Austin news

• TIMELINE: What we know of Raul Meza's criminal history

  31-05-2023 22:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A man charged in connection with the death of an 80-year-old Pflugerville man earlier this month was previously convicted of murder in the 1980s, and law enforcement officials now say he might be linked to several cold cases.Raul Meza Jr., 62, was identified and arrested and charged after confessing to the murder of his roommate Jesse Fraga, 80. Meza also implicated himself in the murder of Gloria Lofton, 66, in 2019, three years after Austin Police said he was released from Tra
  
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• Five more Austin police officers indicted after 2020 protests, police union says

  31-05-2023 22:29 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for May 31, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Cases for three Austin police officers were presented to a special grand jury last week — and cases for an additional two officers were presented this week — stemming from May 2020 protests in Austin, according to the Austin Police Association."The special grand jury issued true bills for all five officers in the riot cases presented over the past few days," sa
  
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• Five more Austin police officer indictments after 2020 protests, police union says

  31-05-2023 22:29 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for May 31, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Cases for three Austin police officers were presented to a special grand jury last week — and cases for an additional two officers were presented this week — stemming from May 2020 protests in Austin, according to the Austin Police Association."The special grand jury issued true bills for all five officers in the riot cases presented over the past few days," sa
  
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• Hot, dry start to June

  31-05-2023 22:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A hot and dry end to May, but the pattern turns for the first weekend of June.High pressure will keep temperatures hot and skies mainly clear for all of Central Texas for the start of June. The rest of the week will consist of afternoon highs into the upper 80s and low 90s with a 10% chance of a thunderstorm Friday evening. BLOG: Summer forecast released: When do 100º days beginRain chances and slight relief in temperatures return this weekend with Sunday and Monday bringin
  
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• Pence eyes 2024 campaign launch next week

  31-05-2023 21:16 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) – Former Vice President Mike Pence is likely to announce next week that he is running for president in 2024, according to a source familiar with the plans.The source said Pence’s team is finalizing plans to launch his campaign for the White House, joining the expanding GOP primary field with a forward-looking announcement that makes the case for his candidacy. The former vice president is expected to put much of his focus on Iowa, which hosts the first caucus on the GOP pr
  
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• Gov. Abbott appoints former Secretary of State John Scott as interim attorney general

  31-05-2023 20:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Former Texas Secretary of State John Scott was appointed Wednesday by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as interim attorney general following the impeachment of Ken Paxton from the position.
  Scott is a Fort Worth attorney with over 34 years of experience, according to a release from Abbott's office.
  He most recently served as the secretary of state, but resigned from the role of Texas' top elections official at the end of 2022.Texas Secretary of State resigns; Abbott to appoint senator to
  
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• Austin firefighter stabbed in leg after downtown grass fire, affidavit says

  31-05-2023 20:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin firefighter was stabbed in the thigh Monday on Interstate 35 after a grass fire near the interstate and Riverside Drive, according to an arrest affidavit.The Austin Fire Department said Monday the firefighter was recovering at home. Austin firefighter stabbed while responding downtownKelly Dane Ingroum, 59, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault against a public servant. KXAN reached out to an attorney connected with Ingroum. We will update this story if
  
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• LIVE: Court documents detail what led to 80 year old's death, 'serial killer' arrest

  31-05-2023 18:24 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE (KXAN) -- An affidavit obtained by KXAN details what led to the murder charge Raul Meza Jr., 62, faces in the death of 80-year-old Pflugerville man Jesse Fraga. A second affidavit details why there is sufficient probable cause to believe that Meza murdered Gloria Lofton, 66, in 2019.
  On Tuesday, the Austin Police Department announced it arrested Meza Jr. and connected him with "multiple murders." APD said they are looking into eight to 10 more cold cases Meza may be connected with,
  
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• Court documents detail what led to 80 year old's death, 'serial killer' arrest

  31-05-2023 18:24 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for May 31, 2023.PFLUGERVILLE (KXAN) -- Affidavits obtained by KXAN detail what led to the murder charge Raul Meza Jr., 62, faces in the death of 80-year-old Pflugerville man Jesse Fraga.On Tuesday, the Austin Police Department announced it arrested Meza Jr. and connected him with "multiple murders." APD said they are looking into eight to 10 more cold cases Meza may be connected with, but said this number could ris
  
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• Austin FC's honorary mascots for Wednesday match named after 'Ted Lasso' characters

  31-05-2023 16:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- You may recognize the names of Austin FC's honorary mascots for the Verde's Wednesday match.
  Ted Lasso, Rebecca Welton, Roy Kent and Jamie Tartt are 8-week old shepherd mix puppies from Austin Pets Alive! and will serve as the honorary mascots for Austin FC's match against Minnesota United FC.Roy Kent, a shepherd mix puppy from Austin Pets Alive! is one of four puppies named after 'Ted Lasso' characters who will be Austin FC's honorary mascots on May 31, 2023. (Photo: Austin Pet
  
