Austin news

• Over 3 million Texans will see a reduction in SNAP benefits in March

  13-01-2023 22:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Texas families who have been getting extra money to buy food during the pandemic through the Supplemental Nutrition Assitance Program (SNAP) will soon see a dramatic cut in their benefits. In March, all SNAP recipients – roughly 3.6 million Texans –  will see a reduction of at least $95 a month, and other families seeing a cut of more than $400 a month.Early on in the pandemic, Congress temporarily increased SNAP benefits by allowing states to give all reci
  
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• New partnership: 40-120 asylum seekers will fly out of Austin airport each day

  13-01-2023 22:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Starting Friday, the City of Austin is working to help get asylum seekers to the airport so that they can fly to destinations elsewhere in the U.S. San Antonio asked for Austin's help after seeing an influx of asylum seekers coming to its city during their journey.Between 40 and 120 asylum seekers could come to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport each day from San Antonio on charter buses, after first being processed at San Antonio's Centro de Bienvenida/Migrant Resource
  
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• Recovering from a record number of teachers dropping out, Austin ISD has ideas for retention

  13-01-2023 21:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a couple of weeks, the Austin Independent School District's Board of Trustees is set to vote on some changes the district hopes will recruit and retain teachers.
  "It's not just about compensation, it's about making the job doable," said Brandi Hosack, AISD chief human capital officer, during Thursday night's board meeting in which they discussed some changes.AISD prioritizing teacher pay for FY2024 budgetAs of Friday, AISD's website shows 238 teaching positions that need
  
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• 1 critically injured after pedestrian hit by vehicle in southeast Austin

  13-01-2023 21:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – One person was reported to have critical, life-threatening injuries after a vehicle hit a pedestrian Friday morning, according to first responders.Austin-Travis County EMS said the collision was at the intersection of Bluff Springs Road and East William Cannon Drive in southeast Austin.According to ATCEMS, the adult patient was taken to a south Austin hospital.
  
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• APD: 1 charged after 'recklessly' handled gun leads to man's death

  13-01-2023 20:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin man faces a manslaughter charge after police said he "recklessly" handled a gun and it went off, shooting and killing another man.Twenty-year-old Eric House died Jan. 10 after being rushed to the hospital with a gunshot wound in his neck. Someone called 911 at 7:43 p.m., urging responders to hurry to the apartment on the 2000 block of Willow Creek Drive and saying "he accidentally got shot." MAP: Where have Austin’s homicides occurred in 2023?The officer who
  
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• APD: 'Altercation' leads to north Austin homicide, suspect arrested within an hour

  13-01-2023 20:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – On Friday, the Austin Police Department said it arrested a man in connection with a Tuesday morning homicide in north Austin.Officers responded to the shooting call at approximately 3:29 a.m. in the 1400 block of S. Meadows Drive and found 37-year-old Gavin Wood on the sidewalk with gunshot wounds. Police said he died at the scene. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Police investigating homicide in north Austin near Quail Creek areaAPD said 35-year-old Eric Lamountain was in an altercation
  
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• Nearby Earth-sized exoplanet discovered by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope

  13-01-2023 19:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Researchers have revealed they have discovered the first exoplanet using the James Webb Space Telescope. The planet, named LHS 475 b, is about the size of Earth.
  “There is no question that the planet is there. Webb’s pristine data validate it,” research Jacob Lustig-Yaeger said in a statement.The planet is close to Earth. It is only 41 light-years away in the constellation Octans. The discovery was made on August 13, 2022 and presented on January 11, 2023.An exo
  
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• Lawmaker proposes capping monthly pet fees for Texas renters

  13-01-2023 18:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A monthly fee or initial deposit is standard for Texas renters who have pets, but a bill filed this legislative session could change what landlords can require in the future.
  State Rep. Jon Rosenthal, D-Houston, brought forward House Bill 1166 to potentially alter what landlords in Texas can tack onto a pet owner's lease. The legislation, if it passes, would allow landlords to either cap a monthly pet fee at $20 or collect a one-time refundable pet deposit at the outset of
  
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• Man sentenced for tampering, capital murder charge dismissed

  13-01-2023 18:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – On Jan. 4, a Travis County judge sentenced a Central Texas man to 25 years in prison after he pled guilty to tampering/fabricating physical evidence with the intent to impair involving a human corpse, a second-degree felony.Harvey Lester Cyphers, 56, was previously charged with capital murder of multiple persons for an April 2016 offense, according to Travis County court records. The murder charge was dropped the same day he was sentenced.According to records, Cyphers also
  
