Austin news

• Former San Diego commander nominated to be Naval Academy superintendent

  25-04-2023 23:25 via kxan.com
  
  SAN DIEGO -- Rear Adm. Yvette Davids, former commander of a San Diego-based warship, has been nominated to be the next superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy.
  Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael M. Gilday also nominated Davids to become a vice admiral, USNA stated Friday in a news release.If the U.S. Senate confirms Davids' nomination, she would be the first woman to become superintendent of the Annapolis, Maryland service academy and the 64th perso
  
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• 'Like I'm just your prey': Survivor pushes for victim rights after attacker gets probation sentence

  25-04-2023 23:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)—A man who admitted to attacking a woman and exposing himself to a child won't do any jail time, but is now on probation for the next 10 years.The survivor Lynn Isaak made it her mission to find who attacked her, and might be the very reason police were able to arrest Antonio Rios. He pleaded guilty for Aggravated Assault causing Serious Bodily Injury and Injury to a Child for indecent exposure.35-year-old Antonio Cordero Rios, guilty of Aggravated Assault causing Serious Bodi
  
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• Texas, Michigan switch sites in home-and-home series for 2024, 2027

  25-04-2023 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns are headed to The Big House earlier than planned.UT announced Tuesday that the game against the Michigan Wolverines scheduled for Sept. 4, 2024, will now be at Michigan Stadium. It was initially set to be in Austin. The return game, set for Sept. 11, 2027, will be at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.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
  
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• Texas House takes up bill to ramp up social media protections for teens

  25-04-2023 23:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — As part of a larger effort to crack down on 'Big Tech,' the Texas House gave initial passage to a bill Tuesday that would require websites to protect teenagers from "harmful" content and get parental consent before using minors' data.The "Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment Act" (SCOPE) aims to give parents and guardians more tools for shielding their kids from "addictive algorithms" and prevent social media companies from collective private information
  
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• Elgin ISD officials investigating Monday 'altercation' at high school

  25-04-2023 21:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Elgin ISD officials are investigating an "altercation" that happened at Elgin High School on Monday.
  Its principal, Rick Reyes, said in a letter sent to parents that Elgin ISD Administration and Security is conducting a full investigation to determine the cause of the incident.While a representative from Elgin ISD did not say what type of altercation or elaborate further in emails to KXAN, they confirmed there was no indication anyone had been stabbed.
  See the full letter sent t
  
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• Three storm threats in Central Texas through Saturday

  25-04-2023 21:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Extensive cloud cover has kept temperatures too cool to develop severe thunderstorms in our area, especially from Austin westward through the Hill Country. Clouds are breaking east of I-35, warming temperatures and providing a chance of developing strong to severe storms this evening.From I-35 eastward is where we may see isolated severe thunderstorms develop now through 9 p.m., with the potential of hail, damaging winds or an isolated tornado.Strong storms possible after 5 p.m.
  
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• Police searching for suspect accused of sexually assaulting child at southeast Austin apartment complex

  25-04-2023 21:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Police are searching for a suspect who is accused of sexually assaulting a child at a southeast Austin apartment complex earlier this month.
  It happened April 1 at an apartment complex on Willow Creek Drive. A neighbor of the victim captured the incident on their doorbell camera and saw the footage after it happened, then reported it to the police, saying they believed the child had been sexually assaulted.
  The Austin Police Department said during a press conference Tuesd
  
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• Pflugerville to study regional transportation needs for 5-year plan

  25-04-2023 20:29 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) -- The City of Pflugerville has launched a yearlong study to evaluate citywide and regional transportation needs.City officials are seeking public feedback on Pflugerville Connect, a study being conducted in coordination with CapMetro. Findings will help support the development of a five-year transit plan that addresses community demographics, travel patterns and future growth. MOST READ: Ancient Roman bust discovered at Austin Goodwill heading back to EuropePflugervil
  
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• UT ranks among best schools for graduate studies, according to U.S. News

  25-04-2023 20:11 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for April 25, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The University of Texas at Austin was ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top university for graduate studies, according to a press release from UT.
  In the latest edition of “Best Graduate Schools” from U.S. News & World Report, out of this year’s batch of U.S. News graduate school rankings, 37 of the University’s s
  
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• Texas vies for coveted federal government biomedical and healthcare research site

