Austin news

• How your freshly gardened plants will fair in the upcoming weather

  16-03-2023 23:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)  –  Austinites and others in Central Texans will wake up to some pretty cold temperatures Friday morning—some potentially even seeing snow flurries.The low temperatures sweeping into Central Texas this St. Patricks Day morning are a little later in the season than we might usually see, according to KXAN meteorologists.  MORE: Accumulating snow possible Saturday morning in the Hill CountryIf you recently filled your garden with fresh flora, you may be feel
  
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• Burnet County judge suspended without pay following indictment

  16-03-2023 22:47 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The video above is a story previously reported on by KXAN.BURNET, Texas (KXAN) — Burnet County Judge James Oakley was suspended without pay, effective immediately, a suspension order from State Commission on Judicial Conduct confirmed Thursday.Oakley was previously indicted last week on felony and misdemeanor charges, according to the Burnet County Sheriff's Office. Burnet County Judge James Oakley indicted on felony and misdemeanor chargesOakley was booked into the Lampasas
  
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• With Purdue loss, all ESPN brackets in the NCAA Men's Tournament are officially busted

  16-03-2023 22:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you made a bracket in this year's NCAA Men's Tournament, you're not alone!More than 20 million brackets were made on ESPN, but just hours into the tournament, the vast majority were already busted. 2023 March Madness first-round schedule, how to watch, what channels games are onAnd with #1 Purdue's loss to #16 Fairleigh Dickinson, all brackets are officially busted.The first game of the tournament was brutal to brackets nationwide, with more than half busted. About 51% o
  
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• How many perfect brackets remain in the NCAA Men's tournament?

  16-03-2023 22:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you made a bracket in this year's NCAA Men's Tournament, you're not alone!More than 20 million brackets were made on ESPN, but just hours into the tournament, the vast majority were already busted. 2023 March Madness first-round schedule, how to watch, what channels games are onBut how many perfect brackets remain? After Howard's loss to Kansas, a little over 750,000 brackets remain perfectly intact.The first game of the tournament was brutal to brackets nationwide, with
  
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• Tornado Watch in effect for parts of the Hill Country

  16-03-2023 22:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A late-evening cold front brings a risk of strong to severe thunderstorms tonight.A Tornado Watch is in effect for only Lampasas County in the Hill Country at this time, until 8 p.m. tonight.We are tracking a much colder airmass surging into Texas tonight. Along its leading edge, we expect a window of potentially strong to severe thunderstorms between now and 1 a.m. Storms are expected to move into the Austin area between 11 p.m. and midnight, then southeastern areas before 1 a.
  
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• Tornado Watch in effect for parts of Central Texas

  16-03-2023 22:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A late-evening cold front brings a risk of strong to severe thunderstorms tonight.A Tornado Watch is in effect for only Lampasas County until 8 p.m,. and Williamson, Lee and Milam counties until 1 a.m.We are tracking a much colder airmass surging into Texas tonight. Along its leading edge, we expect a window of potentially strong to severe thunderstorms between now and 1 a.m. Storms are expected to move into the Austin area between 11 p.m. and midnight, then southeastern areas b
  
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• Despite 'disappointing' tip time, No. 4 Texas is ready for No. 13 East Carolina in NCAA women's 1st round

  16-03-2023 22:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When the Texas Longhorns women's basketball team tips off its March Madness run Saturday, they'll be starting typically when they're done playing late games.The fourth-seeded Longhorns take on No. 13 seed East Carolina in the opening round at Moody Center, and due to the broadcast schedule set by ESPN, the game won't begin until 9 p.m. That's two hours later than a typical late game, and Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer isn't a fan of that.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to d
  
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• Despite 'disappointing' tip time, No. 4 Texas is ready for No. 13 East Carolina in NCAA 1st round

  16-03-2023 22:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When the Texas Longhorns women's basketball team tips off its March Madness run Saturday, they'll be starting typically when they're done playing late games.The fourth-seeded Longhorns take on No. 13 seed East Carolina in the opening round at Moody Center, and due to the broadcast schedule set by ESPN, the game won't begin until 9 p.m. That's two hours later than a typical late game, and Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer isn't a fan of that.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to d
  