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• Dallas Zoo: Clouded leopard still missing, 'suspicious' breach found in habitat

  13-01-2023 18:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Dallas Zoo closed Friday as it worked to find a clouded leopard that went missing from its habitat. Zoo officials said they discovered a "suspicious" breach at the front of the habitat while investigating. PHOTOS: Austin Zoo welcomes 2 new cheetahs to the mixThe opening isn't believed to be because of habitat failure. The fence was intentionally cut, Warren Mitchell with the Dallas Police Department said."It is our belief that this was an intentional act," Mitchell said
  
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• Dallas Zoo: Clouded leopard found, safely secured in its habitat

  13-01-2023 18:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Dallas Zoo announced a clouded leopard that went missing Friday from its habitat was located and safely secured by 5:15 p.m., according to a tweet from the zoo.On Friday morning, the zoo announced it was closed as it worked to find the clouded leopard that went missing from its habitat. Zoo officials previously said they discovered a "suspicious" breach at the front of the habitat while investigating. PHOTOS: Austin Zoo welcomes 2 new cheetahs to the mixThe opening isn'
  
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• Dallas Zoo: Clouded leopard found, safely secured in it habitat

  13-01-2023 18:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Dallas Zoo announced a clouded leopard that went missing Friday from its habitat was located and safely secured by 5:15 p.m., according to a tweet from the zoo.On Friday morning, the zoo announced it was closed as it worked to find the clouded leopard that went missing from its habitat. Zoo officials said they discovered a "suspicious" breach at the front of the habitat while investigating. PHOTOS: Austin Zoo welcomes 2 new cheetahs to the mixThe opening isn't believed
  
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• Dallas Zoo closed as clouded leopard escapes enclosure

  13-01-2023 18:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Dallas Zoo closed Friday as it worked to find a clouded leopard that appears to have escaped from its habitat.The Zoo said it's a "non-dangerous" animal, and Dallas police are helping with the search.
  "Given the nature of these animals, we believe the animal is still on grounds and hiding," the Zootweeted at 10:21 a.m.This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
  
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• Pearce Lane improvements coming for Del Valle

  13-01-2023 16:18 via kxan.com
  
  DEL VALLE, Texas (KXAN) -- Big improvements are in store for roads in Del Valle, starting with Pearce Lane.KXAN Traffic Anchor Erica Brennes reports on the changes coming that should make it safer to drive, walk and bike in Del Valle.In Eastern Travis County, out by the airport, and Circuit of The Americas, and now Tesla, you’ll find the community of Del Valle.While business growth has been red hot in this part of the Austin area, the roads have taken a beating. Particularly Pearce Lane.Br
  
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• Mulch: the benefits of the nature's leftovers

  13-01-2023 15:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- There's more to the shredded bark and pieces of wood you see scattered over flowerbeds everywhere. In fact, there are quite a few benefits of the discarded tree pieces, commonly referred to as 'mulch'.Not only does mulch protect the ground and surrounding vegetation, but it also serves as a water filter for plant life and runoff.Meteorologist Kristen Currie spoke with Denise Delaney, a horticulturist with the Austin Watershed Protection Department, to get the details on the prac
  
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• PHOTOS: Austin Zoo welcomes 2 new cheetahs to the mix

  13-01-2023 15:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Zoo welcomed the new year with new faces: two female cheetahs, 7-year-old Amina and 6-year-old Daya.The Austin Zoo made the announcement on its Facebook page Dec. 31, 2022.“Be sure you see our newest addition to our animal family, our two Cheetahs, Amina and Daya,” the zoo said.Two new cheetahs arrive at the Austin Zoo (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)Two new cheetahs arrive at the Austin Zoo (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)Two new cheetahs arrive at the Austin
  
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• Ancient cat fossils, paw prints recovered from beneath Texas Hill Country

  13-01-2023 15:44 via kxan.com
  
  COMAL COUNTY, TX (KXAN) - The remains of two possibly prehistoric cats were recovered this week from deep with Natural Bridge Caverns in Comal County, just north of San Antonio. The remains of the two small cats were found more than a mile from the natural entrance of the cavern. Paw prints left on the cave floor were found nearby."They're ancient. They've been in this cave for a very long time," said Paleontologist John Moretti, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Texas in Austin. He was amo
  
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• Manor ISD names Dr. Tamey Williams-Hill as interim superintendent

