Austin news

• Isolated evening showers, then a drier stretch of weather

  30-05-2023 23:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Following a few isolated evening showers on Tuesday, temperatures rise to the warmest levels in a week with dry weather expected on Wednesday and Thursday.A ridge of high pressure coming in from the west leads to the pleasant, hot weather midweek. BLOG: Summer forecast released: When do 100º days beginWe are tracking the next storm system moving our way Friday into the coming weekend, bringing the return of scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Some storms may cont
  
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• Austin's Project Connect clears state opposition... for now

  30-05-2023 23:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A bill that aimed to derail Project Connect, Austin's massive transportation plan, was killed in the regular session. But lobbyists and attorneys behind the “No Blank Checks” bill believe legal challenges are still likely in the future.
  "I feel confident that we're going to celebrate that Austin gets the light rail that its people want," Mayor Kirk Watson said Tuesday. But Watson also said legal challenges were likely to be part of the project's future.
  HB 3899
  
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• What should I do if I'm caught in a bee swarm attack?

  30-05-2023 23:09 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above is KXAN's coverage from May 29 of the bee swarm.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Memorial Day, Austin-Travis County EMS responded to reports of a bee swarm attack near a Travis County park which left seven people injured.
  It happened during peak swarming season in Texas, which typically runs from late March through June. Swarming season occurs when honeybees' hives are overcrowded, leading to the need for a new colony, according to PCI Pest Control. RELATED: 7 people treated af
  
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• Attorneys for Austin officer win emergency court order to record grand jury proceedings

  30-05-2023 21:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County District Attorney José Garza must record his presentation of evidence to a special grand jury considering whether there is evidence that several officers used deadly conduct during the racial justice protests in May 2020.
  The officer's attorneys Doug O'Connell and Ken Ervin filed an emergency motion asking the grand jury proceedings be recorded. A district judge signed the request and in a rare move has ordered that the district attorney must record aud
  
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• Attorneys for Austin officer accused of criminal conduct win emergency court order to record grand jury proceedings

  30-05-2023 21:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --Travis County District Attorney José Garza must record his presentation of evidence to a special grand jury considering whether there is evidence that several officers used deadly conduct during the racial justice protests in May 2020.
  The officer's attorneys Doug O'Connell and Ken Ervin filed an emergency motion asking the grand jury proceedings be recorded. A district judge signed the request and in a rare move has ordered that the district attorney must record audio of
  
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• Gorillaz, Lil Yachty, others slated to play show at Q2 Stadium this fall

  30-05-2023 21:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- London-based band Gorillaz has added an Austin show to their tour schedule this fall.
  Gorillaz will play at Q2 Stadium on Sept. 13 as part of a four-show series called "The Getaway."
  The Getaway will be the final run of the band's tour of its recent album "Cracker Island" and will feature artists KAYTRANADA, Lil Yachty and Remi Wolf. The Getaway will also make stops in Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston as well as Austin.
  Tickets will be available for purchase online. Presale for t
  
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• LIVE: Capitol Closeout: A look at what happened, and didn’t happen, on top legislative priorities

  30-05-2023 20:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) – Hours after lawmakers adjourned sine die for the end of the regular legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott called them back to return Monday at 9:00 p.m. — in what he said will be the first of multiple special legislative sessions after chamber divisions got in the way of key Republican legislative priorities like property tax relief.“More must be done for the people of Texas. Many critical items remain that must be passed. Several special sessions will be req
  
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• Capitol Closeout: A look at what happened, and didn’t happen, on top legislative priorities

  30-05-2023 20:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) – Hours after lawmakers adjourned sine die for the end of the regular legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott called them back to return Monday at 9:00 p.m. — in what he said will be the first of multiple special legislative sessions after chamber divisions got in the way of key Republican legislative priorities like property tax relief.“More must be done for the people of Texas. Many critical items remain that must be passed. Several special sessions will be req
  
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• Suspect in Pflugerville man's death arrested, connected to 'multiple' murders: Police

  30-05-2023 19:49 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for May 30, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department announced Tuesday afternoon the arrest of a man connected to "multiple" murders.
  Raul Meza Jr. was identified last week as a person of interest in the death of Jesse Fraga, 80, after Farga was found dead in his Pflugerville home.Pflugerville police identify man found dead in home, identify person of interest in caseAccording to court records, there are t
  
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• Police: Man arrested in 'multiple murders', city official calls him 'serial killer'

