Austin news

• APD identifies man shot, killed by officer in south Austin

  26-07-2023 23:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, the Austin Police Department identified a man who was shot and killed by an APD officer July 20 in south Austin.APD identified 60-year-old James Woodrome as the man killed.According to police, officers responded to a call shortly before 5 a.m. in the 3600 block of Menchaca Road. The caller told police a woman was banging on an apartment door stating a man was chasing her. PAST COVERAGE: APD officer shoots, kills man in south Austin after he reportedly chased w
  
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• I-35 bridge damaged by large truck

  26-07-2023 23:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A bridge sustained damages at one of the busiest crossroads in Austin after a large truck struck the bridge. The damage was made to one of the bridges at Interstate 35 and Highway 183 in North Austin.A KXAN viewer sent in pictures to ReportIt, and a large chunk of concrete was missing from the bridge.TxDOT said it was aware of the damage.“A large truck struck this bridge several weeks ago. TxDOT is aware of the damage and a plan is in place to make repairs,” TxD
  
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• Here's the list of roads, park projects Travis County voters will weigh in on in November bond

  26-07-2023 23:38 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Travis County voters will have a say on roughly half a billion dollars worth of roadway and parks projects as part of a bond package slated to appear on the November ballot.Travis County Commissioners Court approved the list of projects during its Tuesday meeting. The package aims to address roadway improvements, park upgrades and the purchase and conservation of green space. PAST COVERAGE: Travis County voters could weigh in on $495M roads, parks bond this Novembe
  
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• Austin FC gets former MLS defender of the year in trade with Toronto FC

  26-07-2023 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — To bolster the back line, Austin FC secured a former Major League Soccer defensive player of the year via trade Wednesday.Matt Hedges, a 6-foot-4 central defender that won the league's top defensive honor in 2016, will join the Verde and Black from Toronto FC. In return, Toronto receives $375,000 in 2024 general allocation money and up to $100,000 in 2025 general allocation money depending upon Hedges' roster status on Jan. 1, 2024.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sp
  
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• New Austin fencing ordinance aiming to protect children, wildlife going into effect soon

  26-07-2023 22:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – After an Austin City Council approval last week, new fencing regulation designed to improve child and wildlife safety will go into effect July 31, according to the city's Development Services Department. Per the changed ordinance, newly constructed fences may not include “certain dangerous fence designs,” including spiked pickets, bars and other decorative features that extend above the top horizontal bar of the fence.“This is primarily a safety issue
  
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• San Marcos resident $1M richer after Powerball win

  26-07-2023 21:57 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — A resident in San Marcos claimed a $1 million Powerball prize for the drawing July 19, according to the Texas Lottery Commission.The commission said the claimant elected to remain anonymous.“The second-tier winning Quick Pick ticket matched all five of the white ball numbers drawn (7-10-11-13-24), but not the red Powerball number (24),” the lottery commission said.According to the Texas Lottery Commission, the Powerball Grand Prizes currently start at
  
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• Plan for trail that connects multiple cities moves forward in Williamson County

  26-07-2023 21:16 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Williamson County Commissioner's Court approved hiring an architecture group to design and engineer a trail that will connect multiple cities across the county. Williamson County opens its largest park near Liberty HillAt the commissioner court's meeting Tuesday morning, leaders approved Halff Associates to design the project.According to the meeting's agenda, the Southwest Regional Trail will connect to the Brushy Creek Regional Trail. The project wou
  
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• Is the government concealing proof of UFOs? UT scientist says it's unlikely

  26-07-2023 21:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Three former military officials testified before the House Oversight subcommittee Wednesday, saying that the United States Government is concealing evidence of Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon, also known as UAP or more commonly UFO. Whistleblower tells Congress the US is concealing ‘multi-decade’ program that captures UFOsRetired Maj. David Grusch testified the U.S. has a longstanding program that conceals and reverse engineers UFOs. The pentagon has rejected Grusch's
  
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• 'I panicked.' Woman pays thousands to Austin Energy posers amid extreme heat

  26-07-2023 21:01 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: An original version of this report incorrectly wrote how much money Hattie Hodge paid the Austin Energy posers. Hodge paid them nearly $3,500.AUSTIN (KXAN) – Hattie Hodge said last Thursday she got a worrisome call from her husband who said someone claiming to be with Austin Energy called saying they would shut off their power if they did not pay a sum of money immediately. “I panicked,” said Hodge, who is an older woman living in East Austin. “I panic
  
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• 'I panicked.' Woman pays person pretending to be Austin Energy worker amid extreme heat

  26-07-2023 21:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Hattie Hodge said last Thursday she got a worrisome call from her husband who said someone claiming to be with Austin Energy called saying they would shut off their power if they did not pay a sum of money immediately. “I panicked,” said Hodge, who is an older woman living in East Austin. “I panicked because I get sick when I get hot,” she said. Hodge said that people claiming to be from Austin Energy said there was a “glitch” i
  
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• What's the latest on the 100-mile trail connecting Austin to San Antonio?

