Austin news

• Texas veteran walks UT-Austin graduation stage at age 99

  08-05-2023 23:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's never too late to graduate. One special University of Texas at Austin graduate proved this true.
  Lew Griffith, 99, went to his first-ever graduation ceremony this week at the University of Texas at Austin Cockrell School of Engineering, according to the UT school.
  While he has a high school diploma and two degrees, Griffith was never able to walk across a stage after graduating high school early and serving in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, according to
  
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• When will Project Connect announce light rail design selection?

  08-05-2023 23:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Project Connect leaders gear up for the unveiling of the program's initial light rail investment, staff are previewing estimated ridership at each station under the five design proposals. Officials are expected to present a final proposal at Austin Transit Partnership's May 24 board meeting, with an official decision made between ATP, the City of Austin and CapMetro on June 6.Here's a breakdown of each version paired with the number of stations, length of the initial rou
  
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• Lebarron Johnson Jr. named Big 12 pitcher of the week

  08-05-2023 23:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Earlier in the season, Texas Longhorns head coach David Pierce lauded LeBarron Johnson Jr.'s ability on the pitcher's mound. He said he had "electric stuff," the kind that typically would be from a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. Johnson showed it offf May 6 against the Kansas Jayhawks.Johnson struck out 12 Jayhawks in seven innings, both career highs, to help lead the Longhorns to a 6-2 win. The Big 12 Conference noticed the outstanding performance and awarded Johnson with th
  
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• Austin man with air rifle causes school shooting concern for neighbors

  08-05-2023 23:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — What neighbors thought could turn into a possible active shooting threat, turned out to be a false alarm.Over the last two weeks, an Austin Police arrest affidavit states a man tried to break into homes in an east Austin neighborhood, and threatened people with what turned out to be an air rifle, according to court records.Austin Mullins, 29, was charged with disorderly conduct. Police said this isn't the first time he's done something like this.KXAN reached out to Mullins'
  
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• $1 million scratch-off ticket claimed in northwest Austin

  08-05-2023 20:55 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for May 8, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Someone in Austin is $1 million richer after claiming a winning scratch-off ticket in northwest Austin, according to a Texas Lottery release. Lottery trust claims $1 million winning ticket sold in Round RockThe ticket was bought at 183 Express, which is at 13296 U.S. Highway 183 between Anderson Mill Road and Spicewood Springs Road. The winner decided to remain anonymous, the re
  
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• Twins at St. Edward's University help reduce the school's carbon footprint

  08-05-2023 20:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Like many other colleges and universities, St. Edward's University held its graduation on Saturday. One of the students who graduated is Luke Tobias from San Antonio. His twin brother, Ethan, will be graduating in the fall following a heavy course load.It's not unusual for twins to graduate during the same year, but these two bring something more to their college curriculum. They are committed to reducing the carbon footprint to help preserve and protect our environment.
  Luke's
  
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• Under mounting pressure, Rep. Bryan Slaton resigns before expulsion vote in Texas House

  08-05-2023 20:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (The Texas Tribune) -- Rep. Bryan Slaton resigned from the Texas House on Monday after an investigative panel found he had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 19-year-old woman on his staff, providing her with enough alcohol before their encounter that she felt dizzy and had double vision.Pressure had mounted on Slaton to resign since Saturday, when the House General Investigative Committee released a 16-page report finding he had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct
  
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• Bill to raise age for semi-automatic rifle purchases clears Texas House committee

  08-05-2023 20:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Legislation that aims to raise the age for purchasing certain semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21 years old advanced through a Texas House committee Monday.
  House Bill 2744 passed with an 8 to 5 vote. Several people in the hearing room clapped and cheered after the vote.
  8-5, The Texas House Select Committee on Community Safety delivers a vote evoking tears of relief and gratitude from Uvalde families, nearly one year after their children were killed. This is significant
  
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• Police name suspect accused of hitting 18 at Texas bus stop, killing 8

  08-05-2023 19:23 via kxan.com
  
  BROWNSVILLE, Texas (KVEO) — A Brownsville resident with a lengthy criminal history has been identified by police as the driver accused of smashing into a crowd at a bus stop in the Texas border town Sunday. Eighteen people were hit, eight of whom were killed.
  At a Monday press conference, Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda identified the suspect as 34-year-old George Alvarez. Sauceda said he attempted to flee the scene after the crash, but was held down by people on the scene.Alvarez w
  
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• Austin teacher arrested, accused of sexual assault of student

  08-05-2023 18:59 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for May 8, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin teacher was arrested and is facing multiple charges after he allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student, according to an Austin Police arrest affidavit.The affidavit states David Hoelewyn, 27,is facing charges of sexual assault of a child and improper relationship between educator and student, both second-degree felonies.In the affidavit, Hoelewyn is id
  
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• PD: $3.6M bond for driver migrant crash