  30-05-2023 19:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Raul Meza Jr., 62, confessed to murdering his roommate, Jesse Fraga, 80, and implicated himself in the murder of Gloria Lofton, 66, in 2019, three years after he was released from the Travis County Jail, per Austin Police.
  APD said they are looking into eight to 10 more cold cases Meza may be connected with, but said this number could rise higher as it continues its investigations. Meza is currently detained in Travis County Jail. Meza told police once he was arrested that he wa
  
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• Man arrested in 'multiple murders', city official calls him 'serial killer'

  30-05-2023 19:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Raul Meza Jr., 62, confessed to murdering his roommate, Jesse Fraga, and implicated himself in the murder of Gloria Lofton, 66, in 2019, three years after he was released from the Travis County Jail, per Austin Police.
  APD said they are looking into 8-10 more cold cases Meza may be connected to. Meza is currently detained in Travis County Jail. Meza told police that he wanted to kill again.
  "Here's a serial killer that justice was not served. It was a travesty of justice," said
  
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• LIVE: Police: Man arrested in 'multiple murders', city official calls him 'serial killer'

  30-05-2023 19:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Raul Meza Jr., 62, confessed to murdering his roommate, Jesse Fraga, 80, and implicated himself in the murder of Gloria Lofton, 66, in 2019, three years after he was released from the Travis County Jail, per Austin Police.
  "When they told me she got murdered, I was like 'What?'" said Sergio Rodriguez of east Austin, who said he knew Lofton. "She knew me since I was a little kid. That's just not right, man."APD said they are looking into eight to 10 more cold cases Meza may be co
  
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• Special election set to fill former Rep. Bryan Slaton's seat after expulsion

  30-05-2023 19:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's now known when voters will head to the polls and decide who will fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Bryan Slaton after his resignation and expulsion from the Texas House of Representatives.
  Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation Monday night that the special election will happen on Nov. 7. Only those who live in Texas House District 2 -- which covers Hopkins, Hunt and Van Zandt counties -- can cast a ballot. Early voting will begin on Oct. 23.
  Slaton, a Republican fr
  
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• 7 KXAN Investigates-inspired bills head to Gov. Abbott's desk this legislative session

  30-05-2023 19:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Following the end of the Texas Legislature's regular session, Gov. Greg Abbott has already or is poised to sign seven bills into law that were prompted by KXAN investigations.HB 30: Closing the 'dead suspect loophole'House Bill 30 centered on closing the "dead suspect loophole," an exemption in place since 1997 intended the privacy of those wrongfully accused. In the years since, the loophole has emerged that has allowed law enforcement agencies across the state to deny families
  
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• As temperatures go up, here's where you can get treats to cool down in Central Texas

  30-05-2023 18:12 via kxan.com
  
  CENTRAL TEXAS (KXAN) -- As summer approaches and temperatures rise higher and higher, you may be wondering where to get ice cream and other cold treats to help you cool down.
  We asked viewers on social media where to get the best cold treats this summer, and answers ranged from snowball stands to ice cream parlors to frozen custard shops.
  To receive news updates on social media, follow KXAN on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Here's where to get a cool, tasty treat to beat the he
  
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• Why a grand jury is hearing evidence 3 years after the 2020 police brutality protests

  30-05-2023 18:07 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for May 30, 2023.TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- A Travis County Grand Jury is weighing evidence presented by the district attorney in cases of officers accused of deadly conduct.
  Sources say the DA's office will present a deadly conduct charge to the jury stemming from the May 31, 2020 racial justice protests in downtown Austin.KXAN asked a legal expert if the timing is unusual.
  "It all depends on what the statute o
  
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• Texas is home to most Scripps National Spelling Bee champions

  30-05-2023 17:13 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for May 30, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that also goes for the number of Scripps National Spelling Bee champions native to the Lone Star State.Data compiled by Bet Texas reported 15 winners from the national competition's 95-year run hail from Texas. Ohio with nine winners and Pennsylvania with seven winners round out the Top 3.
  Texas: 15 winnersOhio: 9 winnersPennsylvania: 7 wi
  
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• Central Texas high school graduations get underway

  30-05-2023 13:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – As the 2022-23 school year ends, high schools across Central Texas prepare to honor and celebrate their graduates.
  The following Austin ISD schools hold will ceremonies at Burger Activity Center:Crockett ECHS at 10 a.m. on Tuesday
  Eastside ECHS at 2 p.m. on Tuesday
  Austin HS at 7 p.m. on TuesdayNavarro ECHS at 10 a.m. on WednesdayMcCallum HS at 2 p.m. on WednesdayAkins ECHS at 7 p.m. on WednesdayTravis ECHS at 10 a.m. on ThursdayLASA at 2 p.m. on ThursdayAnderson HS at 7 p.
  
