Austin news

• Austin tree destroyed in ice storm turned into carved elephant

  27-02-2023 23:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After this month's ice storm damaged millions of trees in Austin, one resident is turning her destroyed tree into a work of art.For 32 years, Austin resident Deborah Alexander had a box elder tree planted in her yard, one grown from a twig from her late grandparents' tree. Then came this February's ice storm, leaving her with nothing but a stump in its place."When the guy came and cut [the tree] down, he left a pretty big chunk of it left," she said. "And we were kind of lo
  
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• Texas men's basketball ready for stretch run

  27-02-2023 23:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's crunch time for the Texas Longhorns men's basketball team.Head coach Rodney Terry said February was all about separating from the rest of the Big 12 Conference. His Longhorns did that, firmly establishing themselves as one of the top Big 12 teams with an 11-5 conference record. Texas men’s hoops fall a spot to No. 9 in latest AP pollBut now, Texas is set to embark on the month that means the most in the world of college basketball. The Longhorns have two regular
  
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• 'Generational decisions' face Project Connect scope change, federal expert says

  27-02-2023 23:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a "sobering" update to CapMetro board members Monday, a federal transit expert outlined next steps for Austin's Project Connect mass transit program, as well as critical steps needed to ensure its success in delivering light rail and expanded bus transit in the future.More than two years ago, Austin voters approved Project Connect, a multi-billion-dollar plan set to expand bus services while integrating a light rail system into the city's transportation footprint. The en
  
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• Chinese crime group obtains thousands of Texans' drivers licenses

  27-02-2023 23:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — At least 3,000 Texans' personal information has been compromised through an organized criminal security breach, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced Monday.
  During a House Appropriations Committee hearing Monday, Director Steven McCraw told lawmakers that a "Chinese organized crime group based in New York" got ahold of thousands of licenses due to a security lapse. McCraw said the state is working with federal agencies and an investigation is ongoing.
  DPS Lieu
  
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• 77 Austin Police retirements likely by end of March; over 300 officers eligible to retire now

  27-02-2023 22:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Since the start of the year, the Austin Police Retirement System (APRS) has signed retirement paperwork for 50 officers, and there are an additional 27 "out for signature," according to Pattie Featherston, the group's executive director.Featherston added currently, there are 309 members of the department that could potentially retire immediately: 171 who are fully eligible and 138 who have been with the department for 20 years. Those members have the option to "buy addition
  
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• 72 Austin Police retirements likely by end of March; over 300 officers eligible to retire now

  27-02-2023 22:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Since the start of the year, the Austin Police Retirement System (APRS) has signed retirement paperwork for 44 officers, and there are an additional 28 "out for signature," according to Pattie Featherston, the group's executive director.Featherston added currently, there are 309 members of the department that could potentially retire immediately: 171 who are fully eligible and 138 who have been with the department for 20 years. Those members have the option to "buy addition
  
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• Record heat in the forecast this week

  27-02-2023 22:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As Austin's 13th-warmest winter on record continues, temperatures rise further the first two days of March. BLOG: March forecast: What to expect as severe weather season beginsFollowing unusually warm high temperatures in the 80s on Monday, meteorological winter ends Tuesday with a near-record high predicted in Austin of 88° (current record: 89°, set in 1932).Temperatures rise further Mar. 1 and 2 with record-breaking highs forecast both days at Camp Mabry.Record heat ex
  
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• Record heat in the forecast March 1st and 2nd

  27-02-2023 22:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Much of this week will be unseasonably warm with highs in the 80s for the next four afternoons. The record high for February 27th is 91° set in 2009. That record is safe with most highs this afternoon in the low to mid 80s.
  Today's normal high is 69° BLOG: March forecast: What to expect as severe weather season beginsHighs Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be in the mid to upper 80s. Tomorrow's record high is 89° set in 1932. Wednesday's record high is 87° se
  
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• UT Austin approves return of 2 student groups, including Texas Cowboys, after 2017 deadly hazing incident

  27-02-2023 22:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The University of Texas at Austin approved the applications of the Texas Cowboys spirit organization and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, which were previously both suspended for hazing violations, according to a news release from UT. Father of UT student killed during hazing speaks out about Texas Cowboys alumni reunionIn 2019, the Texas Cowboys were banned from operating for six years after Nicky Cumberland died as a result of hazing in 2017.Nicky Cumberland
  During a 2019 legisla
  
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• Thunderstorm potential for Central Texas coming Thursday afternoon

  27-02-2023 22:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Our unofficial fifth season, the spring storm season, may get an early start Thursday. KXAN First Warning Weather forecastThere is potential for strong to severe thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and evening. The Day-Four Outlook from the Storm Prediction Center shows there's the low potential for severe storms for our area.Eastern Central Texas with a low risk, for now, of severe storms ThursdayUpper-air analysis depicts an area of low pressure in the upper atmosphere in th
  
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• UT women's hoops make biggest jump of week in AP poll after OU blowout

