Austin news

• Cedar Park police officer arrested, accused of sexual assault

  05-05-2023 23:36 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) -- A Cedar Park police officer was arrested Friday by the Texas Rangers after being accused of sexual assault, according to a news release from the Cedar Park Police Department.The arrest stemmed from an allegation made to the department on Thursday, the release said.CPPD identified the officer accused as Keco Motton, who was with the department for 10 years, according to the release. Motton is no longer employed by the City, the release stated.After the victim came forw
  
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• Texas lawmaker trying to make roads safer for people with disabilities

  05-05-2023 23:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A bill filed by Texas House Rep. Armando Martinez, D- Weslaco, would update the transportation code to allow a Texan to indicate on their driver’s registration that they may be transporting a person with disabilities. Already, drivers with communication difficulties – those with conditions like autism or being hard of hearing – can disclose this through the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (TLETS), so an officer is aware of challenges be
  
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• AG Paxton to investigate Dell Children’s Med­ical Cen­ter, cites reports of hospital providing gender-affirming care to minors

  05-05-2023 22:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)) -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation Friday to "uncover whether 'gender transitioning' procedures were unlawfully performed on minor children" at Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin.“It is now alarmingly common for fringe activists to use their positions in medicine and health care to force experimental, life-altering procedures onto children,” Paxton said in a press release, “Across the country, there are doctors and health care p
  
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• SAFE Alliance speaks after recent domestic murder-suicides in Austin

  05-05-2023 22:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A study showed 1 in 5 suicides involved intimate partner problems, according to a new study from the University of Georgia and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The problems researchers found included breakups, conflict and divorce.In Austin, police are investigating two recent, separate murder-suicides involving two couples. RELATED: Victim, suspect identified in April 27 suspected murder-suicide investigationPolice have not said whether officers have investig
  
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• Silver Alert issued for missing elderly man out of Bexar County

  05-05-2023 21:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Bexar County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in finding an elderly man reported missing Friday in Bexar County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.The elderly man was identified as 72-year-old David Bowser, who is diagnosed with a cognitive impairment, officials said. Bowser is described as a white male, feet 6 inches, 144 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes and was last seen wearing a tan cowboy hat with a blue button up shirt with a white undershirt
  
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• Did you know 1 in 6 Americans has a substance abuse problem? Here’s what to look out for

  05-05-2023 21:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Department of Health and Human Services reported earlier this year that 16.5% of the U.S. population aged 12 and older  – over 46 million people – met the criteria for having a substance abuse disorder in 2021, the latest data they have. Further, they found that nearly one and four adults 18 and older and one in three adults aged 18 to 25 had a mental illness during that year.Aubrey Werzner, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with Ascension Seton, sa
  
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• Invasive grass has reached Austin

  05-05-2023 21:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin is in the middle of an invasion. Grasses that aren't native to Central Texas are taking over."We don't know how far it'll go, but we know where it establishes and spreads it becomes a real negative to biodiversity in that area," said Aaron Rhodes, Research Associate at UT Austin's Brackenridge Field Lab.Scientists said there are increasingly concerned that an invasive species of grass, known as Guinea grass, is taking over Texas."Guinea grass outcompetes, not only native
  
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• Paxton, Travis County DA quarrel over Texas Capitol protest arrest

  05-05-2023 20:11 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The video above is part of KXAN's coverage following Tuesday's protest at the Texas Capitol.AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Friday, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made a false allegation against the office regarding the arrest of a protester at the Texas State Capitol earlier this week.Protests popped up Tuesday near the Texas House chambers over Senate Bill 14, a bill that would ban minors from accessing puberty blockers and gen
  
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• Crime reduction program in works in Austin, how it's going in Houston

  05-05-2023 19:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Curbing crime by meeting with violent crime victims while they're in the hospital is a concept that aims to reduce retaliation and revictimization. It's called a hospital-based violence intervention program, or HVIP.
  Leaders in Travis County are in the early stages of a plan to bring such a program here. Harris County launched at its first hospital in November.RELATED: Travis County hosts 2nd gun violence prevention briefing with focus on intervention programs"Once we receive th
  
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• Family therapist gives advice on talking to kids about social media, body image

  05-05-2023 16:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With proposed legislation at the Texas Capitol targeting teen use on social media, a family therapist advises parents to have a vulnerable conversation with their children about body image.“I really encourage parents and families, instead of trying to shut down the conversation and being afraid of it, instead, let's talk about it and bring that conversation into our homes,” said Dr. Erika Bocknek. Texas House takes up bill to ramp up social media protections for teen
  
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• TxDOT launches motorcycle safety campaign before ROT Rally

