Austin news

• After 10-year hiatus, art will start to appear along hike and bike trail, Council votes

  13-04-2023 23:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – After nearly a decades-long moratorium on artwork along the 10-mile trail that goes through Austin's downtown, the Austin City Council approved Thursday a plan to integrate art and culture into the area again.In 2014, a controversial proposed public art installation prompted the City Council at the time to impose a temporary ban on commissioned and donated public art to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, according to the Trail Conservancy. The entity said the morat
  
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• Getting hotter and more humid through Saturday afternoon

  13-04-2023 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Thursday afternoon was Austin's first day of warmer than normal weather in nearly a week and a half. Heat and humidity continue to build Friday and Saturday, with near-record highs in the forecast Saturday afternoon. El Niño watch issued: Here’s what that meansClouds increase tonight into Friday as a storm system passes far to our north. The system could generate an isolated thunderstorm locally on Friday, Friday night and Saturday, though rain will remain isolated.
  
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• AJ Johnson, projected NBA lottery pick, decommits from Texas to join Australian NBL

  13-04-2023 22:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas men's basketball is hard at work trying to configure a roster for the 2023-24 season, and the work just got a little tougher for new head coach Rodney Terry.AJ Johnson, a five-star recruit out of Southern California Academy in Northridge, California, told ESPN that he's decommitting from Texas and joining the Australian National Basketball League.According to ESPN, the 6-foot-6 forward is a projected lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
  "This was a pretty tough decisio
  
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• Who can get medical marijuana in Texas?

  13-04-2023 20:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Texas House approved Wednesday a bill that would expand eligibility to people who suffer from chronic pain to the state’s medical marijuana program. If the bill passes into law, it will go into effect Sept. 1.  MORE:Texas House passes bill to expand medical marijuana programWho is currently eligible?Texas lawmakers passed the Compassion Use Program in 2015. Lawmakers then passed bills further expanding the program in 2019 and 2021. The program initially
  
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• Sinkhole along MoPac prompts concern for drivers

  13-04-2023 19:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Along the northbound service road of MoPac, between Loop 360 and Spyglass Drive, a recurring sinkhole prompted a concerned viewer email to KXAN.Vickie Klepper sent the photos below and shared her concern."There is and has been a sinkhole along MoPac northbound frontage road for at least two years near Bartons Bluff Lane," Klepper said. "It is dangerous with a lack of signage and warnings. Today a car was traveling really fast and at the very last minute it changed lanes. If some
  
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• Gymnast from Round Rock named 2023 USA Gymnastics National Champion

  13-04-2023 19:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN( KXAN) — A gymnast from Round Rock was named the 2023 USA Gymnastics Collegiate All-Around National Champion.Velandra Brochi, 19, is a sophomore at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and she has competed with the school’s woman’s gymnastics team since 2021, according to AFA.Image courtesy Oh Shoot PhotographyImage courtesy of Marivel RodriguezImage courtesy of Marivel Rodriguez(U.S. Air Force Photo by Justin R. Pacheco)Image courtesy of Marivel RodriguezImage cou
  
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• DPS: Nearly 200 arrests made since patrols started in Austin

  13-04-2023 19:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Nearly three weeks into the Texas Department of Public Safety's increased patrols in Austin, Austin Police said the initiative is helping with violent crime, but some community members have expressed concerns about the presence of troopers in certain neighborhoods. So far, DPS reports its made nearly 200 arrests. PREVIOUS: Texas DPS to send resources to help with Austin police staffingDPS started assisting the Austin Police Department last month after a request from Gov. Greg Ab
  
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• DPS in Austin: A look at arrest reports, how to file complaint

  13-04-2023 19:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Nearly three weeks into the Texas Department of Public Safety's increased patrols in Austin - Austin Police say the initiative is helping with violent crime, but some community members have expressed concerns about the presence of troopers in certain neighborhoods. PREVIOUS: Texas DPS to send resources to help with Austin police staffingKXAN is still waiting for updated arrest, traffic stops and citation numbers from DPS, but we looked through a selection of arrest documents to
  
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• First 2023 Atlantic Hurricane forecast released

  13-04-2023 19:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Colorado State University and Meteorologist Phil Klotzbach Ph.D. issued the first mainstream forecast for the Atlantic Basin on Thursday.The good news, they expect a slightly below average number of named storms, hurricanes and major hurricanes this year.But, as we always say, it doesn't matter the number, it matters where a storm impacts. One landfalling major hurricane, in an otherwise quiet season, could cause devastation and loss of life.El Niño watch: Here's what tha
  