  25-04-2023 19:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) –  Texas is vying to secure one of three headquarter sites for the Advances Research Project Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a President Biden proposal that was enacted into law in March 2022. The initiative aims to support the development of high-impact biomedical and health breakthroughs. Three major Texas cities -- Austin, Dallas and San Antonio -- partnered with a consortium management firm to submit an application to consider Texas for one of the three ARPA-H sites
  
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• CapMetro hits highest ridership levels in 3 years

  25-04-2023 19:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With more than 2.2 million trips taken via CapMetro services in March, the transit authority reported its highest ridership since pre-pandemic levels recorded back in February 2020.Ridership volumes increased by more than 25% year over year from March 2022 to March 2023. Last March, the transit agency recorded nearly 1.8 million trips, compared to just over 2.2 million taken last month. CAPMETRO NEWS: $34M electric bus charging project to launch this fallService levels increased
  
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• Facebook privacy settlement: Who is eligible for a payment?

  25-04-2023 19:25 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Facebook has started notifying users who may be eligible for a piece of the massive $725 million sum the company recently agreed to pay to settle a privacy lawsuit. But you don't need to wait for a notification to check if you qualify for a payment.
  The criteria is pretty simple: "If you were a Facebook user in the United States between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, inclusive, you may be eligible for a cash payment," the settlement details state.
  When you submit a c
  
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• Pflugerville man convicted on assault charges, found not guilty of murder

  25-04-2023 19:22 via kxan.com
  
  CAMERON, Texas ( FOX44) - A Milam County jury has found a Pflugerville man guilty of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in a May 2021 shooting. The man was found not guilty on a murder charge in the case, the Milam County District Attorney's Office said in a release.Israel Ballester, II, age 41, was on trial in connection with the May 8, 2021 shooting of three men during a disturbance off Milam County Road 326 near Rockdale.Two of the men survived, but one, Dalton Shaw of Buda, died.It was
  
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• Suspicious cattle deaths reported in Texas

  25-04-2023 19:08 via kxan.com
  
  MADISON COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) - The deaths and mutilation of cattle in Madison County, which is northeast of Bryan, are under investigation.According to the Madison County Sheriff's Office, ranchers said that a six-year-old longhorn-cross cow was found dead at their ranch, along Texas-Old San Antonio Road, mutilated and lying on its side. ‘Catastrophic’: Thousands of cattle killed in Texas dairy farm fireA straight, clean cut, with apparent precision, was made to remove the hide aro
  
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• CapMetro to launch $34M electric bus charging project this fall

  25-04-2023 19:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With a goal to transit its bus fleet to all-electric, zero-emissions vehicles by 2035, CapMetro is set to begin construction on a $34 million solar-powered charging site this fall.The Austin transit authority has collaborated with HOLT Renewables and bp pulse for design and construction of the project, per a news release. The solar canopies will offer overhead charging for CapMetro's electrified fleet. RELATED: Nearly 200 electric CapMetro buses en route to AustinThis comes afte
  
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• Turnout tracker: How many people have voted in the May 2023 election?

  25-04-2023 18:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With early voting underway, KXAN is keeping track of how many Central Texans have voted in the May 6, 2023 local elections.Unlike November’s election, the ballot for many this time around will actually be pretty short. Some people may even only have one race to vote on. School district bonds and trustee elections make up the bulk of elections this time around, but some local cities have some important races too. Voter Guide: What you need to know ahead of the May 2023
  
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• Peak bird migration underway in Central Texas

  25-04-2023 16:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Spring bird migration is underway in Central Texas and our skies are being filled with thousands of birds nightly.Meteorologist Kristen Currie spoke with Travis Audubon's Executive Director, Nicole Netherton, to find out how long our feathered friends will be around and how we can help prepare our yards for their stay. Spring bird migration is here: what to look for and how to helpBelow is a transcript of the interview. Edits have been made for clarity.Kristen Currie, KXAN News:
  
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• Person hit, killed on FM 973 in Del Valle

  25-04-2023 15:03 via kxan.com
  
  DEL VALLE, Texas (KXAN) -- A person was hit and killed Tuesday morning in Del Valle on FM 973. The investigation has caused road closures and heavy delays for commuters in the area.
  Austin-Travis County EMS responded to the crash around 5:30 a.m. and pronounced the person dead on the scene shortly after. It happened between the 2900 block and 3100 block.Real time traffic mapAustin Police said the driver of the vehicle that hit the person stayed on the scene.
  FM 973 was closed for investigation o
  
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• City of Austin looking to help small developers and create more affordable homes