  08-05-2023 17:26 via kxan.com
  
  BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department held a news conference following the violent death of eight people outside a migrant shelter Sunday.At the conference, Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda revealed that the driver of the gray SUV that struck 18 people attempted to flee the scene after the crash but was held down by people on the scene.The driver was identified as 34-year-old George Alvarez, a Brownsville local with a lengthy criminal history.He has b
  
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• PD: $3.6M bond for driver in migrant crash

  08-05-2023 17:26 via kxan.com
  
  BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department held a news conference following the violent death of eight people outside a migrant shelter Sunday.At the conference, Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda revealed that the driver of the gray SUV that struck 18 people attempted to flee the scene after the crash but was held down by people on the scene.The driver was identified as 34-year-old George Alvarez, a Brownsville local with a lengthy criminal history.He has b
  
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• Brownsville PD speak on 8 dead, 10 injured in SUV strike near migrant shelter

  08-05-2023 17:26 via kxan.com
  
  BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department will hold a news conference following the violent death of eight people outside a migrant shelter Sunday.The incident happened at 8:30 a.m. near Minnesota Road and North Bernal Road in front of the Ozanam Center, which is a shelter for migrants and the homeless. BPD: 8 dead, 10 injured when SUV strikes crowd near migrant shelterBrownsville Police Investigator Martin Sandoval said seven victims died at the scene and anot
  
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• Austin nonprofit reviving I Luv Video's at-home movie, TV rentals

  08-05-2023 17:24 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for May 8, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two-and-a-half years after I Luv Video announced its closing in September 2020, a new nonprofit is reviving the beloved Austin institution's at-home movie and TV show rental model.The newly formed nonprofit We Luv Video will celebrate the comeback of rental services with a soft opening on Saturday at 6 p.m. As part of this return, they'll rent the first video to I Luv Video's ow
  
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• They've got questions, she's got answers. ABoR's first full-time economist is predicting more declines

  08-05-2023 17:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Amid the roller-coaster whiplash that is Austin's housing market, the professional organization that helps local realtors advise clients on what to do is bringing on a full-time economist.Clare Losey, Ph.D., previously worked as a research assistant at the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University. Now she'll take that experience and help the Austin Board of Realtors' more than 20,000 realtors by using econometric and statistical models.Losey has experience u
  
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• How have average rent prices changed in Austin metro in the last year?

  08-05-2023 15:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The average one-bedroom apartment rent in Austin slightly dropped over the past year, while other parts of the metro area have seen double-digit cost spikes, according to a May report from rent.com.Rent.com estimates the average one-bedroom apartment costs $1,536 each month, down 3% from May 2022. Studio apartments' monthly costs were estimated around $999, while two-bedroom apartments average $1,849 each month under the latest figures. KXAN INVESTIGATES: Latest TxTag contr
  
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• Company creates bamboo toilet paper to stop deforestation and tackle climate change

  08-05-2023 15:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It is responsible for cutting down one million acres of trees every year according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, and you have some in your home right now: toilet paper.
  KXAN sat down with the founders of a company who set out to find a better way to manufacture toilet paper.After working in tech, Betterway cofounders Christian Cox and Eugenia Alliegro wanted to start a company that would make a difference for the environment."We didn’t want to take just a rando
  
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• 'Still happening.' Top TxTag complaints detail double billing, website glitches

  08-05-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  Investigative Summary:This story is part of KXAN’s “TxTag Troubles” investigative project launched May 7, 2023. Following related reports in recent years, our team rededicated its resources to this major consumer issue, after hundreds of viewers complained to usabout resurfaced billing and customer service problems with the state’s tollway operator and its contracted vendors. During our reporting, the Texas Department of Transportation began reaching out to viewers who h
  
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• $381M generated from Austin-area tolls last year. Which roads made the most?

  08-05-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  Investigative Summary:This story is part of KXAN’s “TxTag Troubles” investigative project launched May 7, 2023. Following related reports in recent years, our team rededicated its resources to this major consumer issue, after hundreds of viewers complained to usabout resurfaced billing and customer service problems with the state’s tollway operator and its contracted vendors. During our reporting, the Texas Department of Transportation began reaching out to viewers who h
  
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• Moving company says more people are relocating to Houston, Dallas than Austin

  08-05-2023 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin area remains one of the fastest growing regions in the state, but more people are moving to Houston, Dallas and San Antonio, at least according to one moving company. New population estimates show which areas of Texas grew the most in 2022Penske, the truck rental company, released its 'Top 10 Moving Destinations' rankings for 2022. The company has released a top 10 list for the past 13 years by looking at which cities receive the most inbound one-way truck rental
  
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• Abbott to give update on border security Monday

  08-05-2023 13:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Gov. Greg Abbott is set to speak in Austin Monday morning about border security.The governor will hold a press conference at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to "provide an update on Texas' unprecedented efforts to respond to President Joe Biden's ongoing border crisis," a press release from his office stated.
  Abbott will be joined by Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw, Adjutant General of the Texas Military Department Major General Thomas Suelzer,
  
