Austin news

• More Texas House priorities unveiled, focus on infrastructure development

  06-03-2023 23:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Speaker of the House Dade Phelan unveiled his third batch of legislative priorities on Monday, with three bills centered around infrastructure investments and development in Texas.Over the last three weeks, Phelan has officially announced 11 bills as his top priorities ahead of the Friday deadline for lawmakers to introduce any new legislation. The speaker's office said he will have 20 priorities total, compared to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick's list of 30 top priorities and
  
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• Despite winning share of Big 12 title, Longhorns women's hoops fall 3 spots in AP poll

  06-03-2023 23:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns women's basketball bounced back after a disappointing home loss to clobber Kansas State on the road last week, but voters in the Associated Press poll didn't seem to care.The Longhorns dropped three spots to No. 15 in the latest poll released Monday and are again behind Oklahoma, a team they've defeated by at least 20 points twice this season. The Sooners, who shared the Big 12 regular season title with the Longhorns, are ranked No. 14. Oklahoma and Texa
  
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• Warm, humid weather largely continues this week

  06-03-2023 23:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Unseasonably warm, humid weather is in the forecast for much of the week as we track a cold front stalled to our north, keeping the cold air away.High temperatures in the 80s are expected through Thursday afternoon with a daily routine of morning clouds, light fog and drizzle, breaking up into plenty of warm afternoon sun each day.
  The stalled cold front to our north finally gets a boot through our area Friday morning, but the temperature drop currently only appears to be 10-15
  
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• Soup cans can waive some UT parking fines

  06-03-2023 22:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Racking up parking citations on the University of Texas at Austin campus? A new offer can dismiss one of those fines for the price of a few soup cans.The Food for Fines program lets people donate soup cans in exchange for dismissed parking citations. The program runs Monday through March 24 and benefits the UT Outpost food pantry, according to UT.
  Here's the soup-to-citation breakdown:
  five 10-ounce soup cans can dismiss citations totaling $15-$35seven 10-ounce soup cans ca
  
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• Almost 60 school districts in Texas have now made the switch to four-day weeks

  06-03-2023 22:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Almost 60 school districts across Texas have now switched to four-day school weeks, often in a bid to prevent teacher turnover.According to a KXAN analysis, at least 59 districts have made the switch. Some of those districts have recently approved the change effective for the 2023-24 school year.At least seven other districts offer a hybrid schedule, with four-day weeks for part of the year. Central Texas school district moves to 4-day school weekDistricts in all parts of t
  
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• Community college funding would be overhauled in proposed Texas bill

  06-03-2023 22:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new proposal would revamp the money that Texas' community colleges get from the state legislature.
  House Bill 8 would change the funding formula for the money that the state gives its 50 community college districts. State Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston, filed the bill Wednesday. If approved, it would take effect Sept. 1. PREVIOUS: State lawmakers weigh how much money the state awards community collegesThe proposal follows last year’s recommendation for state fund
  
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• Facing staffing shortages, is APD ready for SXSW?

  06-03-2023 22:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Every city department is gearing up for a busy spring festival season with many events scheduled over the next few weeks and months.
  "As we welcome all these visitors and we plan for these events that add to the vibrancy of the city and bolster our economy, we recognize it puts an added strain on city resources," Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. ‘Felt like I was abandoned’: Family on hold with 911 after crash, calls ISD police insteadWatson said these events offer an e
  
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• Longhorns move up 2 spots in AP poll after blowout win over Kansas Jayhawks

  06-03-2023 21:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After Texas pummeled Kansas at home on Saturday, the Longhorns rose two spots in the Associated Press men's basketball poll released Monday.The Longhorns are now No. 7 in the country after the 75-59 victory over the Jayhawks, who held their position at No. 3 despite the loss. Texas is the No. 2 seed in the Big 12 tournament that begins Thursday, and they'll take on either Oklahoma State or Oklahoma at 6 p.m. Friday at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.
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• San Marcos CISD school board to consider school marshal program

  06-03-2023 21:48 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) - Monday evening, San Marcos CISD's school board will discuss and take possible action on allowing a school marshal program, according to the school board agenda.
  Back in 2013, Texas lawmakers created the school marshal program. It was in response to the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut.
  Texas Commission on Law Enforcement’s School Marshal Program is a licensing program that allows school employees to carry a firearm on school campus.
  