  13-01-2023 14:15 via kxan.com
  
  MANOR, Texas (KXAN) — The Manor Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously voted on Monday to appoint Dr. Tamey Williams-Hill as interim superintendent. She takes over for acting superintendent and Chief Schools Officer Michael Perkins. He stepped into the role after previous superintendent Dr. Andre Spencer left in December. Manor ISD superintendent leaves districtWilliams-Hill joined Manor ISD in September 2022 as the chief human capital officer. According a press release
  
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• Texas man's Selena memorabilia collection vies for Guinness World Record

  13-01-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS (KXAN) — A Texas man's Selena Quintanilla memorabilia collection has captured the attention of thousands — and it might earn him a Guinness World Record title.Andrew Longoria first fell in love with Selena's music when he and his grandma purchased her "Dreaming of You" CD in 1997. Growing up, he said many kids his age had fallen in love with her music and were introduced to her through the 1997 biographical film starring Jennifer Lopez. TEXAS WORLD RECORDS: Austin man breaks wo
  
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• Questions about Electric Vehicles answered

  13-01-2023 13:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- If you’re in the market for a new car and deciding between a traditional gas-powered car, a hybrid or maybe an electric vehicle, but you have questions. General Motors has a new tool that allows you to ask an EV expert. Experts at EV Live will be able to give you unbiased answers that can help you decide if an electric vehicle is right for you. Some of the most common questions are about charging an electric vehicle.Hoss Hassani, the Vice President of the EV Ecosystem
  
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• Flirting with freezing ahead of weekend warm-up

  13-01-2023 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Walking out the door this morning, Mother Nature will remind us that yes, it is still winter.A chilly Friday morning transitions to a cool afternoon with our warm up only taking us to the low 60s (quite the contrast to the low 80s we had earlier in the week). Sunshine and light winds can be expected areawide with rain-free skies through the day.Calm winds and dry air will allow for very cold overnight temperatures. Low temperatures will fall to the 30s by Saturday morning with m
  
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• Flirting with a freeze ahead of weekend warm-up

  13-01-2023 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Walking out the door this morning, Mother Nature will remind us that yes, it is still winter.A chilly Friday morning transitions to a cool afternoon with our warm up only taking us to the low 60s (quite the contrast to the low 80s we had earlier in the week). Sunshine and light winds can be expected areawide with rain-free skies through the day.Calm winds and dry air will allow for very cold overnight temperatures. Low temperatures will fall to the 30s by Saturday morning with m
  
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• Georgetown ISD still struggling with teacher shortages, urging lawmakers for more money

  13-01-2023 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- Georgetown ISD superintendent Fred Brent said the dozens of district job openings are "not normal," as the district struggles to keep schools staffed.Brent said the issue is the result of many teachers leaving the profession during the pandemic, and also a lack of funding coming from the state legislature.
  Dr. Brent talked with KXAN about staffing, fentanyl, security, student achievement, and more as part of our superintendent series.
  Tom Miller: Earlier this week the
  
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• Sheriff: Texas woman found mutilated, husband arrested

  13-01-2023 05:32 via kxan.com
  
  WALLER COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man was arrested after his wife was found mutilated Wednesday, authorities said.Jared James Dicus, 21, was arrested on a charge of murder, according to a post by the Waller County Sheriff's Office. Police: Man with stab wound crashes into Weslaco hospital; suspect detainedAt 4:35 p.m. Wednesday, the sheriff's office received a call of a death at the 2000 block of Oak Hollow Blvd. near Magnolia.Upon arrival, deputies discovered the body of a woman in
  
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• 'I was never given a specific role': Former DPS sergeant recounts Uvalde massacre

  13-01-2023 05:08 via kxan.com
  
  This story is part of a KXAN series of reports called "Stop Mass Shootings," providing context and exploring solutions surrounding gun violence in the wake of the deadly Uvalde school shooting. We want our reports to be a resource for Texans, as well as for lawmakers who are convening a month after the events in Uvalde to discuss how the state should move forward. Explore all "Stop Mass Shootings" stories by clicking here.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Juan Maldonado, a former Texas Department of Pu
  
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• Former DPS sergeant recounts Uvalde massacre

  13-01-2023 05:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Juan Maldonado, a former Texas Department of Public Safety sergeant, responded to the school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde on May 24.A gunman killed 19 students and two teachers."I can't emphasize the loss of those families that lost their loved ones," Maldonado said.
  DPS served Maldonado with termination papers in September that said he did not act on scene in a way a trooper with his amount of experience should have.
  "I was shocked," he said. The agency gave him
  