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• Abbott announces 'Texas Tactical Border Force' ahead of Title 42 expiration

  08-05-2023 13:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Gov. Greg Abbott spoke in Austin Monday morning about border security ahead of the expiration of Title 42, a COVID-era migration policy.The governor held a press conference at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to "provide an update on Texas' unprecedented efforts to respond to President Joe Biden's ongoing border crisis," a press release from his office stated.
  KXAN's Monica Madden was at the press conference and live-tweeted updates from Abbott as he was speaking.
  The
  
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• Man dies after being shot by DPS troopers in Round Rock following chase

  08-05-2023 12:17 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) – The Texas Rangers are investigating after Texas Department of Public Safety troopers shot a man in Round Rock Sunday night. According to DPS, the man died at the scene.
  According to a DPS statement, troopers shot the man after he led them on a chase that ended just south of FM 1431 on the service road of Interstate 35 in Round Rock.DPS said the chase began when troopers tried to make a traffic stop on northbound US 183 in Austin around 9:50 p.m. Sunday.
  According
  
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• Man dies after being shot by DPS troopers in Round Rock

  08-05-2023 12:17 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) – The Texas Rangers are investigating after Texas Department of Public Safety troopers shot a man in Round Rock Sunday night. According to DPS, the man died at the scene.
  According to a DPS statement, troopers shot the man after he led them on a chase that ended just south of FM 1431 on the service road of Interstate 35 in Round Rock.DPS said the chase began when troopers tried to make a traffic stop on northbound US 183 in Austin around 9:50 p.m. Sunday.
  According
  
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• Amber Alert issued for San Antonio teen

  08-05-2023 12:14 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KXAN) – The Department of Public Safety issued an Amber Alert Monday morning for a San Antonio teen last seen on May 1.According to the alert, San Antonio Police are looking for Juelz Robinson.
  Robinson is:White
  Male14 years old5' 6'' and 130 lbs.Black hair, brown eyesLast seen wearing a paperboy hat, black thin frame glasses, a dark colored t-shirt, black Nike shorts, and slip-ons.Police say Juelz Robinson was last seen at 12 a.m. on May 1 walking on Classen Pass in Sa
  
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• Rain chances remain in the forecast through at least the weekend

  08-05-2023 12:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The morning started overcast with areas of fog. By early this afternoon the sun was shining brightly on Central Texas.The afternoon will be warm with highs peaking in the upper 80s to low/mid 90s. The heat index will rise to the mid/upper 90s.Rain chances this afternoon seem to be confined to areas east of I-35 with isolated showers and thunderstorms.The Storm Prediction Center is watching the Hill Country this evening for possible severe storms with a category 1 out of 5 (margi
  
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• Heavy rain, flooding possible later this week

  08-05-2023 12:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- What seems to be a curse at this point, parts of the Hill Country will need to be on the lookout for the possibility of strong to severe storms later today.Our Monday starts mainly cloudy and mild with clouds thinning some this afternoon. High temperatures will run above average, with most of us in the upper 80s to low 90s.Isolated to widely scattered storms are possible this evening, primarily for areas west of I-35. There is a low risk of severe storms, with primary threats be
  
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• INTERACTIVE MAP: Austin voters approve proposition expanding police oversight

  08-05-2023 04:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Voters in Austin overwhelmingly approved expanding police oversight. Proposition A received 79% support in Saturday's election, while Prop B was rejected by more than 80% of voters."It's a really big victory. There's a strong mandate for improving police oversight and transparency in the city," said Equity Action Board President Chris Harris.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Austin Police oversight vote: early voting results are inThe vast majority of voters approved of Prop A, while rejecting
  
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• Austin voters approve proposition expanding police oversight

  08-05-2023 04:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Voters in Austin overwhelmingly approved expanding police oversight. Proposition A received 79% support in Saturday's election.
  "It's a really big victory. There's a strong mandate for improving police oversight and transparency in the city," said Equity Action Board President Chris Harris.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Austin Police oversight vote: early voting results are inWhat happens now?The measure expands civilian oversight over the Austin Police Department in several ways. It allows
  
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• No. 5 Texas swept by Baylor to end regular season; No. 2 seed in Big 12 tourney

  08-05-2023 03:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It was not the way the No. 5 Texas Longhorns softball team wanted its regular season to end Sunday in Waco.Baylor scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the seventh and completed a sweep of the Longhorns with a 2-1 win in the final regular season game for both squads.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 teams were locked in a scoreless tie for five innings u
  
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• Campbell breaks hitting streak record, Longhorns wrap up series win over Kansas

  08-05-2023 02:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas outfielder Dylan Campbell put his name in the program history book, but more importantly, helped the Longhorns secure a series win over Kansas on Sunday in Lawrence.Campbell finished 2-for-3 to extend his hitting streak to 26 games, breaking the record set by Michael Torres in 2008, and the Longhorns head off a late Jayhawks rally to win the game 7-6 and the series 2-1.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the
  
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