  05-05-2023 15:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Republic of Texas Motorcycle Rally started Friday at the Austin Speed Shop.Event organizers say they’re hosting a more intimate ROT Rally after experiencing some challenges in recent years.Prior to 2020, the ROT Rally was at the Travis County Expo Center before it was moved due to negotiation troubles.In 2020, the event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The following year, it returned to Circuit of the Americas, drawing thousands of motorcyclists from
  
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• Bill banning gender transition care for youth to be heard on Texas House floor again after protest, delay

  05-05-2023 15:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN/Nexstar) — Texas House lawmakers are expected on Friday to again take up Senate Bill 14, which would ban gender-affirming care for minors, after a vote was delayed earlier in the week when opponents filled the chamber's gallery to protest it.
  The bill was set for a vote Monday but the protests and a parliamentary move changed the plan.LGBTQ advocates booted from Texas Capitol; vote delayed for bill banning gender care for kidsAs the debate started on Senate Bill 14, Rep. Mary
  
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• Bill banning gender transition care for youth stalls in Texas House again after protest, delay

  05-05-2023 15:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN/Nexstar) — Texas House Democrats on Friday leveled a successful procedural objection to Senate Bill 14, which would ban gender transition care for minors. This is the second roadblock to the Republican priority legislation after a vote was delayed earlier in the week when opponents filled the chamber's gallery in protest.The bill was set for a vote Tuesday but the protests and a parliamentary move changed the plan.LGBTQ advocates booted from Texas Capitol; vote delayed for bil
  
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• Bill banning gender-affirming care for youth to be heard on Texas House floor again after protest, delay

  05-05-2023 15:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas House lawmakers are expected on Friday to again take up Senate Bill 14, which would ban gender-affirming care for minors, after a vote was delayed earlier in the week when opponents filled the chamber's gallery to protest it.
  The bill was set for a vote Monday but the protests and a parliamentary move changed the plan.LGBTQ advocates booted from Texas Capitol; vote delayed for bill banning gender care for kidsAs the debate started on Senate Bill 14, Rep. Mary Gonzál
  
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• Cedar Park Police: Suspect in custody after refusing to leave apartment for hours

  05-05-2023 14:28 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) – A person is in police custody after refusing to come out of an apartment in Cedar Park for hours.
  The Cedar Park Police Department alerted people on social media Friday morning to stay clear of the area near the 1400 block of Main Street due to police activity.
  That's close to Costco and just west of 183A and Whitestone Boulevard.
  Police posted at 5:51 a.m. that they were responding to a call about a "barricaded suspect." Police said in an update at 7:02 a.m. the
  
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• Cedar Park Police: Suspect in custody after barricading for hours

  05-05-2023 14:28 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) – A person is in police custody after barricading themself in Cedar Park and refusing to come out for hours.
  The Cedar Park Police Department alerted people on social media Friday morning to stay clear of the area near the 1400 block of Main Street due to police activity.
  That's close to Costco and just west of 183A and Whitestone Boulevard.
  Police posted at 5:51 a.m. that they were responding to a call about a barricaded suspect. Police said in an update at 7:02 a
  
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• Kerbey Lane CEO – and son of the restaurant’s founders – reflects on 43 years of serving pancakes

  05-05-2023 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – On Friday, Kerbey Lane is celebrating its 43rd year of serving up its unique take on diner-style comfort food. To celebrate, they’re offering Birthday pancakes —a buttermilk cinnamon swirl pancake topped with sprinkles, whipped cream and vanilla drizzle—throughout May.The current Kerbey Lane CEO and president, Mason Ayer, will also be celebrating his 43rd birthday in 2023. He was born months after his parents – David Ayer and Patricia Atkinson &ndash
  
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• University of Texas estimates 1,400 first-generation graduates this weekend

  05-05-2023 12:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- This time of year Littlefield Fountain is the place to be. University of Texas graduates flock to its waters in their cap and gowns, along with their friends and family, to get the best graduation pictures with the UT Tower in the background.
  It's a special moment for everyone involved, especially for first-generation students who are accomplishing a family milestone. The university estimates there will be 1,400 first-generation students graduating with a bachelor's degree this
  
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• Storms weakening with lingering wind and hail threat

  05-05-2023 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Scattered storms with a history of producing large hail continue to move through parts of Central Texas bringing gusty winds 40-60 mph along with them. Localized flash flooding is also a possibility with these storms. In general we're seeing weakening of storms and a movement east out of our area. CENTRAL TEXAS RAINFALL TOTALSA Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for most of Central Texas until midnight. Isolated wind damage concerns continue as the hail threat is lowering.Se
  
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• Severe Thunderstorm Watch for most of Central Texas

  05-05-2023 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Stay weather aware into this evening as storms are once again in the forecast, but won't impact everyone tonight.Isolated storms have already started developing in parts of the northwestern Hill Country. Isolated to scattered storms will continue developing as we head into the evening getting roughly 30-40% of Central Texas rain.A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for most of Central Texas until 10 p.m. The main severe weather threats this evening will be for large hail and
  
