Austin news

• Study shows AstraZeneca pill can cut deaths from a type of lung cancer in half

  17-06-2023 23:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – An AstraZeneca drug has been shown to reduce the risk of death in some lung cancer patients by more than half, according to the research.
  Results from a three-year-long clinical trial were released in early June and published in the Journal of New England Medicine. The data shows that when researchers administered the drug osimertinib to patients, there was a clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival compared to patients who received a placebo. “It ba
  
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• What are Mormon crickets? They're invading parts of the U.S.

  17-06-2023 23:25 via kxan.com
  
  ELKO, Nevada (KLAS/NEXSTAR) — It may only be a few inches long but it's cannibalistic and can create disgust and disruption. A small Nevada town is being overrun with the so-called Mormon crickets.
  "Biblical" is how some are describing this infestation of millions of insects. They are blanketing the ground, crawling up walls, infesting buildings, and terrorizing some of the residents of Elko, a small town in northeastern Nevada.
  "When we looked out here the whole wall was just covered. Tha
  
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• Ring camera catches someone breaking, removing Pride signs from Round Rock home

  17-06-2023 22:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Sal Stow lives with her partner, Meghan, in Round Rock. She said she took her dog out for a walk Saturday morning, but when Stow returned home, she noticed something was wrong. “Immediately, I was angry,” she said. “I went to our ring cameras to look to see what happened.”What she saw unsettled her –  two people dressed in strange clothing, faces covered with masks, defacing signs they displayed on their lawn for Pride month. The
  
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• Philadelphia high school student denied diploma after dancing across stage, viral video shows

  17-06-2023 22:44 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – A high school graduate in Philadelphia is speaking out after she was denied her diploma, allegedly because she briefly danced across the stage — and elicited giggles from the crowd — during the commencement ceremony.Hafsah Abdul-Rahman, part of the Philadelphia High School for Girls’ 2023 senior class, could be seen in a now-viral video preparing for her name to be called at last Friday’s graduation ceremony. When it was, she made away across the stage t
  
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• Songs about heat to add to your Texas summer playlist

  17-06-2023 22:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With temperatures heating up in Texas, it might get you thinking about what songs to put on your summer playlist.After KXAN Meteorologist Kristen Currie asked Austinities in social media post to sound off on a song that references heat or hot, and the comments did not disappoint.
  We decided to compile a list of some of the songs you listed, and they are all muy caliente choices!Cruel Summer — Taylor SwiftThere's not currently a music video, but it is rumored she will
  
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• Heat safety a priority for Austin Energy, Abacus as temperatures continue to rise

  17-06-2023 21:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Extreme heat can damage the systems that keep us cool, but how do the crews that make those repairs keep us cool?Despite these dangerous conditions, HVAC companies and Austin Energy crews are on call to help when people need it the most."Maintaining an electric system doesn't stop because it is 105, 106 or 107," said Matt Mitchell, Austin Energy spokesperson.Heat can impact equipment that keeps the lights on and the AC blowing, but when it goes out, Austin Energy Crews have
  
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• Production company for 'Fear the Walking Dead' sued in Travis County, lawsuit claims $1M in property damages

  17-06-2023 21:41 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A lawsuit was filed in Travis County against the production company for “Fear the Walking Dead” after there were claims of property damage totaling more than $1 million.According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs were suing for breach of contract, negligence, gross negligence, fraud, exemplary damages, as well as attorney fees and court costs.The lawsuit against Stalwart Productions, LLC claimed the defendant entered into a contract leasing the plaint
  
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• What is a heat burst?

  17-06-2023 20:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It is widely accepted information that, on the whole, the temperature goes down during the evening and nighttime hours. If they aren't dropping every hour it could be that they are holding steady. If they go up, it's not by much.But a rare event happened late Friday night in Burnet and Georgetown. And, it might have awakened you from a sound sleep.
  The midnight temperature at Georgetown Municipal Airport was 83° with a humidity of 59%. The wind was out of the southwest
  
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• 1 dead in motorcycle crash on William Cannon Drive

  17-06-2023 19:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One adult is dead after a motorcycle crash on William Cannon Drive in southeast Austin, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.
  The collision happened just before noon Saturday in the 4900 block of East William Cannon Drive. That is near the intersection of Nuckols Crossing Road and William Cannon.
  An adult was pronounced dead at the scene, according to ATCEMS.Traffic delays are expected in the area.
  