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• Keep on top of ERCOT grid conditions with new TXANs system

  31-05-2023 15:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's called "TXANS" and it's a new way the Electric Reliability Council of Texas plans to communicate grid conditions to the public, launching as summer temperatures rise and energy use increases.TXANS stands for "Texas Advisory and Notification System," and ERCOT hopes it will help increase transparency and trust. People will be able to check ERCOT's social media, website and sign up for email alerts about the grid's status, including a new type of alert ERCOT launched called a
  
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• ERCOT introducing campaign to communicate grid conditions

  31-05-2023 15:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas will introduce a new campaign it's launching to communicate grid conditions.
  ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas will hold a virtual press conference at 10:30 a.m. to present the new campaign ERCOT is launching to "deliver clear and reliable messaging to all Texans around grid operations and conditions."There is already a way to check operating reserves and grid conditions online.How you can check Texas power grid condition
  
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• Rockdale shooting turns into standoff, injuries reported

  31-05-2023 15:24 via kxan.com
  
  ROCKDALE, Texas (FOX 44) - Multiple injuries have been reported in a Rockdale shooting that turned into a standoff.Rockdale Police and other law enforcement responded to the shooting on Tuesday night - which turned into a standoff lasting into the early morning hours on Wednesday.Second arrest made in Rockdale apartment complex murder
  According to Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore - residents were told to avoid the area of Murray Avenue, between Bowser Street and Wilcox, and College Street, from M
  
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• Rockdale shooting, standoff ends with arrest

  31-05-2023 15:24 via kxan.com
  
  ROCKDALE, Texas (FOX 44) - UPDATE: The suspect in the Rockdale standoff is now in custody.According to Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore, law enforcement will remain on scene for a short period. Travelers should still find alternate routes.This comes after multiple injuries were reported in a shooting which turned into a standoff. Rockdale Police and other law enforcement responded to the shooting on Tuesday night - which turned into a standoff lasting into the early morning hours on Wednesday. Se
  
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• Free food available for families this summer break

  31-05-2023 13:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Although summer is a celebration for countless kids, it's also a very tough time for plenty of parents.Many are attempting to make ends meet while ensuring that their families have enough food on their plates.With school out of session for summer break, food is not as readily available.According to Feeding America, 1 in 6 children in Texas are facing hunger. Many of these kids depend on free food from school breakfasts and lunches.To help out, the Central Texas Food Bank is
  
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• Veterans Affairs Secretary tours Central Texas facilities

  31-05-2023 13:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Secretary of Veterans Affairs said Tuesday Central Texas is the third-fastest growing region in the country for veterans.
  Secretary Denis McDonough toured the VA clinic in Cedar Park Tuesday morning to talk about the importance of the region."That's why last year we opened new facilities in Killeen and Copperas Cove. That's why we are, why we've arranged funding of new facilities in San Marcos and Pflugerville. These are all opportunities for us to reach our veterans, w
  
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• Easy-to-remember license plates introduced for Texas drivers

  31-05-2023 13:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The makers of specialty license plates in Texas just launched a series of easy-to-remember customizable license plate messages.
  My Plates said on May 22 the new 2 Plus 2 Personalized Plate Combinations would feature the combinations of two letters plus two numbers.The company said buyers could use any combinations from initials, state abbreviations, to favorite schools or teams.My Plates did warn that "once a combination is gone, it may not ever be available again.""We are
  
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• Volunteers worry for refugee families following RST closure

  31-05-2023 12:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In a matter of weeks, the state's largest refugee resettlement agency, Refugee Services of Texas (RST), went from suspending its operations to fully closing its offices statewide following a budget shortfall.
  “It is with heavy hearts that we have come to this decision,” said David McKeever, CEO of RST, in a statement released by the agency last week.PREVIOUS: State’s largest refugee resettlement agency lays off 45% of staff, closes officesNow the attention turn
  
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• TX Attorney General warns of companies misleading consumers

  31-05-2023 12:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Texas Attorney General's office warned consumers Tuesday to beware of companies that it said may be appearing as they are government agencies.
  According to the press release from the AG's office, it has received complaints against Texas UCC Statement Services. The AG's office said that company has recently been mailing consumers a solicitation that asks consumers to pay $90 to obtain a form that they are unlikely to need and is available from the Texas Secretary of Stat
  
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• Hot and dry leading up to weekend rain chances