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• Austin to explore new safety improvements to Rainey Street district

  13-04-2023 18:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin city leaders are working toward creating an interim pedestrian safety plan for the Rainey Street Historic District, following council action taken Thursday.Austin City Council approved the resolution directing Interim City Manager Jesús Garza to "explore the capacity for Park Rangers to patrol and have EMS stationed at the Rainey Street Trailhead." Following council action Thursday, Garza is expected to present an initial report to the body by April 20. RELATED: We
  
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• Daniel Perry's attorney sends letter to Texas pardon board after guilty verdict

  13-04-2023 18:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Daniel Perry's attorney released a letter he sent to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles Thursday, following Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's request for the board to review the guilty verdict and the Travis County District Attorney's response to Abbott's request.Perry was found guilty of murder on April 7 in the deadly shooting of an Air Force veteran and Black Lives Matter protester, Garrett Foster, during a racial justice protest in July 2020 in downtown Austin. Foster was ar
  
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• West Campus rent higher than Austin's citywide average

  13-04-2023 18:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- According to data from Apartment List, the West Campus area has higher rent prices than many other parts of Austin.
  "In that very close University-adjacent area, two bedroom apartments right now are running like two grand a month, which is about $100 to $200 more expensive every month than the citywide average," said Apartment List Senior Research Associate Rob Warnock.
  It's something University of Texas graduate student Edwin Bautista experienced firsthand.
  "It's been tough fin
  
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• Report: UT Austin with nation's highest bed count for student housing projects under construction

  13-04-2023 18:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, (KXAN) - The University of Texas at Austin has the highest bed count in the nation for student housing projects currently under construction, according to real estate company Berkadia’s 2023 Student Housing Market report.The report shows UT coming in at the top spot with 5,522 total beds. That's nearly double the University of Wisconsin at Madison, which is ranked second on the 50-school list.The top-ten bed count:University of Texas at Austin 5,522University of Wisconsin - Madison
  
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• El Niño watch issued: Here's what that means

  13-04-2023 18:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The likelihood of transitioning to an El Niño climate pattern has continued to increase, prompting the Climate Prediction Center to issue an El Niño watch.According to the Climate Prediction Center an El Niño Watch is issued "when conditions are favorable for the development of El Niño conditions within the next six months." El Niño: The history and impactsWe're currently not experiencing El Niño. In fact, we're in an ENSO Neutral patter
  
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• TxDOT unveils new design proposals for I-35 expansion

  13-04-2023 18:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Department of Transportation is giving new insight into some design options related to the I-35 Capital Express Central expansion project. The eight-mile project scope runs along the I-35 corridor from U.S. Hwy. 290 East down south the SH 71 and Ben White Boulevard. ICYMI: How I-35’s expansion proposal could impact Austin congestion, displaced propertiesTxDOT unveiled the conceptual renderings during a public aesthetics meeting Tuesday evening. The designs highli
  
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• Renderings of new Uvalde school include tribute to Robb Elementary victims

  13-04-2023 16:33 via kxan.com
  
  UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) -- Last month, Uvalde parents and students got to see what the new elementary school replacing Robb Elementary could look like.
  Renderings of the school include a tribute to the 21 victims who were killed in the mass shooting at Robb Elementary last May.
  The proposed tribute is a tree, designed with two large branches to represent the teachers and 19 smaller branches to represent the students who lost their lives.Uvalde parents get rendering photos of new school replacing Ro
  
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• 'Catastrophic': Thousands of cattle killed in Texas dairy farm fire

  13-04-2023 15:41 via kxan.com
  
  DIMMITT, Texas (KLBK|KAMC) – A county judge described the scene after a fiery explosion at a Texas dairy farm Monday night as "terrible" and "devastating."
  “The number of animals that were lost and the barn that was lost,” Castro County Judge Mandy Gfeller said. “I believe that financially, it’s just devastating and catastrophic.”According to Castro County, the number of cattle that died in the fire at the South Fork Dairy had been estimated at 18,000. Officia
  
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• Who's the now-famous Masters Girl? We found her in Lubbock

  13-04-2023 15:26 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas (KLBK) -- Texas Tech University freshman, Aaliyah Kikumoto, made headlines at the Masters Tournament Easter Weekend as the "The Masters Girl" as determined by the internet.
  Prior to becoming a viral sensation, Kikumoto enrolled as a Business Marketing major and a proud member of the TTU Pom Squad.She told EverythingLubbock.com she's always wanted to be famous on social media for what she's "best at." Talking about dance and being 'The Masters Girl" was a great start to that.
  "I ca
  
