Austin news

• One-on-one with Austin's interim city manager, Jesús Garza

  24-02-2023 23:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- For the first time since Austin City Council tapped Jesús Garza as its interim city manager, Garza spoke with KXAN city hall reporter Grace Reader about his relationship with newly-elected Mayor Kirk Watson, his priorities for the role and how he ended up in the city manager's office.
  Garza stepped into the role after city council voted to part ways with former city manager Spencer Cronk. Cronk was criticized for his response to this month's ice storm and negotiation with
  
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• SXSW announces lineup for 2023 Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake

  24-02-2023 23:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — South by Southwest announced the lineup for its 2023 Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake, 800 W. Riverside Dr.SXSW said the concerts were free and open to the public from March 16-18. The SXSW festival in Austin begins March 10 and ends March 19.“The Austin skyline serves as the perfect background to these special live music performances,” SXSW said. Musicians’ union launches ‘Fair Pay’ campaign against SXSW, says artists paid as low
  
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• Weekend warming comes gradually as clouds stick around

  24-02-2023 22:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The brief appearance of a strong cold front capped high temperatures in the 50s on Friday following the 90s we recorded just two days prior.Light northerly winds and cloudy skies persist overnight and early Saturday, keeping chilly air locked in. A bit of light drizzle is possible at times, but measurable rain is unlikely.The same cold front reverses course as a warm front, arriving late Saturday into Sunday. This spins the wind direction back from the southeast, bringing much w
  
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• Is vinyl chloride shipped through Austin?

  24-02-2023 22:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In the aftermath of a Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, viewers reached out to KXAN to find out if the chemical vinyl chloride could be transported through Austin.According to the Texas Department of Transportation's maps, Union Pacific (UP) is the main railroad running through Texas' capital city. A UP spokesperson said they, like all major railroad companies, are a federally mandated transporter of vinyl chloride and other hazardous chemica
  
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• Austin bakery wins 2023 America's Classics Award

  24-02-2023 22:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, the James Beard Foundation announced the six recipients of its 2023 America's Classics Award—one of which was an Austin-based location.“The America's Classics Award is given to locally owned restaurants that have timeless appeal and are beloved regionally for quality food that reflects the character of its community,” JBF said.Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop, 2305 E 7th St., won the award in the Texas Region category.According to JBF, th
  
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• Feeling lucky? The current Lotto Texas jackpot is the largest in 12 years

  24-02-2023 21:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The jackpot for the Feb. 25 drawing is the largest Lotto Texas prize in more than 12 years.Saturday's jackpot stands at an estimated $47.25 million, the highest total since May 29, 2010. The jackpot then was $97 million.The total means the Lotto Texas prize is the fifth largest lottery jackpot in the world currently, and the third largest in the country. The nationwide Mega Millions and Powerball drawings currently have jackpots of $126 million and $119 million.The Feb. 25
  
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• Battle in the Texas legislature over which alcoholic beverages can be sold in grocery stores

  24-02-2023 21:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A new Texas bill, if passed, would allow convenience stores and grocery stores to sell popular spirit-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails and seltzers. Under current laws in Texas, these beverages are permitted only to be sold in liquor stores.Current state law states alcohol products can be sold in grocery and convenience stores if they are under 17% alcohol by volume (ABV), but anything containing a spirit cannot be sold at those locations. That means beer, wine and malt
  
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• Police dishonorable discharges could be eliminated, what’s the alternative?

  24-02-2023 20:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Pete Arredondo, Uvalde CISD’s former police chief, was fired after coming under scrutiny for his part in leading the law enforcement response during the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School that left 19 children and two teachers dead.But it’s what happened after Arredondo’s firing – when he appealed his less-than-honorable discharge and won by default in administrative court – that highlights a major shortfall in Texas law enforcement p
  
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• 'Somos El Futuro' hopes to empower young women of color Saturday

  24-02-2023 19:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- This Saturday, the "Somos El Futuro" (We are the Future) conference will hold workshops for young women of color on leadership, mental health, education and entrepreneurship, to help the girls build the futures that they want.The event is a first for Con Mi Madre, an Austin-based organization with a focus on the empowerment of young Latinas and their mothers. The group works to achieve this through a variety of "education and support services that increase preparedness, particip
  
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• 'I am truly sorry': Texas education official apologizes for leaked audio pushing school voucher program

  24-02-2023 19:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A high-ranking Texas Education Agency official apologized after a phone call in which he advocated for the governor's effort to bring a school voucher system to Texas was leaked to YouTube.
  The audio was recorded in February, during a call between a parent and the Deputy Commissioner of Governance Steve Lecholop. It was published on YouTube by education commentator Lynn Davenport Saturday. The audio of the call was provided to KXAN. Leaked recording: High-ranking
  