  25-04-2023 14:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The City of Austin opened applications Monday for a new program to help small-scale real estate developers grow their businesses and create more affordable housing and job opportunities in the area.
  According to the Monday announcement from the city, applications will be open for the Austin Small Developer Training Program from April 24 to May 19. The city's Housing and Planning Department says the free, four-month program will provide developers with training, te
  
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• Why it is more difficult to diagnose girls with autism than boys 

  25-04-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has grown rapidly in the last couple of decades. Though the number of girls diagnosed with the developmental disorder has risen along with the overall numbers, doctors say that diagnosing girls with ASD is more challenging than with boys. ASD is a developmental disability characterized by persistent difficulties in social interaction and repetitive behaviors, interests or activities that make communicating and participat
  
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• TxDot to hold hearing on widening RM 2243

  25-04-2023 13:16 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – The Texas Department of Transportation and Williamson County are holding a hearing on the proposed reconstruction and widening of Ranch to Market Road 2243 between 183A and Southwest Bypass.
  The hearing will be held virtually Tuesday with an in-person option, according to a county announcement from April 17. The county's announcement said the presentation will be available online starting at 9 a.m.Williamson County said the project would improve roadway de
  
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• How to protest your 2023 property appraisal in Central Texas

  25-04-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Did you already get your 2023 property appraisal? Disagree with it? Texas property owners have until May 15 to file a protest with their county's appraisal district.
  This year, Travis County the appraisal roll increased 13%. In Williamson County, appraised values decreased 12% from 2022. In Hays County, appraisal values went up 24% this year.If a property owner disagrees with an appraisal value, they can submit a protest to their county’s appraisal district. Then
  
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• Questions remain for flood reduction project in north Austin

  25-04-2023 12:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Homeowners along Little Walnut Creek in north Austin are frustrated with a city of Austin project that was supposed to reduce the risk of flooding in their neighborhood after it was put on hold with no indication of resuming anytime soon.
  The homeowners, who live along Mearns Meadow Boulevard, had to evacuate their homes on April 20 after a severe storm brought heavy amounts of rainfall into the area. A storm culvert adjacent to the homes became clogged with dead trees and debri
  
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• Severe weather potential remains through Thursday morning

  25-04-2023 12:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The forecast of strong to severe storms later this afternoon and tonight is dependent on the atmospheric cap breaking. There was no sign of that happening early this afternoon. You can read more on that below.Today's severe storm threat.The early afternoon updated forecast did not change what we were seeing this morning, that the majority of whatever storms would occur would be during the late afternoon east of I-35.Strong storms possible after 5 p.m.The fifth update from the St
  
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• Risk of large hail, isolated tornadoes later today

  25-04-2023 12:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Our first of two severe weather threats is expected later today, with the second risk not too far behind.A tricky forecast will unfold this afternoon as a "capped" atmosphere may save some of us but break to leave others susceptible to strong storms.At this point in time, strong to severe storms are still possible for much of our area this afternoon and evening as a disturbance passing overhead, in combination with plenty of moisture and a dry line out west, will help trigger st
  
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• Risk of large hail, damaging wind later today

  25-04-2023 12:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Our first of two severe weather threats is expected later today, with the second risk not too far behind.Today's severe storm threatA tricky forecast will unfold this afternoon as a "capped" atmosphere may hold to save some of us, but break to leave others susceptible to strong storms.At this point in time, strong to severe storms are still possible for much of our area this afternoon and evening as a disturbance passing overhead, in combination with plenty of moisture and a dry
  
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• Biden announces 2024 reelection bid

  25-04-2023 12:20 via kxan.com
  
  President Biden announced on Tuesday that he will run for reelection, ending months of speculation over whether he will seek another term.Biden, who turned 80 years old in November, announced his second bid after months of saying he intends to run and with questions lingering over whether his age and mental stamina would prevent him from holding the office again. Biden would be 82 at the start of a second term. He was the oldest president ever to be sworn-in when he took office in 2020.The White
  
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• Victim 'brutally attacked' in north Austin robbery, APD searching for suspect

  25-04-2023 04:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is seeking the public's help in finding a suspect wanted in connection with a north Austin robbery, APD said in a news release.Shortly before 2 p.m., April 8, two suspects "brutally assaulted" the victim by punching and stomping on the victim's head in an alleyway in the 900 block of Rutland Drive, police said.One of the suspects has been arrested, police said. The other is who the police need help to find.During the attack, both suspects took the vi
  
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• Victim 'brutally assaulted' in north Austin robbery, APD searching for suspect