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• Round Rock transportation recommends safety improvements for roads

  30-05-2023 12:32 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- Round Rock's transportation team unveiled its recommendations to update the city's transportation master plan, which includes safety and capacity improvements. People can now view the recommendations and provide feedback on its website.
  “We know that traffic remains a top concern for our residents, and we are aggressively investing in projects that shape a comprehensive transportation network that supports our community’s growth and enhances the quality of
  
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• Lanes to close on William Cannon through November

  30-05-2023 12:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The City of Austin announced it close two lanes on a portion of West William Cannon Drive from May 30 until November 2023.
  According to the city release, crews will temporarily close the street’s two outermost travel lanes in each direction between Menchaca Road and Woodhue Drive.  Construction on West William Cannon Drive from May 30 to November. (Courtesy: City of Austin)The half-mile, six-lane stretch of West William Cannon Drive will operate with four la
  
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• Animal shelters team up to find homes for 300 animals in one week

  30-05-2023 12:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The three largest animal shelters in Austin announced Friday they wanted to find homes for 300 animals in one week.
  Austin Pets Alive!, Austin Humane Society and Austin Animal Center will waive all adoption fees for most animals during the "300 Homes" promotion from Saturday, May 27 until Sunday, June 4.
  According to Friday's press release, the shelters hoped the money saved would help families buy all "the supplies needed to give their new pet a cozy home."
  Don Bland, Chie
  
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• Lawmakers pass business incentive law, critics say it hurts schools

  30-05-2023 05:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Within the final hours of the regular legislative session, Texas lawmakers passed a measure designed to attract businesses to Texas and create high-paying jobs.The Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act gives tax breaks to businesses, but opponents say it's on the backs of the state's students. Gov. Abbott calls special session to address property taxes, border security; more sessions comingTexas' previous economic development plan, known as Chapter 313, expired
  
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• LIVE: Gov. Abbott calls special session to address property taxes, border security; more sessions coming

  30-05-2023 04:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas lawmakers were adjourned for almost three hours before Gov. Greg Abbott called them back to the Capitol on Monday.Abbott called for a special session to begin at 9 p.m. Monday following the end of the 88th Texas Legislature's regular session at around 6:15 p.m. He said property taxes and border security are on the agenda for what he called "Special Session No. 1." PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Texas lawmakers adjourn without passing property tax legislation"Special Session No. 1
  
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• Gov. Abbott calls special session to address property taxes, border security; more sessions coming

  30-05-2023 04:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas lawmakers were adjourned for almost three hours before Gov. Greg Abbott called them back to the Capitol on Monday.Abbott called for a special session to begin at 9 p.m. Monday following the end of the 88th Texas Legislature's regular session at around 6:15 p.m. He said property taxes and border security are on the agenda for what he called "Special Session No. 1." PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Texas lawmakers adjourn without passing property tax legislation"Special Session No. 1
  
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• HVAC fixes could begin 'as soon as this summer' for some Austin ISD campuses

  30-05-2023 03:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – School may be out for summer, but work is just getting started at some Austin ISD campuses, as the district tackles heating, ventilation, and air conditioning repairs or improvement projects.Over the last few years, KXAN investigators have been tracking tips from parents, teachers and students about hot classrooms and other maintenance issues. Thousands of air conditioning issues at Austin ISD schools this yearLeadership has repeatedly pointed to aging facilities in need of
  
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• Texas lawmakers adjourn without passing property tax legislation

  30-05-2023 02:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- The Texas Legislature ended the regular legislative session Monday evening with top priorities left on the table.Lawmakers worked all day to finalize a last-second deal on legislation to lower property taxes. The two chambers have been at an intractable impasse all session, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan arguing their plans will save Texans more money.The legislature was constitutionally required to end their business by midnight Monday. The Texas Con
  
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• 7 people treated after 'bee swarm attack' near south Austin park

  30-05-2023 01:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A swarm of bees reportedly attacked and hurt seven people near a south Austin park, according to local paramedics, but no one required a trip to the hospital.
  Austin-Travis County EMS posted on Twitter Monday evening that this happened at 10001 Burleson Road, which is the address listed for Richard Moya Park south of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. According to a tweet, paramedics "evaluated & treated all patients, none required transport to the hospital."
  Param
  
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• 7 people reportedly hurt after 'bee swarm attack' near south Austin park

  30-05-2023 01:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A swarm of bees reportedly attacked and left seven people injured near a south Austin park, according to local paramedics.
  Austin-Travis County EMS posted on Twitter Monday evening that this happened at 10001 Burleson Road, which is the address listed for Richard Moya Park south of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. "Patients are being assessed and treated now," the tweet read.
  Paramedics are asking people to avoid the area right now. They plan to share more informatio
  
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