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• Patients don't panic: Blue Cross Blue Shield and Ascension negotiation update

  13-01-2023 05:03 via kxan.com
  
  Austin (KXAN) — 66,000 central Texans are still waiting for the resolution to ongoing contract talks between a major hospital system and one of the state's biggest insurance providers after finding out they could lose access to nearby facilities. One local insurance consultant said that pressure is usually part of the negotiation process.Last week, Ascension patients insured with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) reported receiving messages that they could lose in-network care t
  
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• Texas woman wields pocket knife against man with machete, deputies say

  13-01-2023 04:55 via kxan.com
  
  PORT ISABEL, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Cameron County man was arrested after attempting to cut a woman with a machete, authorities said.
  Aldo Lopez, 32, was arrested Jan. 7 on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Cameron County Sheriff's Office. Texan finds coatimundi on his porchOn Jan. 7, deputies responded to the 900 block of Highway 100 near Port Isabel in reference to a disturbance, in which a woman told authorities she was assaulted by Lopez after he a
  
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• Bastrop ISD teen arrested after having gun on Manor ISD campus

  13-01-2023 04:21 via kxan.com
  
  MANOR, Texas (KXAN) — A teen was arrested Tuesday after he was found in possession of a gun on the Manor ISD campus, according to Manor ISD Chief of Police Clarence Yarbrough.A group of non-Manor ISD students in a pickup truck were observed on Manor High/Manor Early College grounds and were in a verbal altercation with several Manor ISD students, according to the letter, which was sent to the Manor ISD community.Manor High School administrators, campus police and security officials immedia
  
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• 'They don't need jail': Family of man who died in custody of drug complications seeking solutions

  13-01-2023 03:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A family in Florida is looking for answers after their son died in Travis County's jail late last year. A state death report shows the 46-year-old died from complications tied to drug use.
  Kyle Wagner was arrested and died in August of 2022, according to the Travis County Sheriff's Office. His family says he was arrested on a parole violation.
  Documents show Wagner identified himself as a drug user at booking, so he was put on withdrawal protocols and placed in a medical unit.
  T
  
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• AISD prioritizing teacher pay for FY2024 budget

  13-01-2023 03:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin ISD is already discussing next year's budget as new board members and a new interim superintendent join the district.On Thursday, the AISD Board of Trustees discussed the district's biggest priorities, which included staffing and teacher pay.About 80% of the current budget goes towards compensation and AISD Chief Financial Officer Ed Ramos said there will still be a focus on keeping teachers in the district.“Ultimately, staff compensation and teacher pay will b
  
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• Lisa Marie Presley, singer and daughter of Elvis, dies at 54

  13-01-2023 03:02 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lisa Marie Presley, a singer, Elvis’ only daughter and a dedicated keeper of her father’s legacy, died Thursday after being hospitalized for a medical emergency. She was 54.Presley's death was confirmed by her mother, Priscilla.
  “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us,” Priscilla Presley said in a statement. “She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have
  
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• Neighbors say store uses loud opera music to push away homeless

  13-01-2023 00:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Some businesses around the country have started using roaring classical music as a tactic to deter people experiencing homelessness from camping out in front of their storefronts. People in Austin’s Riverside neighborhood have started complaining about this type of music coming from one 7-Eleven. “I think it's to keep us homeless (people) off of their property. No one wants to listen to classical music. So they run us off by the classical music, so we don't hang
  
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• 'He saved my life': Teen saves Texas woman mauled by 4 dogs

  13-01-2023 00:14 via kxan.com
  
  ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) - Aggressive dogs have been running rampant in some Abilene, Texas neighborhoods in recent weeks. One Abilene woman says she now fears for her life after getting mauled by four of them.Dried blood still stains the sheets and hospital gown of Jessica Luna, and her hands are still covered in blood, less than a day after the unimaginable occurred in an Abilene alleyway.Luna told Nexstar's KTAB she loves to walk. However, Tuesday was no ordinary stroll. As Luna began walki
  
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• Texas man allegedly steals Ruffles chips truck, wrecks into garage

  13-01-2023 00:08 via kxan.com
  
  BEXAR COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Investigators are trying to determine if the motive in a Ruffles Lays truck theft was the munchies or a simple love for Ruffles chips, deputies say.Jeff Jetin
  Jeff Jetin, 27, was arrested on Jan. 10 after allegedly stealing a Ruffles Lays truck and evading arrest, according to authorities.On Tuesday, Converse police and Bexar County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the Walmart located at the 8000 block of FM 78 in Converse in reference to the thef
  
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