  25-04-2023 04:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is seeking the public's help in finding a suspect wanted in connection with a north Austin robbery, APD said in a news release.Shortly before 2 p.m., April 8, two suspects "brutally assaulted" the victim by punching and stomping on the victim's head in an alleyway in the 900 block of Rutland Drive, police said.One of the suspects has been arrested, police said. The other is who the police need help to find.During the attack, both suspects took the vi
  
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• 'Outcoached, outplayed': Longhorns no longer ranked after being swept by Oklahoma at home

  25-04-2023 04:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas head coach David Pierce said he was embarrassed following Oklahoma's 3-game sweep in Austin, and that in turn caused the Texas Longhorns to fall out of all four national college baseball polls released Monday.Texas fell to 8-7 in Big 12 Conference play after three losses to the Sooners, who entered the series 4-8 in conference play and 19-19 overall. Previously ranked No. 14 in both the D1Baseball.com, Baseball America and USA Today Coaches polls, along with a No. 12
  
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• Family wants answers after 25-year-old mother found dead in Bell County

  25-04-2023 03:55 via kxan.com
  
  BELL COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The family of a woman who went missing on 6th Street is searching for answers after she was found dead nearly 80 miles away.Bell County Sheriff's Department deputies responded Friday morning to a report of a dead person in a ditch near the 1300 block of Berger Road, which is north of Temple, according to BCSO.Investigators identified the person as 25-year-old Tiera Strand – who was listed as a missing person out of Austin. She was last seen on Sunday, April 16,
  
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• Victim identified in deadly shooting at south Austin homeless encampment

  25-04-2023 02:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police released the name of the victim involved in an April 20 shooting in south Austin.APD said officers initially responded to reports of gunshots at a homeless encampment in a wooded area near the 4900 block of West U.S. Highway 290 around 11 a.m. MAP: Where have Austin’s homicides occurred in 2023?The 911 caller told police someone stopped them and told them that someone had been shot within the camp, APD said. Police found 27-year-old John Powers. He was p
  
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• Texas Athletics announces location, more details on new football practice facility

  25-04-2023 01:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new Texas Longhorns football practice facility will begin construction next year, and fans can also expect a big change to Campbell-Williams Field at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium when the Longhorns officially join the Southeastern Conference.Renderings of the new facilities were shared on Twitter through the Texas Athletics account and will include both an indoor and outfield practice field, along with a three-lane sprint track, drill space for both offensive and defensive
  
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• TCEQ moves forward in approval process for east Austin rock-crushing plant, despite pushback

  25-04-2023 00:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)— A state agency is moving forward in the approval process for a rock-crushing plant, despite pushback from neighbors who feel it's way too close to homes.Neighbors are worried about air quality. Some who have lived in the area for generations, said they've been dealing with dusty air for years, just from temporary plants.The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulates permits for the plants."Sometimes, depending on the wind, it can be so thick, you can barely see thro
  
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• TCEQ moves forward in approval process for East Austin rock-crushing plant, despite push back

  25-04-2023 00:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)— A state agency is moving forward in the approval process for a rock-crushing plant, despite push back from neighbors who feel it's way too close to homes.Neighbors are worried about air quality. Some who have lived in the area for generations, said they've been dealing with dusty air for years, just from temporary plants.
  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulates permits for the plants.
  "Sometimes, depending on the wind, it can be so thick, you can barely see t
  
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• 1 dead, 4 injured in 3-vehicle crash in west Travis County, ATCEMS says

  25-04-2023 00:26 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- One person is dead, and four others were injured after a three-vehicle crash in west Travis County Monday, Austin-Travis County EMS said on Twitter.ATCEMS medics responded to the crash at approximately 2:30 p.m. at 8647 W U.S. Highway 290 with a total of five people involved, the tweet said.
  One person was pronounced dead at the scene, medics said.First responders were on the scene of a deadly crash Monday on Highway 290 in west Travis County. | Frank Martinez KXAN
  
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• Texas House initially passes school safety 'panic alert' legislation

  25-04-2023 00:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The Texas House gave initial approval Monday to a bill that would change technology requirements for how public school campuses initiate lockdowns and alert authorities in the case of emergencies.The bill, which introduced by Rep. Shawn Thierry, D-Houston, would require Texas schools to have alert devices with technology that immediately notify EMS, law enforcement and other first responders in the case of an emergency.
  Her legislation is modeled after Florida's "Alyssa&
  
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