Austin news

• NBC News: Travis Scott will not be criminally charged in Astroworld concert deaths

  29-06-2023 23:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, a Texas grand jury determined rapper Travis Scott was not criminally responsible for the Nov. 5, 2021, Astroworld festival crowd crush that left 10 people dead and thousands more injured, NBC News reports.The Harris County grand jury weighed criminal charges against Scott and others related to fans' deaths, said District Attorney Kim Ogg, according to NBC.Scott's attorney, Kent Schaffer, said the rapper and his action have been inaccurately portrayed, adding Sc
  
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• Why Texans might experience seasonal depression in the summer, not winter

  29-06-2023 22:38 via kxan.com
  
  If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Crisis counselors are available 24/7.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's been several weeks of continuous extreme heat here in Central Texas. While some might find the earlier-than-normal heat spell a nuisance, others might experience adverse mental health complications as a result.Seasonal affective disorder, or seasonal depression, is a type of depression that happens cyclically. While th
  
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• Heat wave eases over the 4th of July weekend

  29-06-2023 22:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin hit 100° for the 14th time this summer on Thursday, though temperatures remained several degrees "cooler" than recent days. As the oppressive ridge of high pressure moves farther away and weakens, temperatures cool a bit further.A Heat Advisory expires at 7 p.m. in our eastern counties, though will be in effect again Friday in Fayette County. In these areas east of Austin, heat indices may reach 110°.As the highly-talked about "heat dome" continues to drift east a
  
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• What could I-35's proposed expansion look like?

  29-06-2023 21:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With a decision expected this summer on the future of the Texas Department of Transportation's I-35 Capital Express Central project, the state transportation agency has released additional renderings on what the proposed expansion could look like.TxDOT submitted the project's environmental impact statement document this spring for federal consideration and approval, with a decision expected by the end of August.What rights do Texas property owners have in eminent domain cases?Th
  
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• Affront to Austin? City falls outside top 10 'best BBQ cities' in the country

  29-06-2023 21:28 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 29, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new study ranking the 'best BBQ cities' in the country has dealt the city of Austin a low blow, placing it outside the top 10.Even worse, three cities in the Midwest take the top three rankings.Website LawnStarter is known for its top 10 lists, such as most glamorous and dirtiest cities in the country.The BBQ city rankings were put together based on a range of factors, including th
  
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• American offering seasonal nonstop from Austin to Santa Fe in October

  29-06-2023 21:23 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 29, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — American Airlines is launching a new seasonal route from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Santa Fe, New Mexico.The nonstop service will be offered Saturdays only in the month of October, an airline spokesperson told KXAN.Flights, operated as American Eagle, will leave Austin at 9:45 a.m. and arrive in Santa Fe at 10:42 a.m. local time. Returning flights leave Santa Fe at 11:
  
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• One person suffers life-threatening injuries after stabbing in southeast Austin

  29-06-2023 21:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person suffered life-threatening injuries after a stabbing in southeast Austin Thursday, the Austin Police Department confirmed to KXAN.Shortly after 12:45 p.m., APD officers and Austin-Travis County EMS medics responded to the 2000 block of Kenneth Avenue.Medics said an adult patient, who was not identified Thursday, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.It was not immediately clear what led to the incident, which remained under investigation by police Th
  
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• One person suffers life-threatening injuries after stabbing call in southeast Austin

  29-06-2023 21:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person suffered life-threatening injuries after authorities responded to a call about a stabbing in southeast Austin Thursday.Shortly after 12:45 p.m., APD officers and Austin-Travis County EMS medics responded to the 2000 block of Kenneth Avenue.An Austin-Travis County EMS spokesperson said an adult patient, who was not identified Thursday, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.It was not immediately clear what led to the incident, which remained under in
  
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• WCSO teams up with federal law enforcement to stop fentanyl-related deaths

  29-06-2023 19:26 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Williamson County Sheriff's Office said its detectives are working with local and federal law enforcement agencies for its Central Texas Task Force Overdose Investigation Team. ‘It can and has destroyed families’: Travis County fentanyl deaths more than double between 2021, 2022In a social media post, the WCSO said it will work alongside the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Homeland Security, National Guard, as well as local law enforcement a
  
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• What to know about fireworks use in Travis County this 4th of July