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• Austin to unveil updated Project Connect light rail scope options next week

  16-03-2023 22:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austinites will soon get a preview of Project Connect light rail design considerations on the table at an open house March 21.The community event will run from 4-7 p.m. at the Austin Public Library's Central location at 710 W. Cesar Chavez St. It comes after Austin Transit Partnership — the entity tasked with delivering the multi-billion-dollar transit program — pressed pause on designs last summer amid projected cost increases. They had been expected to release
  
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• Austin housing market 'trending in the right direction,' board of realtors says

  16-03-2023 21:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin's housing market is "trending in the right direction," the president of the Austin Board of Realtors said Thursday.The characterization comes after the release of February's housing market report.A statement from ABoR said buyers gained leverage in February, as housing inventory increased to 2.6 months."Buyers have more options and negotiating power with each passing month, and sellers have more time to make their next move," ABoR President Ashley Jackson said. "Reme
  
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• 'Mattress Mack' to win around $35 million if University of Houston wins NCAA Tournament

  16-03-2023 21:09 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KIAH) — With March Madness upon us and the Final Four coming to Houston this year, it is an obvious assumption to ask the question, “How much money is Jim ‘Mattress Mack’ McIngvale has riding on the NCAA Tournament this year?”Well, to answer your question, he has about $3.5 million riding on his hometown team, the University of Houston Cougars, to win the national championship in front of a very supportive home crowd at NRG Stadium.Houston begins its r
  
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• SXSW musicians call out the festival for unfair pay, dub it 'a bad deal for a decade'

  16-03-2023 20:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)  — On a dreary Thursday morning outside of the Austin Convention Center — the epicenter of the South By Southwest Conference & Festivals — dozens of musicians came together to chant with signs, drums and a megaphone. But these musicians were not assembled for a SXSW-sponsored performance. Instead, they were gathered to decry what they called low and unfair compensation rates for appearing and performing at the festival. “We are demanding t
  
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• Construction on Samsung semiconductor plant in Taylor still on time, sources say

  16-03-2023 20:31 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) — Sources close to the Samsung semiconductor plant said construction is still on target despite an article earlier this week with a source that implied it could be delayed.An article published by Reuters on Wednesday said the plant was exceeding its original projected costs by at least $8 billion, which could rise if construction were to take longer than planned.Anonymous sources cited in the Reuters article said inflation was the main cause for the uptick in prices -
  
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• 1 arrested in fatal New Braunfels collision, intoxication assault charges pending

  16-03-2023 19:46 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for March 16, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was arrested and charged with intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury after a person died following a two-vehicle crash in New Braunfels early Thursday.The New Braunfels Police Department said at approximately 1:45 a.m. officers, along with the city’s fire department, responded to the 1000 block of FM 306 near Hunter Road for reports of a
  
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• Operation Burnout: 17 more charged in February 'street takeover' investigation

  16-03-2023 19:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Officials held a conference Thursday to provide an update on the Austin "street takeover" investigation for incidents that occurred Feb. 18-19. Arrest warrants issued for 3 linked to Austin street takeoversThe Austin Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and Travis County District Attorney’s Office participated in the conference.APD said 17 more individuals were charged—with an additional 38 criminal charges. In total, 24 individuals have been cha
  
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• LIVE: Austin, Travis County officials provide update on February 'street takeover' investigation

  16-03-2023 19:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin and Travis County officials are expected to hold a conference Thursday at 2 p.m. in regard to the Austin "street takeover" investigation. Arrest warrants issued for 3 linked to Austin street takeoversAccording to a release, the Austin Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office will provide an update on the investigation, following reckless driving incidents that occurred Feb. 18 and 19.APD Chief Jo
  
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• Austin, Travis County officials provide update on February 'street takeover' investigation

