Austin news

• Grand Jury clears 3 APD officers in August 2021 shooting, use of force case

  19-04-2023 23:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Tuesday, a Travis County Special Grand Jury concluded its review of an August 2021 shooting incident involving three Austin Police Department officers.Travis County District Attorney José Garza said Officers Derrick Lehman, Jason Cummins and Michael Barba were not indicted by the jury.According to a release, on August 19, 2021, APD officers responded to a 911 call of a man on a high-speed roadway at the 2300 block of South US Highway 183 Northbound. The officers a
  
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• Project Connect leaders approve millions in contracts for light rail planning, design

  19-04-2023 23:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Leaders behind Austin's Project Connect mass transit system approved several multi-million-dollar contracts Wednesday as the program revs up its light rail system buildout.The Austin Transit Partnership -- the entity tasked with overseeing the delivery of Project Connect -- approved a contract with HDR Engineering Inc. to assist with program development and adhering to standards outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements.ICYMI: Project Connect debuts 5
  
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• Bee Cave becomes 7th Dark Sky Community in Texas

  19-04-2023 23:08 via kxan.com
  
  BEE CAVE, Texas (KXAN) — Thanks to new lighting, the city of Bee Cave became Texas' 7th "International Dark Community" and now has one of the state's clearest views of the stars."Bee Cave joins a growing list of places certified in Dark Sky's International Dark Sky Places Program in Texas, with several concentrated in the Hill Country region of the state,” said International Dark Sky Association (IDA) Places Program Associate Amber Harrison in a press release. “This addition is
  
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• Large hail possible from thunderstorms late Thursday

  19-04-2023 22:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Confidence is increasing in strong to severe thunderstorms developing Thursday evening and impacting much of the area, especially from Highway 281 eastward including the Austin metro.Ahead of the storm system heading our way, expect mostly cloudy to cloudy skies overnight through midday Thursday with just a few passing, light rain showers.Thursday afternoon, a few scattered thunderstorms may develop -- but this first round of storms is not certain, and may not happen at all.Clou
  
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• Surveillance video helps identify man connected with Texas cheerleader shooting, document says

  19-04-2023 22:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Elgin police used surveillance video to identify the man believed to be connected with Tuesday's shooting that sent a Round Rock ISD student and cheerleader to the hospital, according to criminal complaint documents.The man was accused of firing shots into a car in the parking lot of an H-E-B, located at 1080 E. U.S. Highway 290 in Elgin. Officers initially responded to the shots fired call around 12:15 a.m. Tuesday.The documents also showed there were four young adult wome
  
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• New Uvalde elementary school approved, construction planning begins

  19-04-2023 20:43 via kxan.com
  
  UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) -- Plans for a new elementary school to replace Robb Elementary in Uvalde were approved at a school board meeting earlier this week.
  On Monday, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District approved the full schematic renderings for the new elementary school as recommended by the Uvalde CISD Community Advisory Committee.Uvalde parents get rendering photos of new school replacing Robb Elementary after mass shootingThe Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation will now move
  
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• Earth Day around the world

  19-04-2023 20:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Mother Earth will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22. It's estimated that more than one billion people will celebrate Earth Day. It's the day set aside to do everything we can to take better care of the planet, including ways not to pollute the air and the water to deforestation. Just like we need homes so do the animals and other wildlife. Several activities are taking place that will also bring awareness to people on how to be good stewards of our environmentConcerns abo
  
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• Study dubs Austin's I-35 'freeway without future'

  19-04-2023 19:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A study conducted by a national urban mobility organization ranked Austin's I-35 on its list of 10 "freeways without futures," citing the highway's history of segregation, proposed expansion's displacement impacts and environmental concerns as reasons for its listing.The Congress for the New Urbanism is a 30-year-old institution that works with grassroot organizations and urban planners on ways to increase connectivity and mobility in cities. CNU's work focuses on improving tran
  
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• City warns of potential blue-green algae on Lady Bird Lake

  19-04-2023 18:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department said it saw a lot of green algae Monday on Lady Bird Lake, but warned there might be blue-green algae mixed in.While the department said it had not yet tested the algae, people should assume the algae might be toxic and avoid it.According to the city, a harmful algae bloom occurs when Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, produces toxins. PAST COVERAGE: Toxic blue-green algae: Is this the new normal for Austi
  
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• UT Austin Launches pilot housing scholarship program