  29-06-2023 18:45 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 29, 2023.TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Ahead of the Fourth of July celebrations and festivities next week, Travis County leaders are cautioning residents on the dangers of fireworks and informing them of the city ordinances in place barring personal use of them.The Travis County Department of Emergency Services and the Office of the Fire Marshal each recommended residents attend professional fireworks shows
  
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• Watch live: Biden delivers remarks on Supreme Court’s affirmative action decision

  29-06-2023 18:13 via kxan.com
  
  President Biden on Thursday afternoon is slated to deliver remarks on the Supreme Court's decision to severely limit the use of race as a factor in college admissions.The ruling upends decades of affirmative action programs that U.S. institutions have used to select students from their applicant pools.In rulings that broke along ideological lines, the court’s six conservative justices ruled Harvard’s and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s admissions practice
  
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• Man pronounced dead under Pflugerville bridge Thursday

  29-06-2023 17:52 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 29, 2023PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) -- A man was pronounced dead Thursday morning on Heritage Loop Trail under the bridge at Dessau Road and East Pecan Street, the Pflugerville Police Department said on social media.Police said foul play is not suspected. The investigation is ongoing.Police said they around 6:50 a.m. and found a man unresponsive. First responders tried to resuscitate him.A portion of Heritage Loop
  
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• Did you win? $25,000 Texas Lottery winning ticket sold in Austin

  29-06-2023 16:51 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS (KDAF) — There's no stopping the winning in Austin, another lucky winner can be declared in the city as well.The Texas Lottery reports a $25,000 winning Cash Five ticket from Tuesday night's drawing was sold in Central Texas.$675,000 Texas Two Step winning ticket sold in Austin"A $25,000 winning ticket for last night’s #CashFive drawing was sold in #Austin!" Texas Lottery tweeted.This ticket was able to win the top prize by matching all five of the winning numbers from the Jun
  
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• Supreme Court upends affirmative action in college admissions

  29-06-2023 16:13 via kxan.com
  
  The Supreme Court in a pair of cases Thursday severely limited the use of race as a factor in college admissions, upending decades of affirmative action programs that U.S. institutions have used to select students from their applicant pools.In rulings that broke along ideological lines, the court’s six conservative justices invalidated Harvard’s and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s (UNC) admissions practices by ruling they did not comply with the 14th Ame
  
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• Supreme Court hands down blow to college affirmative action

  29-06-2023 16:13 via kxan.com
  
  The Supreme Court severely limited the use of race as a factor in college admissions, upending decades of affirmative action programs that U.S. institutions have used to select students from their applicant pools.The court’s six conservative justices invalidated Harvard’s and UNC’s admissions scheme by ruling they did not comply with the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of equal protection.DEVELOPING
  
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• Supreme Court deals serious blow to affirmative action in college admissions

  29-06-2023 16:13 via kxan.com
  
  The Supreme Court in a pair of decisions on Thursday severely limited the use of race as a factor in college admissions, upending decades of affirmative action programs that U.S. institutions have used to select students from their applicant pools.In rulings that broke along ideological lines, he court’s six conservative justices invalidated Harvard’s and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s (UNC) admissions schemes by ruling they did not comply with the 14th
  
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• Battle raging over long-planned lakeside subdivision west of Austin

  29-06-2023 15:30 via kxan.com
  
  LAGO VISTA, Texas (Austin Business Journal) -- A 242-acre residential project in a lakeside enclave west of Austin is headed toward the starting line two decades after plans for the site were first approved.That's sparked intense pushback from neighbors who feel there will be adverse effects to the small city of Lago Vista.In 2007, Dallas-based developers unveiled what was billed as a $300 million resort-style community in Lago Vista, alongside Lake Travis. It was slated to have 700 homes, along
  
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• Bacteria linked to Legionnaires found in Brazos County Jail

  29-06-2023 15:01 via kxan.com
  
  The video in this story is from KXAN News Today on June 29, 2023BRYAN, Texas (KXAN) – Brazos County officials said Wednesday test results showed the presence a bacteria linked to Legionnaires' disease in the HVAC system of one of the housing units at the Brazos County Jail. 
  Officials said when the sheriff's office was told about the presence of the Legionella bacteria, "approximately 100 inmates were moved immediately as a precaution."
  The announcement said testing began after an emp
  
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• MAP: Which public boat ramps are open and closed in Central Texas?