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• Three American Airlines routes from Austin to end scheduled seasonal service, will resume later in the year

  24-02-2023 19:38 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: This story has been updated to clarify that the routes are seasonal and were scheduled to end at this time.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Seasonal service on three American Airlines routes from Austin, including two international, is soon coming to an end for the summer.A spokesperson for the airline told KXAN the routes are offered seasonally and will soon come to the end of their scheduled season. They are set to resume later in the year. Many airlines offer seasonal service on certain r
  
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• American Airlines to suspend three routes from AUS this summer, including two international

  24-02-2023 19:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — American Airlines is set to suspend three nonstop routes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport this summer, including two international routes.Flights to St. Louis, Missouri, will be suspended from May 5 through Aug. 15, according to a spokesperson for AUS.Flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Nassau, Bahamas, will be suspended from Aug. 19 through Nov. 11, the spokesperson said.KXAN has reached out to American Airlines for more information about why the routes are bei
  
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• American Airlines to pause three seasonal routes from AUS, including two international

  24-02-2023 19:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Seasonal service on three American Airlines routes from Austin, including two international, is soon coming to an end for the summer.Flights to St. Louis, Missouri, will be suspended from May 5 through Aug. 15, according to a spokesperson for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.Flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Nassau, Bahamas, will be suspended from Aug. 19 through Nov. 11, the spokesperson said.A spokesperson for American Airlines told KXAN the routes are offered se
  
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• American Airlines to end three seasonal routes from AUS, including two international

  24-02-2023 19:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Seasonal service on three American Airlines routes from Austin, including two international, is soon coming to an end for the summer.Flights to St. Louis, Missouri, will be suspended from May 5 through Aug. 15, according to a spokesperson for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.Flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Nassau, Bahamas, will be suspended from Aug. 19 through Nov. 11, the spokesperson said.A spokesperson for American Airlines told KXAN the routes are offered se
  
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• Texans to rally for Ukraine at Capitol on anniversary of Russia's invasion

  24-02-2023 18:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Texans are invited to a rally for peace in Ukraine at the Texas Capitol Friday afternoon, marking one year since Russia invaded the country.The group Nonviolent Austin is hosting the rally in front of the Texas State Capitol on the 11th Street and Congress Avenue sidewalk from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  "We support peace in Ukraine through negotiation, and work for a groundswell of global citizens to pull the world back from proxy wars and nuclear brinkmanship," organizer Jim Crosby
  
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• SH 130 Traffic Up 17%

  24-02-2023 18:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Drivers looking to avoid I-35 through downtown Austin are taking to SH-130 more than ever.KXAN traffic anchor Erica Brennes shows us how much busier it's gotten."It's horrible, it's really horrible getting to work!"If I told you Vanessa Davila is referring to Austin area traffic, you wouldn't be surprised, right? But what if I told you she's referring to traffic in Hutto on SH 130!?"My average I'll say 30 minutes and then when I get back like say the end of the day. I have to sa
  
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• LIVE: APD arrests suspect related to 2 Austin homicides, police to provide update on investigation

  24-02-2023 18:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said it would provide an update Friday on two February homicides. RELATED: Police say suspect is unknown in fatal east Austin shooting, identifies victimAPD said a suspect was arrested in connection with both murders — one in 5800 block of Techni Center Drive and the other in the 600 block of East Sixth Street.According to past KXAN reports, the homicide on Techni Center Drive occurred Feb. 8, and the East Sixth Street homicide occurred Fe
  
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• APD arrests suspect related to 2 Austin homicides, police to provide update on investigation

  24-02-2023 18:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said it would provide an update Friday on two February homicides. RELATED: Police say suspect is unknown in fatal east Austin shooting, identifies victimAPD said a suspect was arrested in connection with both murders — one in 5800 block of Techni Center Drive and the other in the 600 block of East Sixth Street.According to past KXAN reports, the homicide on Techni Center Drive occurred Feb. 8, and the East Sixth Street homicide occurred Fe
  
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• APD arrests suspect related to 2 Austin homicides, police provide investigation updates

  24-02-2023 18:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department provided an update Friday on two February homicides. RELATED: Police say suspect is unknown in fatal east Austin shooting, identifies victimAPD said 18-year-old Abraham Kulor was arrested in connection with both murders — one in 5800 block of Techni Center Drive and the other in the 600 block of East Sixth Street.According to past KXAN reports, the homicide on Techni Center Drive occurred Feb. 8, and the East Sixth Street homicide occurred
  