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• Severe storms creeping toward the Austin Metro

  05-05-2023 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Scattered storms, with a history of producing large hail, are moving toward the Austin Metro with at least one large severe thunderstorm warning. Localized flash flooding is also a possibility with these storms.A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for most of Central Texas until 10 p.m. The main severe weather threats this evening will be for large hail and damaging winds, but an isolated tornado can't be ruled out.Severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m.The latest outlook fr
  
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• Risk of severe late day storms continues through the weekend

  05-05-2023 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Be sure to stay weather aware over the next several days as our weather pattern brings Central Texas at least 3 more rounds of potential severe weather.Today starts quiet under mainly cloudy skies, but afternoon heat and sunshine will help another round of isolated storms to develop late day. The last outlook from the Storm Prediction Center has most areas along and west of I-35 under a slight risk (2 out of 5) for severe storms beginning late Friday afternoon through midnight.R
  
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• Drying overnight with another hot day Saturday

  05-05-2023 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The severe weather threat is fading and the Severe Thunderstorm Watch has expired. Storms Friday night brought hail up to tennis ball size and some beneficial rainfall. BLOG: Severe storms roll through Central Texas Friday night CENTRAL TEXAS RAINFALL TOTALSSaturday starts with low clouds before sunshine heats us back up into the low 90s.Saturday's forecastAnother round of isolated strong to severe storms is possible late Saturday, most likely in the evening. Rain chances Saturd
  
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• Blanton Museum of Art to hold grand opening celebration for new Moody Patio

  05-05-2023 05:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Blanton Museum of Art’s Moody Patio is now open to everyone, and the grand opening celebration of the newly reimagined outdoor space is on May 13.Access to the grounds and outdoor celebration is free, according to the museum; however, entry to Austin by Ellsworth Kelly and the museum’s galleries requires an admission ticket or Blanton Member card.The museum said the celebration will begin at 2 p.m. with a performance by Gina Chavez, followed b
  
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• West Lake Hills services restored after Wednesday gas leak

  05-05-2023 04:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Services were fully restored shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday after reports of a gas leak prompted evacuations and road closures in Westlake Hills Wednesday, Texas Gas Service told KXAN.At approximately 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, the gas leak was reported at Westbrook Drive and Bee Caves Road, the Westlake Fire Department said on Twitter.
  A small apartment complex was also evacuated due to the gas leak, Texas Gas Service said.According to Texas Gas Service, a third party hit the natural
  
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• UT president Hartzell says building relationships are priority in SEC

  05-05-2023 04:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN. Texas (AP) — University of Texas President Jay Hartzell said Thursday he'll attend the Southeastern Conference's annual meeting later this month with a goal of building relationships, not immediately trying to flex Longhorns muscle in their new league.Texas and Oklahoma leave the Big 12 after the 2023-24 season and join the SEC next summer.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/newslet
  
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• Amazon settles case after driver totaled woman's car in her driveway

  05-05-2023 03:41 via kxan.com
  
  LAND O' LAKES, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida woman received a settlement check after contacting WFLA in Tampa's Consumer Investigator Shannon Behnken with her story: her car was hit by an Amazon delivery driver and declared totaled.Sara Dooley's troubles started in February when the Amazon driver hit the gas to leave her Land O'Lakes driveway, was going the wrong way and slammed into her car. Even though the damage on her 2018 RAV-4 didn't appear that bad, the insurance company for Amazon deemed
  
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• Navy turns to drag to attract new recruits

  05-05-2023 03:15 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation) — The U.S. Navy has received harsh criticism after appointing an active-duty drag queen to be a "digital ambassador" in a new effort to attract recruits as it is not expected to meet recruiting goals this year.
  The military branch designated Yeoman 2nd Class Joshua Kelley as the first of five Navy Digital Ambassadors in a pilot program that ran from October to March, according to the New York Post.
  Kelley, whose stage name is Harpy Daniels and who identifies as non-binary
  
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• Austin receives nearly 6K comments on light rail design options

  05-05-2023 03:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Transit Partnership received nearly 6,000 community feedback comments on five light rail design options up for consideration since debuting them in late March.The five initial investment proposals were first presented at a community open house March 21. ATP collected feedback on the design considerations through Tuesday, with the entity expected to release its final design recommendation in the coming weeks. ICYMI: New Project Connect renderings feature light rail bui
  
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• Caucus held at Texas Capitol for historically black colleges, universities

  05-05-2023 03:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For the first time Thursday morning, there was a caucus at the Texas Capitol for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).The caucus was announced by State Rep. Ron Reynolds and HBCU students.Reynolds said it would support all HBCUs in Texas, as well as affiliated programs such as fraternities and alumni networks."We need to make sure as a state that we're adequately funding our HBCUs, and we haven't done so,” Reynolds said. “We've been fighting&mdas
  