  19-04-2023 18:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The University of Texas at Austin launched a pilot housing scholarship program to offset student housing costs up to $1,800 per academic year, with a priority on first-year students.
  Eligible students are those qualified for free or reduced tuition through Texas Advance Commitment (TAC) and elect to live in the university residence halls.“We have already made progress in reducing and, in some cases, eliminating the cost of tuition for our students who can least afford
  
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• U.S. Supreme Court sides with Rodney Reed in case related to DNA testing

  19-04-2023 17:40 via kxan.com
  
  Austin (KXAN) – The U.S. Supreme Court sided Wednesday with Texas inmate Rodney Reed, with the majority of the justices agreeing that a lower court had wrongfully dismissed a lawsuit Reed filed seeking further DNA testing of crime scene evidence, such as the murder weapon, in his death-row case.For years, Reed’s defense team has fought for additional DNA testing. The latest Supreme Court decision relates to a lawsuit Reed filed to ultimately get more testing done.You can read the ful
  
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• City of Kyle to honor Vietnam Veterans

  19-04-2023 17:29 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) – To honor Texas veterans of the Vietnam War who died after returning to the United States, The City of Kyle will host "The Wall That Heals" exhibit from May 4 through 7 at Lake Kyle Park.
  The In Memory program, founded by Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF), will feature an honor roll display at The Wall That Heals and feature names and photos of the veterans.
  “We want to honor as many Vietnam Veterans from Hays County as possible,” said American
  
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• Round Rock school temporarily locked down due to 'suspicious' person with weapon nearby

  19-04-2023 16:54 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- A Round Rock middle school was placed on a brief lockdown Wednesday morning after reports of a "suspicious" person with weapons nearby.
  Hernandez Middle School was placed on lockdown while the Round Rock Independent School District investigated the reports, Dr. Patricia Ephlin with RRISD said.RRISD didn't find evidence of a person with weapons nearby, and the lockdown was lifted. Ephlin said the middle school will resume the day as scheduled.
  Parents and guardians wer
  
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• Austin student wins C-SPAN documentary competition

  19-04-2023 15:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A 16-year-old student from Austin has won a national prize with his documentary film.Carson Collins recently claimed top honors in C-SPAN’s national 2023 StudentCam competition.Nearly 3,000 students —from 40 states — participated in the project-based learning experience.In the end, Collins took home the title with his documentary "A Perilous Purchase: CCP Ownership of U.S. Land."The first-place prize included a $3,000 check, which he’s already puttin
  
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• ABoR report: March a good month for home buyers and sellers

  19-04-2023 14:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Job growth and declining mortgage rates led to a "demand-driven housing market" in March in the Austin-Round Rock Metro Area, according to the Austin Board of Realtors latest Central Texas Housing Report released Tuesday.ABoR said an increase in new and active listings shows favorable market conditions for buyers and sellers.  “This spring has ushered in a sweet spot for both buyers and sellers,” Ashley Jackson, 2023 ABoR president, said Tuesday in the rele
  
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• How air conditioning and tanks could save Jacob's Well

  19-04-2023 14:14 via kxan.com
  
  WIMBERLEY, Texas (KXAN) -- Last July, Jacob's Well in Wimberley was closed for swimmers as the lack of water made conditions unsafe. Now, one group armed with an idea is trying to save enough water to save the well and the water supply.Since 1996, David Baker with the Watershed Association has been protecting what has grown to nearly 500 acres around Jacob's Well."Our main mission is really protecting land so we can protect water... When the well is low, that means aquifer levels are low. So it'
  
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• Remember The 'Dillo, Austin's former shuttle system?

  19-04-2023 13:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For more seasoned or native Austinites, The 'Dillo might serve as a blast from the past of an Austin bygone. But for those newer to the Texas capital, it might surprise you to know that once upon a time, The 'Dillo shuttle served as a trolley system running through Austin. Before Project Connect, Austin once considered a gondola public transit systemBeginning in the 1970s, the Armadillo Express transported passengers throughout downtown, traveling as far north as the Univer
  
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• H-E-B opening convenience store in Georgetown

  19-04-2023 13:13 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) – H-E-B will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday for its newest convenience store.
  The H-E-B Fresh Bites will be part of the Georgetown H-E-B at the corner of Highway 29 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard.
  The ribbon-cutting will happen from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30, signaling the opening of H-E-B's fourth convenience store in the Austin area.
  The other three convenience store locations are below:
  2512 E. Riverside Dr., Austin3780 Gattis School Rd., Round Rock5008 Gattis Scho
  
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• APD investigating deadly shooting at north Austin apartment complex