  29-06-2023 14:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Highland Lakes are popular spots for boaters, but drought and periodic floods can sometimes make things tricky.Boat ramps are often closed if the water level drops too low, and lakes are often closed to recreational boaters during severe floods, according to the Lower Colorado River Authority. MAP: Which Texas lakes are infested with zebra mussels?Here's a look at which public boat ramps are currently open.Lake TravisCurrently, only two boat ramps are open: Mansfield Da
  
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• Air Force celebrates 100 years of air refueling

  29-06-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – People in the Tarrytown neighborhood in west Austin were treated to the rare sight of two jets flying close together earlier this week.
  It turns out it was part of a nationwide celebration.
  According to the Department of Defense, the Air Force Air Force marked the 100-year anniversary of the first aerial refueling with flyovers across all 50 states.The Pentagon said the goal was to honor "the aviators who pulled off the seemingly impossible in 1923 and celebrate the promise
  
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• 'Monumental change': Texas to overhaul how it pays for foster care

  29-06-2023 13:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUTIN (KXAN) -- For the first time in decades, Texas will overhaul the way it funds foster care.
  During the most recent legislative session, lawmakers approved the funding necessary to "modernize" the way it pays the families and providers who care for children in the system.
  According to the Department of Family and Protective Services, the methodology for calculating the cost of care has remained "largely unchanged" over the years,despite advancements in technology, data collection and other c
  
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• How to maximize your sprinkler system during drought

  29-06-2023 13:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Now that we're out of our wet season, you're probably using your sprinklers more and seeing your water bill rise.As water from Mother Nature becomes harder to come by, sprinklers become more important to keeping your lawn green.Most lawns in Central Texas need between half an inch and a full inch of water each week in the summer. Knowing how much it rained where you live can help you figure out how long you need to run your sprinklers. CENTRAL TEXAS RAINFALL REPORTSEnter, the sm
  
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• Teen killed in June 18 auto-ped crash on 360, police say

  29-06-2023 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Police said Wednesday a teen died on June 18 after being hit by a car on the southbound lanes of Loop 360 just north of the Pennybacker Bridge in West Austin.
  According to police, Griffin Frederick Von Roenn, 18, was struck by the sedan just before 5 a.m. on June 18 and died at the scene.APD said the sedan driver stayed and cooperated with police and was not impaired.
  The crash is being investigated as Austin's 47th fatal crash of 2023, resulting in 47 fatalities for
  
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• MetroRail, SH130 to get millions in federal grant money

  29-06-2023 12:48 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (KXAN) – The Department of Transportation announced Wednesday the Biden Administration awarded $97.2 million from a grant program to six different infrastructure projects across Texas. Two of those projects are in Central Texas. $22.9 million from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity or RAISE grant program will fund the design and construction of a commercial truck parking plaza on the northwest side of SH 130 and SH 80 intersection in Caldw
  
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• Temperature slide continues through July 4th weekend

  29-06-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Although it might be a bit deceiving to use the term "cool down", no matter what you call it, it's encouraging to see temperatures getting "less hot" moving into the weekend.Afternoon highs will warm into the upper 90s and low 100s across Central Texas this afternoon. A Heat Advisory is in effect for Lee, Fayette and Milam from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. today for heat index values up to 110°. Although most of the area is alert-free, it's still going to be hot so heat safety precautio
  
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• How does DPS traffic stop data differ from APD's?

  29-06-2023 10:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas Department of Public Safety troopers will resume patrols in Austin Sunday after a temporary one-and-a-half month halt.
  This is has some relieved - and others uneasy."A lot of fear, a lot of frustration," said Alexia Leclerq, policy director for Poder, an environmental justice group based in east Austin. She said Poder and the Austin Justice Coalition created a petition opposing DPS' presence in the city.
  "We've really seen them harass our black and brown communities," she
  
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• As sporting director rumors swirl, Austin FC hopes to get better in upcoming transfer window

  29-06-2023 05:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the summer transfer window opening July 5 in Major League Soccer, rumors are swirling about a potential permanent hire for Austin FC's sporting director.
  On Wednesday, head coach Josh Wolff downplayed them while also acknowledging that the club needs to get someone in there on a permanent basis. After Claudio Reyna stepped down from the role amid controversy over his son Gio's playing time in the 2022 World Cup with United States Men's National Team coach Gregg Berhalt
  
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• ERCOT announces new board member starting July 1