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• Transfers from schools in Texas now playing for Longhorns men's hoops program

  05-05-2023 01:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns men's basketball program picked up two more players from the transfer portal Thursday.Guard Chendall Weaver from UT Arlington and Ze'rik Onyema, a power forward from UTEP, are the newest Longhorns as Rodney Terry fills out the roster ahead his first official season as the head coach.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/newslettersWeaver averaged 9.5 points
  
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• As Uvalde anniversary nears, 'dead suspect loophole' closer to an end

  05-05-2023 01:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Three weeks shy of the one year anniversary of the Uvalde mass shooting, the Texas House has given initial approval of a bill to end the state's so-called "dead suspect loophole" -- the same law used to block the release of records in that case and many others. DENIED: KXAN investigates Texas' 'dead suspect loophole'KXAN has been investigating this issue for five years. On Thursday, the bill, HB 30, passed the House in a vote of 112-31 without debate. House members have to give
  
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• Kaitlin Armstrong's murder trial date moved

  05-05-2023 01:23 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for May 4, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County court records showed the jury trial date for 35-year-old Kaitlin Marie Armstrong, a woman accused of killing professional cyclist Moriah “Mo” Wilson, was moved.Armstrong was originally set to appear in court June 22, but the date was moved to Oct. 30, according to court records. Latest updates on Moriah Wilson’s murderArmstrong faces a first-degre
  
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• If 'cap and stitch' comes to I-35, what should be built over Austin's busiest highway?

  05-05-2023 01:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (ABJ) — The city of Austin plans to take advantage of a state effort to transform and expand an 8-mile stretch of I-35 that runs through the core of the city.The Texas Department of Transportation has proposed adding lanes to the interstate, some with tolls, and moving the double-decker highway below ground level — drastic changes for a road that has been a major feature of downtown Austin since the early 1960s. The state agency has said the investment is needed to help with t
  
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• Law enforcement defends DPS partnership as community advocates raise more concerns

  05-05-2023 01:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA) and members of the Austin Justice Coalition view data on DPS traffic stops differently.A group of about 20 people organized by the Austin Justice Coalition took to the City Hall steps Thursday to express their concerns.Those concerns are largely tied to where DPS is more heavily patrolling.The Austin Police Department (APD) dictates where DPS focuses its patrols based on 911 call data for violent crimes. We learned this week, those n
  
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• Events celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Central Texas

  05-05-2023 01:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- If you're looking for ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this weekend, there are a few events commemorating the day around Central Texas this weekend.
  Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.AustinFiesta Austin will celebrate its 49th annual Cinco de Mayo at Fiesta Gardens on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.Gates open at 10 a.m., and the event is free fo
  
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• Texas House passes bill that removes Ashe Juniper tree protections, concerning environmentalists

  05-05-2023 01:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) –  A bill filed by Texas House Rep. Ellen Troxclair, (R-Austin), that would remove municipal protections for Ashe Juniper trees across Texas, was passed by the Texas House of Representatives Wednesday, making it one step closer to becoming law. Some activists worry if this bill is successful, it will have grim repercussions for an already endangered bird and the Hill Country ecosystem at large.HB 2239 would change the state law to add the Ashe Juniper, the tree associate
  
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• Lance Blanks, part of the famed Longhorns 'BMW' guard trio from 1988-90, dies at 56 years old

  05-05-2023 00:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One of the players that helped make the Texas Longhorns basketball program nationally relevant in the late 1980s has died.Lance Blanks, a star guard for the Longhorns from 1988-90 and ESPN/Longhorn Network basketball analyst, died Wednesday in Dallas. He was 56 years old.
  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/newslettersUniversity of Texas guard Lance Blanks waves a towel in c
  
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• With 10 regular season games left, Longhorns have to treat every game like the postseason, coach says

  05-05-2023 00:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As far as David Pierce is concerned, the Texas Longhorns are in the playoffs now.The head coach said with the calendar turning to May, it's time to start treating the remaining 10 regular season games like it's the postseason. That begins Friday on the road against the Kansas Jayhawks.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/newsletters"It's playoff baseball right now," he said.
  
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• APD identifies man suspected of inappropriately touching child

  05-05-2023 00:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, the Austin Police Department released the identity of a man suspected of inappropriate sexual contact with a child at a southeast Austin apartment complex.APD’s Child Abuse unit asked for community assistance finding 36-year-old Uzziel Eduardo Garcia Cabrera.APD said Garcia was wanted in connection with an incident that occurred in the 2200 block of Willow Creek Drive in the evening hours of April 1. RELATED: Police searching for suspect accused of sexual
  
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