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• San Marcos CISD school board discusses school marshal program

  06-03-2023 21:48 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) - Monday evening, San Marcos CISD's school board discussed the possibility of a school marshal program, according to the school board agenda.
  Back in 2013, Texas lawmakers created the school marshal program. It was in response to the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut.
  Texas Commission on Law Enforcement’s School Marshal Program is a licensing program that allows school employees to carry a firearm on school campus. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: TC
  
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• Arrest warrants issued for 3 linked to Austin street takeovers

  06-03-2023 21:47 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for March 6, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department has issued arrest warrants for three people police believe were involved in street takeovers across Austin on Feb. 18.
  At least seven people had been arrested in connection with the takeover events. KXAN has obtained affidavits for arrest warrants of three more individuals.At least 7 people arrested in connection with Austin ‘street takeovers&rsquo
  
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• Bluebonnets are blooming earlier in Central Texas this year — here's why

  06-03-2023 21:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — While it isn't technically springtime yet, plenty of sunshine and warmer temperatures have greeted Central Texans with a surprise early guest: bluebonnets.The beloved state flower typically blooms toward late March and continues through mid-to-late April, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. However, changes in weather patterns and other environmental conditions can cause its bloom cycle to vary from season to season. RELATED: Will the February ice storm af
  
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• Sarkisian: Worthy played through broken hand last season

  06-03-2023 18:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas football may be turning the page toward the 2023 season with the start of spring football on Monday, but that didn't stop head coach Steve Sarkisian from releasing a big piece of news in his press conference Monday.Sarkisian revealed star Texas receiver Xavier Worthy played through a broken hand during the second half of last season. Texas RB Bijan Robinson runs the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds at NFL Combine"He was in a cast for about eight weeks roughly," said Sarki
  
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• Austin Under 40 Awards to raise funds for summer camps, future women leaders

  06-03-2023 18:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — While spending a week at summer camp may feel like a right of passage, for some, it's a luxury that's simply not in the budget.
  Despite that, more than 56,000 kids have been able to attend camp for free thanks to the Austin Sunshine Camps.
  Last year the nonprofit hosted 510 campers during four 10-day sessions.
  "Our mission is to provide the magic of overnight camps without the barrier of costs," said Jacie Minnick, the Austin Sunshine Camps development manager.While the cam
  
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• Kidnapped Americans traveled to Mexico to buy medicine

  06-03-2023 17:54 via kxan.com
  
  MATAMOROS (ValleyCentral) - Gunmen kidnapped four U.S. citizens in Matamoros who had gone to Mexico to buy medicine and then got caught in a shootout.The shooting happened Friday afternoon.Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Monday the four traveled to Mexico with the plans to buy medicine but ended up in the crossfire between two armed groups, without offering details.U.S. Ambassador to Mexico said in a statement the Americans were kidnapped at gunpoint.“We ha
  
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• Americans kidnapped in Matamoros after shooting

  06-03-2023 17:54 via kxan.com
  
  MATAMOROS (ValleyCentral) - The kidnapping of four Americans kidnapped in Matamoros on Friday was the result of a shooting that left another woman dead, according to a statement from U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar.In a news release issued Sunday night, the FBI said the Americans crossed into Matamoros in a white minivan with North Carolina license plates."Shortly after crossing into Mexico, unidentified gunmen fired upon the passengers in the vehicle.  All four America
  
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• 4 U.S. citizens kidnapped in Matamoros after shooting

  06-03-2023 17:54 via kxan.com
  
  MATAMOROS (ValleyCentral) - Gunmen kidnapped four U.S. citizens in Matamoros who had gone to Mexico to buy medicine and then got caught in a shootout.The shooting happened Friday afternoon.Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Monday the four traveled to Mexico with the plans to buy medicine but ended up in the crossfire between two armed groups, without offering details.U.S. Ambassador to Mexico said in a statement the Americans were kidnapped at gunpoint.“We ha
  
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• 2 men shot at private rodeo event in southwest Houston, HPD says

  06-03-2023 17:45 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KIAH) — Two men were shot at a private rodeo event in southwest Houston, police said.Around 3 a.m. early Monday morning, HPD officers were called to the Rancho El Dorado arena, located at 15231 South Post Oak Rd., and found two men with gunshot wounds.Both men were taken to a local hospital and are in stable condition.The only lead that HPD officers have on the suspects is that witnesses saw a dark-colored sedan leaving the scene towards South Post Oak.Police have yet to find
  