  19-04-2023 12:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Police said a man died Tuesday night after a shooting at a north Austin apartment complex.
  The Austin Police Department responded around 10:20 p.m. to The Hedge Apartment complex, which is on the southbound service road of Interstate 35 just northeast of Powell Lane.
  Police said they got multiple calls about a man who had been shot. Officers arrived and tried to save the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
  Police said they do not have information on a suspec
  
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• Risk of strong to severe storms on Thursday

  19-04-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Confidence is rising in widespread storms and potentially some severe weather this week. Below is a day-by-day breakdown of storm potential & risks:TODAY (WED): Mainly cloudy skies can be expected through most of the day with a few sprinkles in the mix. Some breaks in the clouds are possible later this afternoon.
  A low risk for an isolated strong to severe storm is possible in the far western Hill Country as a dryline further west attempts to trigger storms. Low confidence e
  
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• Risk of strong to severe storms next 3 days

  19-04-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An active stretch of weather will begin today and continue through Friday. Below is a day-by-day breakdown of storm potential & risks:TODAY (WED): Mainly cloudy skies can be expected through most of the day with a few sprinkles in the mix. A low risk for an isolated strong to severe storms is possible in the far western Hill Country late day as a dryline further west triggers storm development. Low confidence exists in storms (1) forming & (2) holding together long enoug
  
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• RRPD responds to reported bomb threat at residence in Round Rock

  19-04-2023 04:03 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- The Round Rock Police Department is currently responding to a reported bomb threat, the agency confirmed on Twitter.At approximately 8:30 p.m., officers responded to the report at a residence in the 2100 block of Jasmine Path, the tweet said.
  Additionally, the Austin Police bomb squad is also assisting, RRPD said.As a precaution, neighboring residences were evacuated, the tweet said.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
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• RRPD: Reported threat at Round Rock residence determined not to be bomb

  19-04-2023 04:03 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- The Round Rock Police Department responded to a reported bomb threat Tuesday night.At approximately 8:30 p.m., officers responded to the report at a residence in the 2100 block of Jasmine Path, the tweet said.
  As a precaution, neighboring residences were evacuated.Around 11:25 p.m., police determined the object to not be a bomb and neighbors who had evacuated were able to return home, RRPD said in an update.
  The police department said the investigation into the threat
  
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• Austin FC opens US Open Cup play in May, round later than 2022

  19-04-2023 03:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC will open the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament in May and in the Round of 32, the club announced Tuesday.Verde and Black will play either May 9 or May 10 at a location to be determined against an opponent drawn April 27 after the third round is played April 25-26.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/newslettersThe U.S. Open Cup tournament is the country's longest
  
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• Austin native excelling through adversity for Texas Longhorns tennis

  19-04-2023 03:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One of Nevin Arimilli's first memories was Vince Young scoring the game-winning touchdown in the 2006 Rose Bowl. An Austin native, he's certainly appreciating his time as a tennis player with Texas."I know not to take it for granted, the opportunity I get," Arimilli said. "And that's kind of helped me really take advantage of when I do get chances on the court to really go for it."MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More th
  
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• ARA no longer in-network with UnitedHealthCare

  19-04-2023 02:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Radiological Association (ARA) Diagnostic Imaging is now out of network for all UnitedHealthcare plan types after the contract expired between the two sides, ARA and UnitedHealthCare confirmed in separate statements Tuesday.
  The move became effective Saturday, April 15.ARA said its radiologists have "served the people of Austin and Central Texas since 1954."'ARA and United have had a long-standing relationship spanning almost two decades. However, the reimbursement rate U
  
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• Some parents upset after Austin ISD decision to appeal state intervention

  19-04-2023 01:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Some parents are speaking out after Austin ISD announced they are asking for a review of the special education department.AISD district leaders began the process of appealing the state appointment of a conservator management team to oversee its special education operations on Monday. TEA plans to implement conservator team for Austin ISD special education department"We would like to instead have a monitor in place which is one notch below a conservator," Austin ISD Board Pr
  
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• PHOTOS: Historic Fredericksburg home transformed into chic vacation rental

  19-04-2023 01:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) –  Fredericksburg’s first mayor’s home has been turned into a luxurious vacation rental available in Summer 2023. The rental – called the Menagerie –  is located in Fredericksburg’s historic district. The property was built in the early 1900s and was home to the first mayor of the town, Joe Stein, according to the design team behind the project, Twistleaf. Fredericksburg was founded by German immigrants in 1846.  “M
  
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