  27-02-2023 21:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It took two blowout victories to convince voters in the Associated Press women's basketball poll that Texas deserved to be ranked higher than Oklahoma.The Longhorns clobbered the Sooners for the second time this season on Saturday, this time on Oklahoma's home floor, 67-45. The win elevated the Longhorns to No. 12 in the country, a seven-spot jump to make them the highest-ranked Big 12 team.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for o
  
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• Affidavit: Austin ISD bus monitor accused of inappropriately touching student

  27-02-2023 21:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin ISD bus monitor faces a felony charge after he was accused of touching a student inappropriately on three separate occasions on a bus in November 2022, according to court records.
  An affidavit states Carlos Vasquez, 74, was charged with improper relationship between an educator and a student — a second-degree felony.
  KXAN has reached out to the school district for a statement as well as an update on Vasquez's current employment status. KXAN is working to fin
  
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• TASKFORCE: Texas school districts should expand teacher's mental health services under insurance

  27-02-2023 21:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A Texas task force of more than 40 teachers and administrators recommended Friday that school districts provide or expand health insurance plans to include clinical mental health services at no cost to teachers.Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Education Agency in March 2022 to create a task force – and look for solutions to the steep increase in teachers in the state quitting.On Friday, the group released more than 20 recommendations to districts, lawmakers and the
  
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• Texas men's hoops fall a spot to No. 9 in latest AP poll

  27-02-2023 21:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following a road loss to Baylor on Saturday, the Texas Longhorns men's basketball team dropped one spot in the Associated Press Top 25 poll released Monday.The Longhorns are now No. 9 in the country according to the media panel, falling a rung from No. 8 last week. Baylor moved up two notches to No. 7 following the win over Texas.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslette
  
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• It's still winter, but strawberry season is here in Central Texas

  27-02-2023 20:10 via kxan.com
  
  MARBLE FALLS, TX (KXAN) -- While it’s still winter, thousands of people are flocking to Marble Falls to celebrate a new season in Central Texas – strawberry season.Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls allows people to come and pick their own strawberries each spring. The farm opened up over the weekend on February 25, just in time for National Strawberry Day, which is celebrated on Feb. 27.Opening the fields to the public on the last weekend in February marked the earliest-ever opening d
  
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• Will the February ice storm affect the bluebonnet season?

  27-02-2023 19:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Bluebonnet season is fast approaching. The state flower of Texas typically begins blooming in large swaths toward the end of March and continues through mid to late April.
  With the major February ice storm impacting vegetation, especially our trees, and our current state of drought worsening, we wanted to learn what impacts these variables will play on the upcoming bluebonnet blossom season. 10.5 million Austin trees damaged in February ice storm, Texas experts reportMeteor
  
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• UPS employees accused of trafficking cocaine through the company, authorities say

  27-02-2023 18:21 via kxan.com
  
  MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two UPS employees and others from the Rio Grande Valley have been arrested and accused of transporting packages of cocaine through the company, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani reported.Orlando Candelario Almanza, 49, of Edinburg, and Fidencio Salinas Jr., 51, of Pharr, were set to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano Monday morning.Federal agents say Almanza and Salinas are both allegedly UPS employees who knowingly
  
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• 3 arrested in Austin's 13th robbery series of 2023

  27-02-2023 17:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Three people were arrested and are accused of being responsible in Austin's 13th robbery series of 2023.
  According to the Austin Police Department, the robberies happened on Feb. 18 and 19. APD arrested Preston Harrington, 22, Richard Hervey Jr., 22, and Christa Pullins, 22. Each was charged with aggravated robbery.
  The first robbery was reported around 12 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18. A man called 911 saying he witnessed a robbery near East Sixth Street and Attayac Street.
  Th
  
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• Florida teen knocked school worker unconscious after she took away his Nintendo Switch, deputies say

  27-02-2023 16:36 via kxan.com
  
  BUNNELL, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida high school student was arrested after allegedly attacking a teaching assistant on Tuesday.A Matanzas High School student told the Flagler County Sheriff's Office the 17-year-old boy was upset with the paraprofessional because she took away his Nintendo Switch gaming console.Deputies said surveillance footage showed the student walk briskly over to the teaching assistant and shove her "several feet." She hit her head on the floor and was knocked unconscious
  
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• Why does Texas still observe daylight saving time?

