebrate holidays or other events by using fireworks. Travis County authorities are reminding residents of the safe and legal ways to do that before New Year's festivities begin.
  The Travis County Fire Marshal's Office is reminding the public to celebrate safely by staying informed about the hazards of consumer fireworks.According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks cause approximately 19,500 fires yearly, resulting in an estimated $105 mi
  
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• Cedar pollen count almost 30x higher than day before, spike wraps up 2022

  30-12-2022 15:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Using our new Pollen Sense technology that gives us hourly pollen reports, even on weekends, we've seen a huge uptick in cedar pollen that began a noticeable jump on Thursday.Now on Friday, cedar pollen is in the "very high" category for the first time this cedar season.Friday pollen reportDue to the increases sensitivity of our Pollen Sense equipment, a cedar pollen count of 3201 and higher is considered "very high." On Friday morning the pollen count for cedar jumped to 6,960.
  
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• University of Texas granted $612K for mental health resources

  30-12-2022 14:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The University of Texas at Austin was recently awarded more than $612,000 for additional mental health resources.
  The goal of the grant is to support partnerships between local schools and institutions of higher education that are training counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals to provide school-based services, Sen. John Cornyn said.
  The funding, a total of $612,378, came from the  U.S. Department of Education’s Mental He
  
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• TxDOT trying to keep drunk drivers off the roads on NYE

  30-12-2022 14:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —With 2023 just around the corner, Austinites will be gathering together on Saturday to ring in the new year.Too often, New Year’s Eve turns tragic because someone chooses to get behind the wheel after drinking.Last year’s holiday season — December 1, 2021 through January 1, 2022 — 23% of all traffic crash deaths in Texas that occurred involved drunk driving, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Those crashes killed 98 people and seriou
  
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• TxDOT is trying to keep drunk drivers off the roads on NYE

  30-12-2022 14:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —With 2023 just around the corner, Austinites will be gathering together on Saturday to ring in the new year.Too often, New Year’s Eve turns tragic because someone chooses to get behind the wheel after drinking.Last year’s holiday season — December 1, 2021 through January 1, 2022 — 23% of all traffic crash deaths in Texas that occurred involved drunk driving, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Those crashes killed 98 people and seriou
  
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• Austin weather history: The hottest, coldest and wettest New Year's Eve and Day

  30-12-2022 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — What kind of weather does Austin typically see when welcoming in the New Year?A high of 62, a low of 42 and about a tenth of an inch of rain. But what about the extremes?The National Weather Service has weather data for Austin dating back to the 1890s.KXAN dug through the archives to find the hottest, coldest, wettest and snowiest New Year's in history.It's officially snowed in Austin six times on either New Year's Eve or New Year's Day.The most fell on New Year's Eve 1946
  
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• Home prices jumped 13% in Texas this year; Many counties saw much higher increases

  30-12-2022 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The typical home in Texas has increased in value by 13% so far this year.Data from Zillow shows prices across the state increased by about $36,000, or 12.8% between Dec. 31, 2021 and Nov. 30, 2022.Zillow's "Home Value Index" (ZHVI) is a seasonally-adjusted measure of the typical home value in any given area. According to Zillow, the index reflects the typical value for homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range.The average increase in Texas is slightly above that of the nat
  
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• Cloudy, cooler Friday ahead of warm holiday weekend

  30-12-2022 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Today will feature a slight cool down over yesterday's temperature readings, but no need to bundle up.Morning temperatures in the 40s/50s will warm well into the 60s today under a mainly cloudy sky. Although Austin's forecast high of 68° runs ~10° cooler than what was felt midweek, temperatures are still warmer than what is typically felt this late in December.As another quick-hitting disturbances passes over the area, a few spots of light rain are not totally out of the
  
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• Instant Analysis: Lack of run game, squandered chances doom Texas in Alamo Bowl

  30-12-2022 11:11 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns got stuck behind the proverbial eight-ball one too many times in a 27-20 loss to the Washington Huskies in the Alamo Bowl on Thursday.Without All-American running Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, the Longhorns' running game was almost nonexistent in the bowl game, gaining 51 yards on 18 attempts. Quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 369 yards and a touchdown, but the Longhorns didn't take advantage of chances when they were presented to them.KXAN's
  
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• Southwest Airlines: Medical procedure canceled for Austin teen after doctor can't fly home

  30-12-2022 03:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)– You've heard the stories about lost luggage and people having to take road trips across the country because of Southwest Airlines cancellations, but some people were depending on more than just getting home."I was really excited to go back to school and be like maybe I can take some actual medicine that will help me," said 13-year-old Emma Latham who had a procedure cancelled because the doctor could not make it to Austin."It wasn't his fault," said Emma's mom, Kimberley Whi
  
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• Texas family out 5 days, $5K from Southwest mess