  31-05-2023 12:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A hot and dry end to May, but the pattern turns for the first weekend of June.High pressure will keep temperatures hot and skies clear for all of Central Texas today and Thursday. Afternoon highs will warm well into the 80s and low 90s with humidity adding a few degrees to the heat index values.Hot, dry and humid on Wednesday BLOG: Summer forecast released: When do 100º days beginRain chances return this weekend with Sunday and Monday looking to be the best bet for meaningf
  
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• Fresh off call-up from Round Rock Express, Grant Anderson dazzles in Rangers debut

  31-05-2023 05:40 via kxan.com
  
  DETROIT (AP) — Reliever Grant Anderson won in an overpowering major league debut and the Texas Rangers beat the Detroit Tigers 10-6 on Tuesday night to improve to 35-19, the best record in franchise history at the one-third mark.Anderson stuck out seven of the nine batters he faced after taking over for starter Martín Pérez in the fifth inning.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.c
  
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• Ivan Melendez etches name in record books with 17-game hitting streak

  31-05-2023 05:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After a slow start to his season for the Hillsboro Hops, former Texas Longhorns slugger Ivan Melendez is heating up.On May 24, Melendez set a franchise record for the Hops — the High Single-A affiliate for the Arizona Diamondbacks — with a 16-game hitting streak. He added three more hits the night after against the Tri-City Dust Devils to extend his record to 17, and that's where it stopped.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and s
  
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• House passes Abbott-backed property tax relief, adjourns special session

  31-05-2023 02:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — On the first full day of the first special legislative session, the House passed the two bills Gov. Greg Abbott called on lawmakers to pass, allowing for the Speaker to adjourn indefinitely Tuesday evening after the Senate passed conflicting legislation.In a dramatic 24 hour span, House and Senate lawmakers completed the regular session late Monday evening after hours of failed negotiations on a property tax relief deal that stalled both chambers from gaveling out for th
  
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• +270 payroll errors for Hays County employees, budget office to takeover payroll duties from treasurer

  31-05-2023 02:52 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - There have been hundreds of payroll errors for Hays County employees in the recent months.
  "We have identified 273 payroll corrections that are still pending after the May 15, 2023 payroll," said Hays County Auditor Marisol Villarreal-Alonzo.
  KXAN is waiting to hear back from the county if the 273 corrections have been made.
  Employees' frustrationSome employees brought their complaints to the attention of the Hays County Commissioners Court during the May 23 meeting.
  
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• 270+ payroll errors for Hays County employees; budget office to take over payroll duties from treasurer

  31-05-2023 02:52 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — There have been hundreds of payroll errors for Hays County employees in recent months.
  "We have identified 273 payroll corrections that are still pending after the May 15, 2023 payroll," said Hays County Auditor Marisol Villarreal-Alonzo.
  KXAN is waiting to hear back from the county if the 273 corrections have been made.
  Employees' frustrationSome employees brought their complaints to the attention of the Hays County Commissioners Court during the May 23 meeting
  
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• Woman dies after an auto-pedestrian crash in San Marcos

  31-05-2023 02:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On May 17, an auto-pedestrian crash killed a 51-year-old woman, according to the San Marcos Police Department.
  Denise Sumbling, 51, was walking to work when she was hit by a pickup truck near the intersection of Highway 123 and East Access Road, per preliminary reports from the San Marcos Police Department Collision Investigation Team. The driver of the pickup truck, Daniel Verdin, 66, did not remain on the scene, according to SPMD.
  SMPD officers arrived on the scene around 9:45
  
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• Police: Austin man charged after he shot gun from backyard, close to a family

  31-05-2023 01:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin man has been charged with deadly conduct – a misdemeanor –and endangering a child – a felony – after shooting dozens of rounds of bullets from his backyard into a wooded area with his three children, according to police documents. The bullets he shot ended up coming close to a nearby family, according to police documents.  Austin Police responded to a call Wednesday evening from someone who had heard multiple gunshots coming from
  
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• Westlake eyeing a trip to state, taking on SA Johnson in 6A regional baseball finals

  31-05-2023 01:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Westlake Chaparrals baseball team is two wins away from a berth in the UIL Class 6A semifinals.Following a two-game sweep of Eagle Pass in the Region IV semifinals last week, the Chaps take on San Antonio Johnson in a best-of-three series Thursday-Saturday for the region championship and the right to play at Dell Diamond.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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• Taylor baseball making history while honoring late teammate

  31-05-2023 00:48 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) — In the 2021 and 2022 seasons, the Taylor Ducks baseball team reached the second round of the postseason. After their run came to a close last year, head coach Justin Adams had a message for the team.“Why can't we be a team to win 30 games?" said Adams. "What's stopping us from doing that and to [now] clinch our 30th win, a school record last week, it's incredible.”MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More
  
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