  16-03-2023 19:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin and Travis County officials are expected to hold a conference Thursday at 2 p.m. in regard to the Austin "street takeover" investigation. Arrest warrants issued for 3 linked to Austin street takeoversAccording to a release, the Austin Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office will provide an update on the investigation, following reckless driving incidents that occurred Feb. 18 and 19.APD Chief Jo
  
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• Man sentenced to 25 years in northeast Austin murder

  16-03-2023 18:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A 31-year-old man was convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison after the 2021 death of a 20-year-old woman, according to a Travis County District Attorney release.Frank Lee Nobles was accused of shooting and killing Iyanna Dukes at a northeast Austin apartment complex in September 2021.According to an arrest affidavit, witnesses at the complex told police Dukes lived with Nobles, and described him as her “on and off” boyfriend. The Travi
  
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• Man convicted of murder in northeast Austin shooting

  16-03-2023 18:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A 31-year-old man was convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison after the 2021 death of a 20-year-old woman, according to a Travis County District Attorney release.Frank Lee Nobles was accused of shooting and killing Iyanna Dukes at a northeast Austin apartment complex in September 2021.According to an arrest affidavit, witnesses at the complex told police Dukes lived with Nobles, and described him as her “on and off” boyfriend. The Travi
  
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• Austin eyeing full-time biologist to oversee city's bat population

  16-03-2023 18:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — City leaders could soon hire a full-time biologist to oversee Austin's beloved bat population.Since a 1980 renovation of the Congress Avenue Bridge, the structure has become an ideal cave for Mexican free-tailed bats. Today, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reports Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in the world, with an estimated 1.5 million bats dwelling under the bridge.With the prominence of bats in the city's ecosystem, the Austin Animal Advisory Commiss
  
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• Freezes in Austin: When do we typically see the last of the year, and what's the latest on record?

  16-03-2023 17:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Get ready, Central Texas! A late-season cold snap is coming soon, bringing with it sub-freezing wind chills and a chance for snow in the Hill Country.Austin is not expected to drop to freezing — the latest forecast calls for 38° on Monday morning — but temperatures at or below 32° are not out of the question in parts of the Hill Country. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST FORECASTWhile it may seem late in the season, it's actually right on par with the average. T
  
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• Man sentenced for 2021 'sexually motivated' robberies targeting woman

  16-03-2023 17:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A man was sentenced to prison Tuesday after being arrested in connection to 2021 “sexually motivated” robberies that targeted women in north Austin.According to Travis County court records, 25-year-old Carlos Saucedo submitted a guilty plea Tuesday for two charges — robbery and aggravated robbery. A previous charge for indecency with a child involving exposure connected to the investigation was dismissed in August 2022.A judge sentenced Saucedo to serve 8
  
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• Former prosecutor comes out of retirement to help with murder trial in Michael Ramos shooting

  16-03-2023 17:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former prosecutor Gary Cobb is coming out of retirement to help with a murder trial related to the death of Michael Ramos, who was shot and killed by an Austin Police Department officer in 2020.
  Travis County District Attorney José Garza made a special request for Cobb to help with the case, according to a source who asked to remain anonymous because of their proximity to the case.Christopher Taylor shot and killed Ramos on April 24, 2020 in the parking lot of a sout
  
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• Chris Stapleton will be Texas 'Traveller' for 2023 'All-American Road Show' tour

  16-03-2023 16:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Chris Stapleton will make a long-awaited return to Austin.The country music icon and "Traveller" singer mapped out his "All-American Road Show" for 2023. The tour kicks off April 26 in El Paso and wraps up in August. Stapleton's first show of the year is March 16 for Rodeo Houston.
  Opening acts include Margo Price, Little Big Town, Nikki Lane, Charley Crockett, The Way and Treaty, Allen Stone and Marcus King.Texas dates on Chris Stapleton's All-American Road Show Tour inclu
  
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• Austin Energy base rates rise

  16-03-2023 15:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Energy customers might be bracing for their energy bill this month.
  For the first time in ten years, Austin Energy has increased its base rates to cover the costs of a budget shortfall. Previous coverage: You’ll pay roughly $9 a month more on your Austin Energy bill starting in MarchThe customer charge has gone up from $10 to $13 a month. Keep in mind, that's what you're charged before you even flip on a switch.Customers will also switch from a five-tier to a f
  