  26-07-2023 20:52 via kxan.com
  
  CENTRAL TEXAS (KXAN) — It's no surprise Central Texans love their outdoor recreation spaces. In just several years' time, residents and visitors will be able to take a jaunt between Austin and San Antonio, sans vehicles.What is the Great Springs Project?The Great Springs Project is a local nonprofit that launched its endeavors more than two years ago. Under its plan, the organization will create a 100-mile trail system by 2036 that will link the two cities together, along with four springs
  
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• Bienvenidos a BUCK-II'S: Unofficial Buc-ee's opening in Mexico

  26-07-2023 20:38 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS (KDAF) — Buc-ee's is officially international!Well, technically.
  An off-brand version is opening as a supermercado in Mexico. Local Ramon Montelongo is the alleged owner of the mercado and was excited to share the news with his followers on Facebook:The business will be located in Matamoros Tamaulipas and will likely sell grocery items and international beers, Montelongo told culture magazine MySA.
  Buc-ee's does have other locations outside the Lone Star State. You can find location
  
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• Austin Community College names sole finalist for new chancellor

  26-07-2023 20:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Community College may be getting a new chancellor after a months-long search. The ACC Board of Trustees recently named Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart as the sole finalist for the position.If appointed, Lowery-Hart would become the ninth Chancellor of the Austin Community College District. He replaces the current Chancellor Dr. Richard M. Rhodes, who announced his retirement in January. ACC chancellor announces retirement, nationwide search for successor to beginLowery-Hart
  
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• Travis County to get new department set on easing access to 'effective legal representation'

  26-07-2023 19:48 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Travis County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to create a new holistic defense Community Legal Services (CSL) department.The court said it voted to approve the job description for the county executive for the new CLS department and created a new county executive for Data, Policy and Performance Management from the former Justice & Public Safety Department.“Tuesday’s action is a significant step towards a more fair and equitable criminal l
  
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• Council member pushes for prompt response from city manager over no AC in AFD vehicles

  26-07-2023 19:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An Austin City Council member is pressing for a prompt response from the city over a lack of air conditioning in more than 20 Austin Fire Department vehicles.
  Council Member Mackenzie Kelly, who represents District 6, said in a social media post more than 20 fire trucks in Austin lack AC, putting firefighters at risk. Central Texas has been experiencing record-breaking heat this summer and is currently experiencing its seventh-longest streak of triple-digit heat in recorded hist
  
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• How athletes can be efficient before training begins

  26-07-2023 18:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, TEXAS (KXAN) -- Summer workouts for high school and college student-athletes will begin in a few weeks. Football and soccer players, among others, will be outdoors in the heat of what has already been another sweltering summer with day after day of triple-digit heat.Dr. Lee Chilton of Ally Medical says one of the things the athletes have to do, and what coaches and other staff personnel have to monitor, is to make sure of proper hydration. Even the players who are in the best of shape sh
  
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• Tracking the Tropics: Atlantic bustling with activity as hurricane season ramps up

  26-07-2023 18:26 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Atlantic Ocean is bustling with activity as the 2023 hurricane season ramps up ahead of its most active time of year.On Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center was monitoring three disturbances spread throughout the Atlantic basin: Invest 95L, and two areas of low pressure. By Wednesday morning, two of the three disturbances dissipated.Southeastern Caribbean SeaThe NHC had been keeping a close eye on Invest 95L since it was first spotted on July 19. The tropical wav
  
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• Del Valle ISD to add full-time campus security at elementary schools

  26-07-2023 17:41 via kxan.com
  
  DEL VALLE, Texas (KXAN) – The Del Valle ISD school board voted Tuesday night to add full-time security at elementary schools to meet the requirements of a new state law.
  The trustees voted to create the position of an Armed Safety Security Coordinator and hire nine additional district police officers. The district estimated the plan would cost $1.1 million and come from the district's General Fund which is also known as the operating budget. Trustees will vote to amend that budget in Augus
  
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• Austin first responders train to respond to autonomous car incidents