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• APD arrests suspect related to 2 Austin homicides

  24-02-2023 18:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department provided an update Friday on two February homicides. RELATED: Police say suspect is unknown in fatal east Austin shooting, identifies victimImage of Abraham Kulor (APD photo)
  APD said 18-year-old Abraham Kulor was arrested in connection with both murders — one in 5800 block of Techni Center Drive and the other in the 600 block of East Sixth Street.According to past KXAN reports, the homicide on Techni Center Drive occurred Feb. 8, and the
  
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• Rihanna's Super Bowl show clocks more FCC complaints than Sam Smith's 'Satanic Mass' at the Grammys

  24-02-2023 17:38 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) -- Rihanna’s halftime show at Super Bowl LVII elicited more complaints from TV viewers than Sam Smith and Kim Petras’s controversial performance at the Grammy Awards.The “Diamonds” singer’s halftime spectacle at State Farm Stadium in Arizona earlier this month drew 102 complaints to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), according to records obtained by The Hill as part of a Freedom of Information Act request.Rihanna performed a medley of some of he
  
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• San Marcos student dies after accident in middle school parking lot

  24-02-2023 16:52 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — A San Marcos child died after being hit by a vehicle Friday morning in the Goodnight Middle School parking lot, San Marcos CISD Superintendent Michael Cardona said in a district letter.The student was 11 years old, the City of San Marcos said. The driver of the vehicle was identified, and no charges are expected."The loss of a student is devastating and we are all grieving together. I wish I had the right words to say, but I do not. We appreciate your continued p
  
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• San Marcos CISD alerts parents to 'medical emergency' at local middle school

  24-02-2023 16:52 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — San Marcos CISD told parents in a tweet Friday morning that Goodnight Middle School was in a hold "due to a medical emergency that occurred in the parking lot."The district said there was no threat to the campus.
  According to the tweet, EMS and first responders were on the scene to deal with the medical emergency only.
  KXAN has requested more information from the district about the situation and will update this story.
  
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• Texas governor’s taskforce takes on teacher shortage crisis in new report

  24-02-2023 16:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A “steep increase” in Texas teachers leaving. More than 20% of teachers enter schools with no certification. Salary increases not keeping up with inflation.Just a few of the challenges described in the long-anticipated report from 45 Texas teachers and administrators Gov. Greg Abbott ordered to take on the growing teacher shortage in the state.“This is not a new trend. This has been a 30-year trend, and this is not specific to Texas. This is education in t
  
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• Travis County tree debris dropoff hours decrease

  24-02-2023 15:24 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Two Travis County tree debris dropoff locations have decreased their hours due to decreasing demand.
  The dropoff locations at Mansfield Dam Park and Northeast Metropolitan Park will change from being open every day to only being open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Both locations will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on those days and will only accept tree limbs, branches, shrubs and leaves. Household trash, appliances, metal or other non-vegetative debris
  
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• Austin's animal shelter took in thousands fewer pets last year, so why is intake restricted? 

  24-02-2023 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you find a stray dog today, you won't be able to drop it off at the Austin Animal Center (unless it's hurt or violent enough to be a safety risk). It's been that way for months.
  A sign indicating intake is restricted sits outside of the Austin Animal Center. It's been there since September 2021. (KXAN photo/Grace Reader)
  The municipal shelter restricted intake in September 2021, saying the number of animals coming in was far superseding the number of animals going out. B
  
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• What is the most visited state park in Texas? Here's the top 10 countdown

  24-02-2023 13:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — From mountains and canyons to forests and swamps, the vast scale of Texas provides so many natural wonders.Across the Lone Star State, there are 87 state parks, natural areas and historic sites currently operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Texas state park to close and be turned into multi-million dollar developmentThe first parks were opened to the public in the 1930s and the newest, Old Tunnel State Park, opened in 2012. TPWD also has plans to develop fiv
  
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• Brief return of winter ahead of a weekend warm up

  24-02-2023 12:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Do you know where your heavy coat is? Because there's a good chance you're going to want it today.A push of cold air coming down from the north will keep our temperatures in the 40s and 50s all morning and afternoon -- nearly 30° cooler than what we felt yesterday. Cloudy skies with spotty drizzle and light rain are expected today through midday Saturday, but very little accumulation is expected (only a few hundredths of an inch).
  Our next warming trend gets underway this we
  
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• Travis Co. commissioner believes emergency alert system not properly utilized during winter storm