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• Flying cars in Japan; Austin-based company takes flight overseas

  16-03-2023 14:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - The future of flying cars is closer now than ever before. Austin-based LIFT Aircraft announced Thursday that they achieved their first piloted test flight in Osaka, Japan.
  The company's eVTOL, or electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicle, named HEXA, completed nine flights as part of the demonstration.eVTOL or Air Taxis are, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, part of the "new era of aviation." The FAA oversees certification of these vehicles in the U.S. Accord
  
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• UT staff member assaulted, robbed on campus

  16-03-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- University of Texas Police are investigating after a staff member was assaulted and robbed on campus.
  UTPD officers responded to the lobby of the University Club at 700 Clyde Littlefield around 1:42 p.m.According to a release from UTPD, the staff member said she drove a vehicle that was loaned by the suspect's ex-boyfriend. The suspect is not affiliated with UT.The suspect confronted the staff member as she turned to walk away, then punched her in the face and took her cell phon
  
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• 'How can you wait 6 months?' Texans report long waits to get a driver license

  16-03-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) – There was no line outside the driver's license mega center in Pflugerville when Kelsea Ledterman walked to the door at 8 a.m. But she was still nervous that her attempt to get a new ID might not work out in her favor.“I tried to make an appointment online, but they were months out, like four or five months out,” Ledterman said. Nearly 1M drivers at risk of losing licenses. Are you one of them?The new mom, and new Texan, only has a few weeks before h
  
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• March Madness preview: No. 2 Texas faces nation's best 3-point shooting team in No. 15 Colgate

  16-03-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  DES MOINES, Iowa (KXAN) — If the second-seeded Texas Longhorns need to do one thing against the 15th-seeded Colgate Raiders in the first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament Thursday, it's to guard the 3-point line.The Patriot League champs from Hamilton, New York let it fly from long range, and they're the most accurate 3-point shooting team in Division I. The Raiders are 41% from downtown, hitting 283 of 694 shots in 34 games this season, and taking things a step further, they a
  
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• Leander starts rainwater harvesting program in an effort to conserve water

  16-03-2023 11:59 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) -- In an effort to conserve water, the city of Leander is starting a rainwater harvesting program that provides the community a discounted price on collection barrels for their homes.
  The 50 gallon rain barrels are designed to collect rainwater that flows off the roof of a home that can then be used for different applications, such as watering home gardens and washing vehicles.
  Water system struggling to keep upThe city of Leander is currently in a moderate drought. The cit
  
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• Spotty rain ahead of line of strong storms tonight

  16-03-2023 11:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two rounds of showers and storms are expected today, one likely to be stronger than the other.Spotty to scattered light rain is possible through the early afternoon hours ahead of a brief clearing late afternoon. Today will be the warmest day of the next 7 with afternoon highs returning to the low 80s and noticeable humidity courtesy of a warm southerly wind.A late-evening cold front brings an increased risk of strong to severe storms. While hail and wind damage are possible, wi
  
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• Isolated afternoon storms ahead of main round tonight

  16-03-2023 11:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As we head through the afternoon a very isolated storm could pop up along with a few spotty showers. In general we'll notice rain chances lowering during the afternoon as sunshine tries to break through the clouds.Today will be the warmest day of the next 7 with afternoon highs returning to the low 80s and noticeable humidity, courtesy of a warm southerly wind.A late-evening cold front brings an increased risk of strong to severe storms. While hail and wind damage are possible,
  
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• Ft. Hood launches investigation into female soldier's death

  16-03-2023 04:35 via kxan.com
  
  Ft. Hood (FOX 44/KWKT) -- The death of a female soldier is under investigation at Fort Hood.According to the 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs Office, Private Ana Basalduaruiz died on Monday, March 13th.Basalduaruiz was part of the 1st Cavalry Division for 15 months, working as a Combat Engineer.In a statement released to FOX 44 News, 91st Engineer Battalion commander Lt. Col. Patrick Sullivan said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of PV2 Ana Basalduaruiz, and we extend our sympathies
  