  26-07-2023 17:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin first responders were recently trained on how to respond to incidents that involve autonomous or self-driving vehicles.
  The Austin Fire Department posted on social media that members of AFD, the Austin Police Department and Austin-Travis County EMS participated in training last week to help them be prepared to respond to incidents involving the cars.
  This comes after safety concerns were shared by some Austin drivers after two driverless Cruise cars blocked lanes of
  
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• The Book Burrow to dig in to new space

  26-07-2023 17:19 via kxan.com
  
  Author's Note: This video previously aired during KXAN's 4 p.m. show on July 7.
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) -- The only bookstore in one Central Texas town will be able to relocate to a new space after an outpouring community and online support, according to a press release from its owner.The Book Burrow, a queer-owned bookshop in Pflugerville, sold nearly 2000 books in just under two weeks, surpassing store owner Kelsey Black's original goal by almost double.“I am blown away with all of th
  
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• Eighth mosquito trap tests positive for West Nile in Williamson County

  26-07-2023 15:36 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN (KXAN) – Williamson County authorities said Tuesday a sample of mosquitoes collected in the Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District tested positive for West Nile virus.
  This marks the eighth reported West Nile virus positive trap in the county in 2023, according to the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD). It said no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Williamson County so far. WCCHD said the positive sample was collected from a trap site&nb
  
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• McDonald's locations in Central Texas violated child labor laws, Dept. of Labor says

  26-07-2023 15:02 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (KXAN) – The Department of Labor said Tuesday investigators found four McDonald's franchise locations in the Austin area committed child labor violations.Investigators with the department's Wage and Hour Division found violations at locations operated by Marwen & Son in Cedar Park, Georgetown and Leander, according to the Labor Department's announcement.
  The Labor Department said investigators found the company employed 10 minors, 14- to 15-years-old, to work hours longer an
  
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• "Coolest" highs in 2.5 weeks return to Central Texas

  26-07-2023 13:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Today's triple-digit high was our 35th of the year and our 19th consecutive day of a high at 100º or hotter in Austin, the 5th longest stretch ever.You probably noticed the hazier sky today thanks to Saharan dust. This will stay with us to wrap-up the work week, but will slowly fade during the weekend returning our sky to a brilliant blue by early next week. Generally air quality remains okay as this dust is suspended higher in the sky, but sunsets will look extra pretty to
  
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• A "minor" drop in high temperatures

  26-07-2023 13:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Tuesday's high temperature at Camp Mabry was 104°. It's the 34th day of a high in triple digits. It's also the 18th consecutive day with a high of 100° and higher. There are at least seven more days of this.Today's afternoon maximum temperatures 2023 AUSTIN WEATHER DATAThe headline that there will be a "minor" drop means highs will be a degree lower tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday, So, in reality, no significant change in our maximum daytime temperatures.No significant ch
  
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• Nurses union to deliver petition to Ascension Seton hospital management

  26-07-2023 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- National Nurses United, the union representing registered nurses at the Ascension Seton hospital on 38th Street, announced it would be delivering a petition to hospital management Wednesday morning to demand urgent improvements.
  The union said in a news release that the short-staffing at the hospital is creating unsafe conditions for patients because nurses cannot spend as much time with each person. The union also said the short-staffing is creating an environment nurses do not
  
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• LIVE: Nurses union to deliver petition to Ascension Seton hospital management

  26-07-2023 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- National Nurses United, the union representing registered nurses at the Ascension Seton hospital on 38th Street, announced it would be delivering a petition to hospital management Wednesday morning to demand urgent improvements.
  The union said in a news release that the short-staffing at the hospital is creating unsafe conditions for patients because nurses cannot spend as much time with each person. The union also said the short-staffing is creating an environment nurses do not
  
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• U.S. Rep. Greg Casar stages “thirst strike” to advocate for federally mandated water breaks in extreme heat

  26-07-2023 04:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (The Texas Tribune) -- As outdoor workers in Texas battle extreme heat, U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, launched a daylong “thirst strike” in Washington, D.C., as he pushes for a federal workplace standard that would mandate water breaks for people whose jobs require them to work in the heat.“It’s challenging and it’s hot, but it’s not as hot as it is in Texas,” Casar said as he kicked off the event, during which he’ll forgo water for eight
  
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• Wildfire in northeast Burnet County approximately 33 acres, fully contained

  26-07-2023 03:44 via kxan.com
  
  BURNET COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Crews are fighting a wildfire in northeast Burnet County, near the Bell County line, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service website.The reported size of the fire was 33 acres and was fully contained shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday, the agency said. Named the Happy Ridge Fire, it's burning an area between Oakalla and Briggs near Farm-to-Market Road 2657.Officials first reported the fire shortly after 4 p.m., according to the forest service.As of right now, the c
  