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• City staff: Lifeguard hiring going well, all pools expected to open this summer

  06-03-2023 17:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Following a dismal year for hiring lifeguards, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department says it's lifeguard hiring process is going well and it anticipates it will be able to open all of its pools this summer.
  Last year, only 15 of 34 of the city's pools opened at the beginning of June, KXAN previously reported. City staff said it was because of lifeguard shortages -- an issue seen nationwide.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Austin to open less than half of city pools due to lifeguard short
  
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• 2023 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play to be last in Austin

  06-03-2023 16:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play will not return to Austin after this year.
  Jordan Uppleger, the tournament's executive director, made the announcement Monday morning.
  KXAN Sports Director Roger Wallace was at the announcement, which came after speculation and a report from Golfweek that Match Play would lose its spot on the schedule as the PGA Tour makes changes to its 2024 schedule. PREVIOUS: Report: Austin’s run with the WGC-Dell Match Play
  
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• Tips to keep outdoor air pollution out of your home

  06-03-2023 16:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Outdoor air pollution can impact more than just "the outside." Particulate matter, ozone and pollen can all sneak inside your home if precautions aren't taken.Meteorologist Kristen Currie spoke with Glory Dolphin Hammes, Chief CEO of IQAir North America, to find out how we can filter out the "bad" and keep the "good" inside our homes.Below is a transcript of their interview. (NOTE: edits have been made for easier reading).Kristen Currie, KXAN News: How does what's happening in t
  
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• 2 dogs bring efficiency and safety to deputies in outskirts of Travis County

  06-03-2023 13:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In the outskirts of Travis County, home to about 1,000 farms full of livestock, two new members of the Travis County Sheriff's Office are restoring law and order to the cattle that get loose from their pins.
  Sam and Zeke, two border collie mixes, joined the department's Estray Unit last year to help deputies corral loose cattle. The dogs have decreased the amount of time it takes to gather loose livestock and have increased the safety for deputies as well.
  "We love them. They've
  
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• TxDOT, UT Austin students bringing anti-drunk driving display to 6th Street

  06-03-2023 13:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Spring break is right around the corner.March is typically a time when we see college kids let loose and have fun while drinking downtown.Too often, however, one night can turn tragic because someone chooses to get behind the wheel after drinking.During spring break of 2021, Texas recorded 874 DUI-alcohol-related traffic crashes, resulting in 31 deaths and 107 serious injuries.With this in mind, TxDOT is trying to target college students with its statewide “Drive Sobe
  
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• Did you know Texas has an official state mushroom that hisses?

  06-03-2023 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) –  Some mushrooms are good on salads; others can make you feel funny and some apparently hiss.The latter mushroom – scientific name Chorioactis Geaster and commonly known as both the Devil's Cigar and Texas star – is the official State Mushroom of Texas. Legislation designating it as such was filed in 2021 by former House Rep. Ben Leman and later signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott.“[The mushroom] is a poignant reminder of the natural diversity tha
  
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• Silver Alert issued for Killeen man last seen Sunday afternoon

  06-03-2023 13:08 via kxan.com
  
  KILLEEN, Texas (KXAN) -- A Silver Alert was issued early Monday morning for a 75-year-old who was last seen Sunday afternoon.
  The Killeen Police Department is searching for Benjamin Perez, who has a diagnosed cognitive impairment. He is a Hispanic man, described as 5'4" and 140 lbs with brown eyes and white hair.
  Perez was last seen Sunday around 3 p.m. in the 6100 block of East Rancier Avenue wearing a gray sweater and blue jeans.
  Law enforcement officials believe Perez's&nb
  
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• Silver Alert discontinued for Killeen man

  06-03-2023 13:08 via kxan.com
  
  KILLEEN, Texas (KXAN) -- A Silver Alert issued Monday morning for a Killeen man has now been discontinued after he was found.
  The alert was issued at 2:45 a.m. Monday after he'd last been seen at 3 p.m. Sunday.The alert was discontinued at 8 a.m. Monday after the man was found.
  