  29-06-2023 04:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Board Selection Committee announced Linda Capuano will serve on the board of directors and will join the agency beginning July 1, ERCOT said in a news release.Capuano is an experienced corporate director and business leader who brings broad commercial, government, and academic experience to the role, having held leadership positions in large and small businesses, startups, universities, and within the U.S. Departmen
  
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• AUS surveying travelers to share their Austin airport experiences

  29-06-2023 02:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport announced the Journey With AUS airport expansion and development program and invited travelers to participate in a survey to share their AUS experiences.According to AUS, the airport said it released the program to help deliver an improved passenger experience for travelers by prioritizing people-driven design. Austin airport to fast-track improvements following new passenger projections“Journey With AUS project
  
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• Ascension Seton Hays sees increase in baby deliveries, more young families in the area

  29-06-2023 01:40 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — More people are starting and growing their families in Hays County. That's according to Ascension Seton Hays in Kyle.
  As a result, the hospital expanded its delivery capacity and maternity care.
  More young families in the area27-year-old, Genevieve Campuzano, is one of many people planting roots in Hays County. She moved to Kyle in 2021 and has since had two babies.
  "It's a busy household," Campuzano said.
  Campuzano said she moved into her home in Kyle one week
  
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• Insurers pull back as US climate catastrophes intensify

  29-06-2023 01:33 via kxan.com
  
  The insurance industry is increasingly wary of the risks presented by climate and natural disasters, prompting major firms to scale back their presence in more vulnerable states.In June, Farmers Insurance announced in a company memo it will no longer write new property insurance policies in Florida, citing “catastrophe costs … at historically high levels.” Earlier in the month, AIG stopped issuing policies along the Sunshine State’s hurricane-vulnerable co
  
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• See the states Texans are moving to since everyone's moving to Texas

  29-06-2023 01:31 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS (KDAF) —Texas is getting too crowded with all our new neighbors that have moved on in and decided to make the Lone Star State their home.
  Some Texans are realizing, "This town ain't big enough" and are making their exit from the state to newfound homes in some unexpected places."The U.S. is among the most mobile countries in the world, but our rates of moving have slumped in recent decades. In 2019, for example, a lower percentage of Americans changed residence than any ye
  
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• Hiring in full swing as schools look to fill vacancies

  29-06-2023 01:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Summer is a crucial time for school districts as they look to fill open positions.On Wednesday, Hays CISD held a job fair in hopes of filling some of the 50 teacher openings the district has available."We do have positions we need to fill," said Dahlstrom assistant principal, Jacob Garcia. "We need 6th-grade math, a Spanish position, two special educator positions and some instructional aid positions."Ann Rathbun was one of many who showed up to apply for openings in the di
  
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• Why the electric grid is stable during the heatwave

  29-06-2023 01:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The electric grid has been stable thus far as Texas has endured a brutal heatwave. We can thank renewable energy and batteries for keeping the grid operating. This has happened in spite of some in the state legislature to eliminate the country's renewable energy market.Part of the electric grid, this one in the Houston area Courtesy: Getty ImagesRenewables. They play a vital role as we try to save the planet from a changing climate. Texas has been doing its part as the Lone Star
  
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• Leander ISD student wins national high school musical award

  29-06-2023 00:51 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) -- Leander ISD high school student Langston Lee won the award for best actor at The Jimmy Awards in New York Monday, Leander ISD said on Twitter.The National High School Musical Theatre Awards, known as The Jimmy Awards, elevates the importance of theatre arts education in schools and rewards excellence in student performance, the website said.According to the NHSMTA website, Lee was presented the award for 'Best Performance by an Actor' representing Heller Awards for Young
  
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• Shelter-in-place at Austin Community College lifted after reports of man with machete

  29-06-2023 00:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A shelter-in-place order was lifted at the Austin Community College Eastview location after previous reports of a man near campus armed with a machete, according to the ACC District Twitter.Shortly after 5 p.m., ACC posted on Twitter writing the campus was under a shelter-in-place until further notice.However, after approximately 15 minutes, ACC posted another tweet writing the order was lifted at Eastview, and police issued an all-clear.The campus returned to normal operations
  
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• APH monitoring malaria situation following a locally-acquired infection in Texas

  29-06-2023 00:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Public Health said the entity is going to continue to “monitor the situation” after a Texas resident who had not traveled outside the state or country became infected with malaria. Malaria is a serious, potentially fatal disease caused by a parasite that can be transmitted to a human through the bite of a mosquito. According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, this is the first locally acquired case in Texas in almost 30 years. Texa
  
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