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• Push to get Narcan in Austin hotspots of opioid overdoses

  13-04-2023 14:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A proposed resolution on Thursday’s city council agenda would get a life-saving medicine, along with training, into the hands of organizations and businesses located in hotspots of opioid overdoses.The proposal, placed on the agenda by council member Mackenzie Kelly, would provide funding for Austin Travis-County EMS to handout Narcan kits to businesses and organizations.
  The Narcan nasal spray reverses the effects of opioid overdoses, and it was just recently approved to
  
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• LIVE: Push to get Narcan in Austin hotspots of opioid overdoses

  13-04-2023 14:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A proposed resolution on Thursday’s city council agenda would get a life-saving medicine, along with training, into the hands of organizations and businesses located in hotspots of opioid overdoses.The proposal, placed on the agenda by council member Mackenzie Kelly, would provide funding for Austin Travis-County EMS to handout Narcan kits to businesses and organizations.
  The Narcan nasal spray reverses the effects of opioid overdoses, and it was just recently approved to
  
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• In Texas' school voucher standoff, school leaders weigh in

  13-04-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – In rural Guadalupe County — more than an hour from the Texas Capitol —Seguin Independent School District Superintendent Matthew Gutiérrez returned from visiting one of his campuses.He described one classroom where 10 small groups of students were working with paraprofessionals and intervention teachers. The entire set-up was possible, he said, because of federal dollars allocated to districts during the pandemic. It’s money that will be fully s
  
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• Austin police ID victim, release description of vehicle in deadly hit-and-run

  13-04-2023 13:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Police Wednesday identified the victim and released a description of the vehicle involved in a deadly hit and run that happened Sunday.
  According to the Austin Police Department, officers and Austin-Travis County EMS medics responded to the crash around 2:15 a.m. between two vehicles and a pedestrian on the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 Service Road between 6th and 7th Streets.
  Police said the driver of a Kia Forte hit the pedestrian, Jorge Luis Sanchez Villalobo
  
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• Texas residents concerned after 900-foot-wide sinkhole begins to spread

  13-04-2023 13:37 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KIAH) - Residents in Daisetta, Texas say they're concerned that a massive sinkhole will swallow their homes.
  The sinkhole, which formed back in 2008, is growing again. For years, the ground has remained stable. That changed on Sunday, April 2nd. Community members say it has swallowed up oil tanks, telephone poles and several cars.
  The sinkhole is located a little north of Hull-Daisetta High School and west of FM 770 on the edge of the DeLoach Oil and Gas Waste Well. Daisetta is loc
  
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• Parking at bars, AFD response times: This week's City Council items that impact you

  13-04-2023 13:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin City Council has nearly 80 items on its agenda Thursday. Here's some of what we're watching.
  Parking requirements for barsA resolutions from City Council Member José Velásquez calls for eliminating certain parking lot restrictions for bars to "encourage alternative modes of transportation and reduce the incidence of drunk driving,” the resolution reads. Council item aims to limit parking lot requirements for bars to curb drunk drivingAccording to curre
  
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• Man killed in hit-and-run on I-35 Frontage Road

  13-04-2023 13:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Police say a man died Wednesday night in a hit and run crash in North Austin.
  Police say the crash was reported at 7:21 p.m. in the 9000 block of the southbound Frontage Road of I-35, between Rundberg Lane and U.S. Highway 183.
  According to APD, one man, a pedestrian, is dead.
  Police say the driver left the scene of the crash.
  
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• City of Austin: Salvation Army downtown shelter to close doors without forcing anyone to the streets

  13-04-2023 12:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The woman in charge of Austin's homeless strategy assured members of the Public Health Committee Wednesday that no one will be forced out into the streets when a downtown shelter closes Saturday.
  On Feb. 17, Salvation Army announced it would be closing its downtown shelter March 15, citing it could not continue to offer the desired level and quality of care due to the age and condition of the facility. At the time, 97 people were using the shelter.Dianna Gray, the city
  
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• Texas bills call for renewables to help save declining fossil fuel sector

  13-04-2023 12:39 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) – The Texas Senate on Wednesday passed a package of bills that would cut support from wind and solar power and force renewable electricity producers to help pay for new fossil fuel power plants. The five bills are part of a larger campaign by the Republican-controlled body to redirect growth in the states' flourishing renewable energy sector — by far the largest in the country — toward oil and gas.The effort seeks to establish the long-t
  