  27-02-2023 16:00 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) - In just a few weeks, Americans in all but two states will be setting their clocks ahead one hour as daylight saving time begins. But why do Texans still have to change their clocks, despite state lawmakers discussing daylight saving time on multiple occasions?Under current federal law, a state can exempt itself from observing daylight saving time following action by the state's legislature, the National Conference of State Legislatures explains. States cannot, however, permanently ob
  
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• Leander ISD students trying to bring back water polo after program discontinued

  27-02-2023 14:15 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER (KXAN) -- Last fall marked the first full season of water polo as a UIL sport throughout the Lone Star State.Within the Leander Independent School District, three schools — Cedar Park, Vandegrift and Vista Ridge High School — had both boys and girls teams, who hopped in the pool for a successful start.In January, the district decided to discontinue its water polo programs.This decision devastated students, such as Cedar Park sophomore Kaydence Wilkinson, who says a family was
  
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• Train-pedestrian collision reported in south Austin

  27-02-2023 13:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- First responders are attempting to locate a patient after a train-pedestrian collision was reported in south Austin Monday morning.Austin-Travis County EMS tweeted at 6 a.m. that the collision was reported at West Mary and South 7th Streets at 5:40 a.m.
  That intersection is in the Zilker area near Oltorf Street.
  Oltorf Street is closed at the crossing just east of Lamar.
  ATCEMS said the train was stopped in the area and traffic may be affected.
  Avoid the area if possible.
  This i
  
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• Texas court reporter shortage persists, but officials are optimistic

  27-02-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Angela Hailey has been a court reporter for over 20 years. She works as an official court reporter in the U.S. District Court in the Austin and San Antonio divisions but got her start as a freelance court reporter.Not only does she say the profession is enjoyable, interesting and lucrative, but vital to court proceedings. “It's very important,” she said. “Everything that is said, we take it down verbatim – word for word – and so that trans
  
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• Record highs possible this week

  27-02-2023 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Much of this week will be unseasonably warm with highs in the 80s for the next four afternoons. The record high for February 27th is 91° set in 2009. That record is safe with most highs this afternoon in the low to mid 80s.
  Today's normal high is 69° BLOG: March forecast: What to expect as severe weather season beginsHighs Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be in the mid to upper 80s. Tomorrow's record high is 89° set in 1932. Wednesday's record high is 87° se
  
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• Near-record warmth ahead of strong cold front

  27-02-2023 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Afternoon highs will be closer to daily records than averages this week as we close out the month of February. BLOG: March forecast: What to expect as severe weather season beginsWe kick off the new work week with plenty of sunshine and warmer than normal temperatures as afternoon highs return to the upper 70s and low 80s today. Breezy winds and low humidity will follow a mainly dry cold front this morning, resulting in high to very high fire danger this afternoon. Please refrai
  
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• Austin high school to compete in national drone competition

  27-02-2023 12:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A high school in south Austin is flying high after three teams from its drone club qualified for a chance to win a national championship.
  The Harmony School of Excellence and its 14-student drone club earned enough points at recent qualifying events to earn their spot for a national championship.Drone competitions consist of various events, such as autonomous flying, where students have to use code to tell the drone what to do during the competition. Students also have to fly th
  
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• Austin heading for its top 10 warmest winter ever

  27-02-2023 04:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As we wrap up our third La Niña winter in a row, we're on the brink of making it one of the warmest winters in recorded history in Central Texas.Data at Austin's Camp Mabry goes back to 1897, and we look to be heading for 9th or 10th place for the warmest meteorological winters since record keeping began.Meteorological winter began December 1 and ends February 28, a full 90 days later.As I write this we're currently sitting in 13th place for warmest winters with an a
  
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• UT's Julien Alfred speeds to historic gold at Big 12 indoor track and field championships

  27-02-2023 02:31 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas (KXAN) — Texas Longhorns sprinter Julien Alfred did something no other collegiate woman has ever done at the Big 12 Conference indoor track and field championships Saturday.Alfred blazed to a time of 6.97 seconds in the 60-meter dash, breaking her own NCAA record for the third time to post the eighth-fastest time ever in the event. She's the only collegian ever to break the 7-second barrier.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for ou
  
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• Texas is doing its part to harness wind and solar energy

  27-02-2023 01:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — 2022 was a good year for the generation of carbon-free energy.
  A Climate Central report shows an 16% increase in both solar power and wind power across America. That increase was due to a 26% increase in solar growth, while wind increased by 74%.
  Solar power, by definition, is clean because it derives its energy from the sun. The United States is fortunate to have some of the richest solar sources in the world.
  The power of the wind also helps to produce electricity through
  
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• 'We want and need you': Dallas mayor recruits APD officers in tweet

  27-02-2023 01:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson made it clear he's actively recruiting APD officers who might be thinking of retiring in a tweet Saturday morning.The tweet reads, "If you work for Austin PD, are still interested in protecting and serving, and are considering retiring from the profession, don't. Come work for the residents of @CityOfDallas by joining @DallasPD.⁦ We want and need you. #BigDallasEnergy."This comes days after the Austin City Council unanimously voted on Thursda
  
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• No. 13 Texas softball throttles Texas Southern to finish 3-1 at Lone Star Invitational

  27-02-2023 01:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The No. 13 Texas Longhorns ended the Lone Star Invitational in emphatic fashion Sunday with a 22-0 win over Texas Southern at McCombs Field.Texas scored 10 runs in the first inning then tacked on eight more in the third before adding four more in the fourth. The game ended after five innings due to the mercy rule.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersFreshman Leigha
  
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