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• 'Over and over again': Gravel train derailment in Manor raises safety concerns

  06-03-2023 12:44 via kxan.com
  
  MANOR, Texas (KXAN)— If it's not the sound of bull dozers scooping up gravel, it's this:"Very loud, clunking like, bam, bam!," Daniel, a Manor Resident said.
  That's what Daniel said he heard in the middle of the night on Monday. A train derailed right next to his home.Crew cleans up after train derailed in Manor. (Aerial Options Photography/Chris Nelle)."My son comes out [and said], 'The train derailed again.' It's a known thing. We just hear it all the time."A train transporting gravel de
  
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• Gravel train derails in Manor, road closures in the area

  06-03-2023 12:44 via kxan.com
  
  MANOR, Texas (KXAN) -- Traffic in Manor is being affected after three cars on a gravel train derailed Monday morning.
  The derailment happened around 2:30 a.m. near the intersection of East Parsons Street and North Lockhart Street. Manor Police said South San Marcos Street will be closed until around noon during the cleanup.
  The train was transporting gravel. No injuries were reported.
  According to the Manor Police Department, several gravel train derailments have occurred over the last few
  
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• A clean-energy Texas suburb goes national

  06-03-2023 12:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, Texas: Real estate developer Douglas Gilliland believes the future of housing lies underground.Amid the unseasonal heat of late February — as neighborhoods across the state hummed with the sound of condenser units struggling to cool homes — the Whisper Valley community Gilliland is developing was all but silent.That's because the houses he is building in the new master-planned community, which rises from the Texas prairie half an hour northeast of Austin, don't feature air co
  
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• Pedestrian struck and killed by car at MoPac and Loop 360

  06-03-2023 04:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A person stuck by a car near the MoPac northbound ramp from South Capitol of Texas Highway, according to a tweet from Austin-Travis County EMS.
  First responders performed CPR, but the efforts were unsuccessful. The patient was pronounced dead at the scene.ATCEMS says that drivers should expect extended road closures and delays in the area.This is a developing story. KXAN will provide updates as information becomes available.
  
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• Pedestrian struck and killed by car at MoPac and Capital of Texas Highway

  06-03-2023 04:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A person died Sunday night after being struck by a vehicle in North Austin, according to a tweet from Austin-Travis County EMS.
  The crash happened at MoPac and Capital of Texas highway just before 8:50 p.m.
  First responders performed CPR, but the efforts were unsuccessful. The patient was pronounced dead at the scene.Austin Police said the driver stayed behind and cooperated with investigators at the scene.
  
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• Cal State-Fullerton gets walk-off win in 11th, takes 3-game series from Longhorns

  06-03-2023 04:36 via kxan.com
  
  FULLERTON, Calif. (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns baseball team picked up one win in three games on the West Coast against the Cal State-Fullerton Titans and lost the series finale in extra innings on Sunday.The Longhorns dropped a 5-4 decision in 11 innings to the Titans after the team split the first two games of the series. Fullerton won the opener on Friday 6-5 and Texas grabbed the second game Saturday 4-2.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for
  
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• No. 9 Texas softball makes it 9 wins in a row with 8-1 victory over Louisiana

  06-03-2023 04:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One of the nation's best offenses flexed its muscle at McCombs Field on Sunday.The No. 9 Texas Longhorns scored seven runs in the first three innings to run their winning streak to nine games in an 8-1 win over Louisiana to end the Longhorn Invitational.
  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/newslettersDesignate player Courtney Day provided the big hit for the Longhorns in the
  
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• Longhorns guard Jabari Rice named Sixth Man of the Year in Big 12 Conference

  06-03-2023 01:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Jabari Rice's tremendous season off the bench for the Texas Longhorns was rewarded by Big 12 Conference head coaches Sunday.Rice was voted the Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 12.6 points per game with 63 assists in 24.2 minutes per game. He scored in double figures 20 times this season and finished second in the Big 12 with an 87% free throw percentage, and he poured in 23 points against the No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, leading the Longhorns to a 75-59 victory.M
  
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• Texas RB Bijan Robinson runs the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds at NFL Combine

  06-03-2023 00:50 via kxan.com
  
  INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (KXAN) — Texas running back Bijan Robinson turned in the sixth-fastest time in the 40-yard dash Sunday at the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.Robinson's official time was 4.46 seconds, placing him .01 seconds ahead of Northwestern's Evan Hull. Texas A&M's Devon Achane ran the fastest time among running backs with a 4.32. Alabama's Jahmyr Gibbs ran it in 4.36 seconds while East Carolina's Keaton Mitchell turned in a time of 4.37.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up
  
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