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• Warm spring days ahead of weak cold front

  13-04-2023 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We're back to the 80s this afternoon, and we'll spend more days than not above the 80° mark over the next week.Today will feature mainly sunny skies, dry conditions and warm temperatures as highs return to the upper 70s and low 80s. Overall, today looks to be a great day to get outside and enjoy the springtime warmth!Thursday's forecast - mainly sunny, dry and warmClouds increase tonight into Friday as a storm system passes far to our north. Rain chances remain low (10%) as
  
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• AISD, Austin Apartment Association partner to find affordable rentals for teachers

  13-04-2023 05:15 via kxan.com
  
  Austin ISD is taking steps to help teachers find more affordable housing."In AISD we have an exclusive deal with the Austin Apartment Association," said Arnoldo Gutierrez, assistant superintendent of human capital with Austin ISD.In a partnership announced on KXAN, the school district is working with the Austin Apartment Association to find apartments that will offer incentives for teachers."From discounted rates, to waving some fees," said Gutierrez. "It is something that is exclusive for our t
  
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• Morgan's shutout propels No. 10 Texas softball past Texas State Bobcats 4-0

  13-04-2023 04:53 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — Mac Morgan threw a shutout and Reese Atwood smashed her team-leading ninth home run for the No. 10 Longhorns in a 4-0 win Wednesday over Texas State.Morgan won her 12th game of the season surrendering five hits with six strikeouts and three walks. She faced 29 hitters and made 12 of them ground out in the complete game performance.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.c
  
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• Long waits, few providers and coverage gaps: inside Texas Medicaid program for children with disabilities

  13-04-2023 04:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — A March study on Texas Medicaid revealed a host of issues affecting access to healthcare for some of the state's most vulnerable children.The study, commissioned by non-profit Protect TX Fragile Kids, evaluted families who receive care for their children under the Texas STAR Kids program. It's Medicaid-managed care for children and adults under the age of 20 with disabilities.
  Cheryl Lingenfelter's 10-year-old son Nathan is 100% dependent on her and caregivers after an a
  
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• 'Dead suspect loophole' bill gets hearing after Uvalde

  13-04-2023 03:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Nearly a year after 19 elementary school students and two teachers were murdered in Uvalde -- followed by a steady stream of incorrect and incomplete information released to the public -- Texas House lawmakers heard testimony on a bill that would end the state's controversial "dead suspect loophole."For years, KXAN has investigated this loophole, which allows police to keep information secret in closed criminal cases that don't go through the court process -- even when a suspect
  
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• Texas freshman Dillon Mitchell declares for NBA Draft, will keep college eligibility

  13-04-2023 02:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Another Texas Longhorns basketball player has declared for the NBA Draft.Dillon Mitchell, a freshman forward who averaged 4.3 points and 17.4 minutes per game this season, said he'll declare for the 2023 NBA Draft but will still keep his college eligibility, meaning he won't sign an agent.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/newslettersMitchell announced the decision on socia
  
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• Broken Spoke receives Texas historical marker during dedication

  13-04-2023 02:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, Broken Spoke, a live music dance hall in south Austin, received a Texas Historical Marker during a dedication ceremony.The ceremony was held at the dance hall, located at 3201 South Lamar Blvd., and it began at 5:30 p.m.Broken Spoke receives Texas historical marker (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)Broken Spoke receives Texas historical marker (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)Broken Spoke receives Texas historical marker (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)Broken Spoke receives Tex
  
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• Austin FC signs center back Julio Cascante to new contract

  13-04-2023 00:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — He's only been on the field for eight minutes this season due to injury, but center back Julio Cascante has done more than enough in the eyes of Austin FC to earn a new contract.The club announced Tuesday it signed Cascante to a 3-year contract with a team option for a fourth year, potentially keeping the Costa Rican defender in Verde and Black through 2026.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports news
  
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• Juror: Texas governor's rush to pardon Daniel Perry a 'travesty'

  13-04-2023 00:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — An alternate juror in the trial of a U.S. Army sergeant convicted of murder said Wednesday that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's rush for a pardon is an “egregious overreach” to wipe aside the jury's unanimous decision over a 2020 shooting during a Black Lives Matter protest.TIMELINE: The latest with the Daniel Perry caseIn an interview with The Associated Press, Jere Dowell said prosecutors put on a convincing case against Daniel Perry, who was in his car working
  
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