  24-02-2023 12:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In the aftermath of the most recent ice storm in Central Texas, a Travis county commissioner is raising questions about the use of a notification system that can call, text, and email residents with vital information during emergencies.
  Toward the end of a joint subcommittee meeting with representatives from the city, county, and school district on Feb. 17, Travis county commissioner Brigid Shea directed questions about communication to the county's chief emergency management co
  
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• APD searching for January hit-and-run suspect that left one person injured

  24-02-2023 04:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department are searching for a suspect wanted in connection with a January southeast Austin hit-and-run that left one person injured, according to a APD news release.Shortly after 7 a.m., Jan. 29, officers responded to reports of an injured a 22-year-old pedestrian lying in the roadway in the 2100 block of Burton Drive, the release said.According to police, an unknown driver hit the man while he was crossing the street. The driver left the scene without at
  
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• Pflugerville ISD: Dessau Elementary will not close says superintendent

  24-02-2023 04:03 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — A school being considered for closure will operate for at least one more year in Pflugerville ISD.During Thursday’s PfISD school board meeting, Superintendent Rob Killian announced he would not be making a recommendation to close Dessau Elementary School.Declining enrollment trends in some schools and financial struggles were just some of the reasons  PfISD almost was forced to close the school.Since December, the district has been meeting with paren
  
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• Memo: Expansion of Austin's wildfire division on hold due to lack of resources

  24-02-2023 01:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Fire Department is expected to open a new station late next month in the Loop 360/Davenport area, but a memo from Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker shows that even though the west Austin station was supposed to house an extension of the department's wildfire division, the department doesn't have what it needs to make that happen.
  "On April 23, 2021, the Austin Fire Department (AFD) adopted a four-year plan for battalion realignment. We are unable to move forward with the o
  
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• AHS helps rescue nearly 60 dogs from Central Texas home

  24-02-2023 01:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Nearly 60 dogs were rescued from a single home in February, according to the Austin Humane Society.AHS said it activated its Emergency Pet Shelter to take in 57 "neglected" dogs, which included three senior dogs, 45 adults, five puppies and four neonates—most of which were small breeds.Austin Humane Society helps rescue 57 neglected dogs from Central Texas home (AHS photo)Austin Humane Society helps rescue 57 neglected dogs from Central Texas home (AHS photo)Austin Hu
  
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• Repeat racial slurs spark student protest at Southwestern University

  24-02-2023 01:07 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — Southwestern University confirmed a racial slur was written on a residence hall whiteboard on two different occasions this week. The act and university's response also sparked a student-led protest demanding change to prevent future harassment.A representative from the university said the first slur was found written on a whiteboard attached to a student's door.The university said it held a conversation with students on that floor soon after to condemn the action
  
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• U.S. Senator John Cornyn, Hays County families, law enforcement discuss fentanyl

  24-02-2023 00:43 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) was part of a roundtable discussion Thursday with Hays CISD leaders and law enforcement to discuss the dangers of fentanyl.
  "I'm eager to learn more about what's happening right here in Hays County," Senator Cornyn said.
  Also, a part of the discussion was comments from parents who lost their children to the lethal drug. This school year alone, five Hays CISD students died from fentanyl.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Sheriff: Hays CISD student dies
  
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• Texas House to prioritize bills on privacy and security, supporting mothers and children

  24-02-2023 00:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, Speaker of the Texas House Dade Phelan announced several key legislative priorities for the chamber during the 88th Texas Legislature session.According to Phelan, the priorities focus on improving the privacy and security of Texans, as well as better supporting mothers and children in the state.Phelan said the four primary bills being addressed during the session were:
  House Bill 4 by Rep. Giovanni CapriglioneHouse Bill 12 by Rep. Toni RoseHouse Bill 18 by Rep.
  
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• More Uvalde survivors' families sue school district, state and local officers

  24-02-2023 00:27 via kxan.com
  
  UVALDE, Texas (Nexstar) — The parents of two surviving children of the Uvalde mass school shooting are filing a lawsuit against state and local officials, seeking damages for negligence over the police response that took nearly 400 officers more than an hour to enter the classrooms and take down the gunman.
  Parents of two unnamed children, identified as M.K. and K.T., filed a lawsuit in federal court on Wednesday, against nearly 20 defendants, including gun manufacturer Daniel Defense and
  
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• Coldest day in three weeks expected on Friday

  24-02-2023 00:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Coming off a 91° high temperature on Wednesday, high temperatures in parts of the area will not escape the 40s on Friday afternoon.A strong cold front has already moved through the area, but the push of colder temperatures is bottled up a couple hundred miles behind it. As northerly winds pick up tonight and Friday and clouds thicken overhead, a brief period of much colder weather arrives.Much colder temperatures FridayCloudy skies with a few periods of light drizzle and lig
  
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