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• 75 Years of Women in the Armed Forces: Do you know these news-making veterans

  17-06-2023 19:25 via kxan.com
  
  SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – How many of these women who formerly served in the Armed Forces do you recognize?June 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act, but it's still a little surprising for some to comprehend that women, too, are veterans. Oftentimes, though, it makes sense when you recognize the former military service in a woman's past and can recognize how military service made a significant contribution to her civilian career.
  Take Bea Arthur
  
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• What to do if you see a 'chupacabra' in Texas this summer

  17-06-2023 16:53 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Do you believe chupacabras exist? You're not alone, at least not in Texas.A "chupacabra" — sometimes referred to as "the chupacabra" — is one of the American Southwest's most famous cryptids. Cryptids, according to Merriam-Webster, are "animals that have been claimed to exist but never proven to exist," like the Loch Ness Monster or Sasquatch, for instance. 9 U.S. theme parks named among the ‘most-visited’ in the worldThe folkloric creature, whose name m
  
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• Traffic Alert: Portion of I-35 shut down after semi hits bridge

  17-06-2023 16:33 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Southbound lanes of a portion of northern Interstate 35 just north of Austin were shut down Saturday morning after an incident where a semi-truck hit the bridge.According to the Travis County Sheriff's Office, deputies were working the collision at I-35 and Grand Avenue Parkway.TCSO said the southbound lanes were shut down in order to check the integrity of the bridge.This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN for updates.
  
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• TEA no longer monitoring Round Rock ISD board

  17-06-2023 14:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Education Agency is no longer monitoring Round Rock ISD's board of trustees, the district said Friday.
  Round Rock ISD said the end of monitoring was effective immediately.PREVIOUS: Retired Texas superintendent to monitor Round Rock ISD board after 2019 reportTEA began monitoring the RRISD board in September 2021 after concerns and misconduct allegations from former board members.
  The district said the monitoring decision "indicates that the TEA is satisfied with t
  
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• Severe thunderstorm watch for parts of the Hill Country

  17-06-2023 14:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Extra clouds from this morning helped prevent us from getting into the triple digits today. Austin's high of 97º was still above normal and 'feels-like' temperatures were still in the triple digits this afternoon.StormsWe're watching the potential for more severe weather this evening. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for San Saba County until 10 p.m. Already San Saba has had tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings this evening.Severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m
  
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• LIVE: Severe thunderstorm watch for parts of the Hill Country

  17-06-2023 14:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Extra clouds from this morning helped prevent us from getting into the triple digits today. Austin's high of 97º was still above normal and 'feels-like' temperatures were still in the triple digits this afternoon.We're watching the potential for more severe weather this evening. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for San Saba County until 10 p.m.The Excessive Heat Warning has been extended until 8 p.m. Monday for Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties eastward, as well
  
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• Hottest days are yet to come, but relief is in sight

  17-06-2023 14:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Extra clouds Saturday morning through early afternoon helped prevent us from getting into the triple digits. Austin's high of 97º was still above normal and 'feels-like' temperatures were still in the triple digits during the afternoon.Storm threat over...for nowAfter a severe thunderstorm warning and tornado warning for parts of San Saba County Saturday evening, quieter weather looks set for the rest of the night. More widespread storms missed Central Texas to our north. C
  
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• Heat alerts and more storms

  17-06-2023 14:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Most heat index readings Friday were between 110° and 122°. The heat index was 122° at Flatonia during the 6:00 hour. La Grange followed with its heat index of 121° brought about by the combination of a 96° air temperature with an 82° dew point.
  Camp Mabry had one of the higher heat indices with its maximum of 115° at 5 p.m. Austin's heat index did not drop below 100° until after 9 p.m.
  The Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Sun
  
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• Excessive heat and more thunderstorms

  17-06-2023 14:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Saturday dawned under a partly to mostly cloudy sky with a few areas of drizzle/mist/light rain. Most low temperatures were in the mid to upper 70s, including 78° at Camp Mabry. Lows in the low 70s were recorded in some of Lampasas, Mason, and San Saba Counties.Morning dew points were in the low to mid 70s in the Hill Country, rising to the mid to upper 70s along and east of I-35. Dew points at La Grange and Flatonia were still in the low 80s at 9 a.m.This afternoon's heat i
  
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• Buddy Holly: Lubbock’s native son changed the world, still offers something to visitors today

  17-06-2023 14:10 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas (KLBK) – In the land of cotton and oil, a music legend was proud to call West Texas home.Rock 'n' roll icon Buddy Holly was born and raised in Lubbock. After graduating from Lubbock High School, Holly rose to prominence with his band “The Crickets” and quickly became a household name in the music industry with hits like “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue.”“He really rewrote what music was,” said Sebastian Forbush, curato
  