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• 2,000+ acre industrial park raising concerns from neighbors

  16-03-2023 03:56 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) - A more than 2,000 acre industrial park in parts of San Marcos and Martindale is inching closer to breaking ground on construction.
  The project for the massive acreage is called The San Marcos Air Rail and Truck Terminal (SMART). Developers said they chose the location because of the dramatic growth in the Austin-San Antonio I-35 corridor.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: San Marcos boom: thousands of jobs could soon be coming to cityBut neighbors are concerned about how it will
  
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• At least 7 people injured after tree branch falls unexpectedly at San Antonio Zoo

  16-03-2023 03:32 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, Texas-- At least seven people were injured after a tree branch at the San Antonio Zoo unexpectedly fell Wednesday, according to a San Antonio Fire Department spokesperson.The incident happened shortly after noon, according to a San Antonio Zoo spokesperson.San Antonio Zoo security and EMT team quickly responded and began treating guests, the zoo spokesperson said. Additionally, the San Antonio Park Police, San Antonio Police and SAFD responded within minutes.It was not immediately c
  
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• Federal judge hears challenge to FDA approval of abortion drug

  16-03-2023 02:31 via kxan.com
  
  AMARILLO – The future of medication abortion in the United States remains up in the air after a federal judge heard arguments Wednesday in a suit challenging the Food and Drug Administration’s long-standing approval of mifepristone.U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk said he would rule “as soon as possible” on the challenge brought by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative, anti-abortion law firm.ADF is asking Kacsmaryk to suspend — and ultimately withdraw
  
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• Sled dog race threatened by changing climate

  16-03-2023 01:50 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) — Earth's temperature continues to rise. It has increased an average of 0.14° Fahrenheit every 10 years since 1880. In total, this is 2° Fahrenheit.
  Courtesy: Climate.govBut the increase has become more pronounced since 1981 with an average increase of 0.32° Fahrenheit, more than twice to average increased rise since 1880.
  The effect this is having is not just limited to unusually hot summers and droughts. It is also having an effect on areas of the country getting less
  
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• SXSW concert moved ahead of potential Thursday storms

  16-03-2023 01:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A South by Southwest concert scheduled Thursday night at Lady Bird Lake is moving indoors ahead of potential severe weather, according to a SXSW release.The KUTC Rockin Near The Shores concert will be held in Ballroom A of the Austin Convention Center. Luck Reunion postponed due to weather threatA cold front is expected to move through Central Texas late Thursday evening, bringing the threat of strong to severe storms, according to the KXAN First Warning Weather team.Concer
  
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• Changes to paratransit service coming to Round Rock in June

  16-03-2023 01:05 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — City of Round Rock's Transportation Director Gary Hudder said it will change how it provides paratransit services in June.Hudder said low ridership in some areas amid rapid population growth in others has spurred the city to revamp the service.He said, currently, there is a fixed-line system where paratransit riders are picked up and dropped off on a daily schedule.At next week's Round Rock City Council meeting, Hudder said he will share more about these transpor
  
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• Texas Rent Relief application portal closing early with more than 70K submissions

  16-03-2023 00:56 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is a KXAN story from March 14 on the Texas Rent Relief portal.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Rent Relief (TRR) application portal will close on Thursday after thousands of applications were submitted within the first 24 hours, according to a news release from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.More than 70,000 applications were submitted, according to a TDHCA news release. ‘I don’t want to be homeless’: Texas rent relief gets o
  
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• EMS: Overdoses down in Austin this spring compared to last year

  16-03-2023 00:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Overdoses typically spike in the spring, but Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) said that's not the case this year.
  Last year, the week before SXSW - two peopled died from overdoses and at least a dozen went to the hospital in what police called an "alarming" 48-hour period.DEA, APD address increase in downtown overdosesThis prompted the Austin Police Department (APD) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to issue a poignant warning ahead of the festival.
  Over the past ye
  
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