  30-12-2022 02:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- Christmas has come and gone, but the Desousas are still here.
  "I have two kids and my wife. We're just trying to figure out what to do," said David Desousa Jr., who is also traveling with his parents.
  They've been trying to get to southern California for their vacation since Christmas Eve, when their first Southwest Airlines flight was canceled.
  "We went back home to College Station. Then, we had another flight that was supposed to leave a few days later. And that one got cancele
  
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• Texas family out 5 days, $5K from Southwest cancellations

  30-12-2022 02:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Christmas has come and gone, but the Desousas are still here.
  "I have two kids and my wife. We're just trying to figure out what to do," said David Desousa Jr., who is also traveling with his parents.
  They've been trying to get to southern California for their vacation since Christmas Eve, when their first Southwest Airlines flight was canceled.
  "We went back home to College Station. Then, we had another flight that was supposed to leave a few days later. And that one got cancel
  
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• New Years Fitness Resolutions For 2023

  30-12-2022 01:56 via kxan.com
  
  WACO, TEXAS (FOX 44) — Every year fitness goals are at the top of many new years resolution lists. But what is the key to staying consistent?Several factors contribute to goal setting for your health and showing up to the gym routinely. Big things like eating a balanced diet and guidance from experts or an accountability partner to keep you committed to your resolutions.
  Personal trainer Keenan Alford with Reinforced Fitness shared what he believes helps in the gym and what sometimes goes
  
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• Austin family pleading for return of late mother's stolen Kia Soul

  30-12-2022 01:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin sisters are asking for your help finding a Kia Soul that is more than just a way to get from point A to point B for the family.
  Destiny Ramirez woke up Thursday morning to find her car, which had been passed down from her late mother, was gone. The family says they drove all over Texas in it with their mother, Roxanne Solis, who passed away last year.
  The car, which is fondly nicknamed "Zoom Zoom," was special to Solis. It was bedazzled and had a big personality, just lik
  
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• Storms exit, but clouds linger on Friday

  30-12-2022 01:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A complex of thunderstorms Thursday afternoon largely missed the Austin area and Hill Country, but dropped torrential rainfall adding up to 1-3 inches in parts of Bastrop and Lee counties. An LCRA rain gauge near Upton measured 1.80", while radar estimates in Lee County exceeded 3 inches. A Flood Advisory is in effect for Lee County for minor flooding from earlier rain. Live interactive radarClouds linger on Friday as another upper level disturbance passes overhead. A few sprink
  
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• How will the Longhorns handle Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the nation's leading passer?

  30-12-2022 00:38 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO (KXAN) — Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been one of the most prolific passers in college football this season, and the Texas Longhorns are going to have to figure out how to stop him.Penix Jr., who came into the bowl season leading the nation with 4,354 passing yards, needs 392 yards to regain the lead from Western Kentucky's Austin Reed, and while the Longhorns certainly respect one of college football's best passers, they've got a plan to create their own no-fly
  
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• Georgetown tenants still without water after latest freeze

  30-12-2022 00:28 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — Tenants at the Parallax Apartments said they were still without running water after the utility was shut off during last week's freeze.Jaclynn Becker said she has lived in the apartments since the fall of 2020 and had not experienced water issues until this week.KXAN visited her apartment Thursday around noon to validate Becker's claim. While a few seconds of running water came out of her kitchen faucet, it quickly trickled out to nothing.Becker said she was unha
  
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• Beer, wine available at Austin's NYE celebration, fireworks at midnight instead of 10pm

  30-12-2022 00:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Some changes are coming to the City of Austin's official New Year's Eve celebration at Auditorium Shores this year.
  Event organizers want the public to know that amid all the excitement, safety is still their top priority.In past years, the fireworks show took place at 10 p.m. This year, it will be at midnight."That's amazing, I was like, 'Yes, they're actually going to run it through the night,'" said Abraham Tamisin, who was walking around Auditorium Shores Thursday."So yeah,
  
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• Beer, wine available at Austin's NYE celebration, fireworks at midnight instead of 10 p.m.

  30-12-2022 00:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Some changes are coming to the City of Austin's official New Year's Eve celebration at Auditorium Shores this year.
  Event organizers want the public to know that amid all the excitement, safety is still their top priority.In past years, the fireworks show took place at 10 p.m. This year, it will be at midnight."That's amazing, I was like, 'Yes, they're actually going to run it through the night,'" said Abraham Tamisin, who was walking around Auditorium Shores Thursday."So yeah,
  
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• Southwest Airlines cancellation complicates wedding weekend in Houston

  30-12-2022 00:04 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KXAN) – Planning for your wedding day can undoubtedly be stressful. But having your wedding amid the travel nightmare sweeping across the country takes the cake — or wedding cake. Wendi Reichstein is getting married to her fiance, Aaron, in Houston this Saturday. She arrived on Christmas Eve, a few days before Aaron, with no issues. “And then things just sort of started to snowball,” Reichstein said. Southwest meltdown: How your baggage can end up in a diffe
  
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