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• 1 dead in north Austin after vehicle strikes pedestrian

  17-06-2023 14:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County EMS said a person was pronounced dead overnight after reportedly being struck by a vehicle in north Austin.ATCEMS said the pedestrian was an adult patient, but the identity of the pedestrian was not disclosed.The collision occurred near the 8800 block of North Interstate 35 heading south at approximately 12:30 a.m., according to ATCEMS.It is unknown if the driver who struck the pedestrian remained at the scene.At the time of the incident, ATCEMS said th
  
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• 'Red and yellow kill a fellow?': How to actually tell which Texas snakes are venomous

  17-06-2023 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  TYLER, Texas (KETK) - Everyone's heard a version of the phrase "Red touch yellow, kill a fellow; red touch black, friend of Jack,” but this iconic mnemonic device isn't as useful as you think.The rhyme is meant to help distinguish the venomous Texas coral snake, which has red stripes next to yellow stripes, from similar-looking snakes like nonvenomous milk snakes, which have red stripes touching black stripes.While the seemingly ubiquitous rhyme is helpful enough in parts of the Unite
  
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• Austin man sues 3 APD officers, City of Austin alleging they used excessive force

  17-06-2023 04:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – An Austin man has filed a lawsuit against three Austin Police officers and the City of Austin, claiming officers used excessive force, resulting in multiple injuries, according to lawyers representing the plaintiff. Louise Flores claims he was moving through a crowd on East 6th Street when an officer shouted, “Hands behind your back.” Flores’ attorneys – Edwards Law – allege that an officer then slammed Flores’ head into the street b
  
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• Austin Energy: Heat to blame for equipment failure, blackouts for thousands

  17-06-2023 04:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- This heat is "almost unbearable," said Jeanne Rollins.
  "Feels like the hottest it's ever been," said Rocky Maksoud.
  "It went zero to 100 real quick," said Sam Lahourcade.
  That means things like hats for shade, and water bottles.
  "As we're walking, we're misting ourselves," said Rollins, who moved to Austin from Colorado and said she's still grateful for the heat.
  But for 8,000 people on Thursday, going inside their homes to escape the heat suddenly wasn't an option anymore, when
  
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• Extreme heat can cause power outages, destroy equipment

  17-06-2023 03:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When temperatures heat up, people turn the AC way down.But when there is more demand for power, that can mean problems."Summer time of course the [Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning] (HVAC) picks up," said Joe Trevino with Abacus.Trevino said they are getting a lot of calls for HVAC repairs and new systems, but their electrical department gets strained too."With the heat, they get extra busy as well," said Trevino.Extreme heat can have a negative impact on equipment
  
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• KXAN Founder’s Day: KXANers visited with older Austinites for the annual tradition

  17-06-2023 02:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — KXAN celebrated Nexstar Media Group’s Founder’s Day Friday by giving back to the community we serve.This year, KXAN linked up with Meals on Wheels, a Central Texas organization that, in addition to delivering meals, also coordinates sending volunteers to senior centers to spend time with older adults.Loneliness and social isolation are linked to serious health conditions, including some forms of dementia, in older adults, according to the CDC. Further, pew resea
  
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• What bills targeting the Texas foster care system are slated to become law?

  17-06-2023 01:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Several bills sitting on Texas Governor Greg Abbott's desk could impact the state’s foster care system and the agency tasked with caring for children in its custody. Others have already been signed and will go into effect this year.
  For more than a decade, lawmakers, a federal judge and even court monitors -- appointed through a lawsuit over the care of these kids -- have kept a close eye on the actions of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
  
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• 'Every day is Pride at Book Woman': Owner hopes store makes it to 50

  17-06-2023 00:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Despite the disruptions of vandalism, eviction, inflation and online bookstores, Austin's Book Woman is still standing.Susan Post, Austin's "Book Woman" (KXAN Photos/Cora Neas)
  The store originally started in December 1975 as the Common Woman Bookstore, the name referencing a work by lesbian poet Judy Grahn. It was the collective project of 13 women who wanted Austin to have a feminist bookstore.
  The last remaining member of that collective is Susan Post, who still runs the stor
  
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• Businesses concerned about crime near sanctioned homeless camp, vacant Austin lot

  17-06-2023 00:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) –Business owners near a sanctioned encampment in southeast Austin have said that without enough space for people to live inside the camp, the overflow is causing problems outside of it.
  Caleb Harris owns a franchise of College Hunks, a moving company, which is run out of a building just north of Esperanza Community. Harris said especially over the last month, they've seen an increased number of people -- who overwhelmingly appear to be living on the vacant property behind the
  
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