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• Wildfire in northeast Burnet County approximately 33 acres, 85% contained

  26-07-2023 03:44 via kxan.com
  
  BURNET COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Crews are fighting a wildfire in northeast Burnet County, near the Bell County line, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service website.The reported size of the fire is 33 acres with 85% containment as of 8 p.m. Tuesday, the agency said. Named the Happy Ridge Fire, it's burning an area between Oakalla and Briggs near Farm-to-Market Road 2657.Officials first reported the fire shortly after 4 p.m., according to the forest service.As of right now, the cause of the
  
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• Cities sue Texas over 'Death Star' preemption law in latest power struggle

  26-07-2023 01:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — At a time when the Lone Star State is testing its authority limits with the federal government, some of the state's largest cities are challenging Texas' control over local entities, in the latest power struggle between Texas and its cities.The City of Austin said it is considering joining a lawsuit against the state over what opponents call the 'Death Star' law, which will prohibit local governments from passing ordinances that are stricter than state laws in several ar
  
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• Georgetown explains why some customers have different water restrictions

  26-07-2023 01:35 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — City of Georgetown officials said a difference in elevation is what's causing a third of its customers to still be under Stage 3 water restrictions while others are under Stage 2.At a press conference Tuesday, Georgetown City Manager David Morgan said the water that customers in western parts of Georgetown is processed and stored at a higher elevation than customers on the east side of town. Water restrictions rolled back for some, not all in GeorgetownMorgan sai
  
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• Three arrested for multiple crimes, including vandalism of a church, FCSO says

  26-07-2023 01:27 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live’s top headlines for July 25, 2023FAYETTE COUNTY, Texas — On Tuesday, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office arrested three people in connection with multiple crimes, including vandalism of a church in Fayette County, according to a FCSO news release.In the news release, FCSO Sheriff Keith Korenek said on July 18, deputies received reports of a burglary at the Mullins Prairie Store and vandalism that occurred at New Bethel Missionary Baptist
  
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• FCSO: Arrest made after church vandalized

  26-07-2023 01:27 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live’s top headlines for July 25, 2023FAYETTE COUNTY, Texas — On Tuesday, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office arrested three people in connection with multiple crimes, including vandalism of a church in Fayette County, according to a FCSO news release.In the news release, FCSO Sheriff Keith Korenek said on July 18, deputies received reports of a burglary at the Mullins Prairie Store and vandalism that occurred at New Bethel Missionary Baptist
  
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• 'Does no one care?' Vietnam Veteran buried in 'abandoned' black cemetery in Central Texas

  26-07-2023 01:04 via kxan.com
  
  FAYETTE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)—There's a historic Black cemetery just outside of La Grange, in Fayette County that some feel has essentially been abandoned.It's where a Vietnam veteran, Donnell Phillips was laid to rest, along side others. Phillips is from Smithville, according to records.
  Donnell Phillips, Vietnam Veteran from Smithsville.Phillips headstone. Phillips headstone.The Mt. Olive African Methodist-Episcopal Cemetery is just off Highway 71, off a dead end road.
  It's easy to miss,
  
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• VIDEO: Damaged plane removed from Georgetown duplex after weekend crash

  26-07-2023 00:48 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — The single-engine plane that crashed into a Georgetown duplex Sunday, causing injuries to three people on board, was removed from the roof of the home Tuesday. Air traffic audio: Other pilot helped search for missing plane after ‘engine failure’KXAN captured video Tuesday of a crew working to load and tow away the damaged plane. The home was unoccupied at the time of the crash.The Georgetown Fire Department said the plane crashed into the roof just be
  
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• Health scares haven't slowed down Austin Royals football coach

  26-07-2023 00:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Tracey Day is the head football coach of the Austin Royals, an athletic program for mainly home-schooled students in the area. He and the other coaches are volunteers that have a clear passion for what they do."I love the sport," said Day. "But I love more than what the sport brings, I love what we get to impact kids with besides just the game of football."MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsl
  
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• 'You have to prepare for it' Austin cardiologist talks Bronny James sudden cardiac arrest

  26-07-2023 00:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) –  A family spokesperson announced Tuesday that LeBron James’ 18-year-old son, LeBron “Bronny” James, is recovering after a sudden cardiac arrest. An Austin interventional cardiologist at the Institute for Cardiovascular Health said that while a sudden cardiac arrest in someone this young is fairly rare, it is something that people surrounding sports and playing them should be aware of. “When it does happen, the availability of certain r
  
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• Pierce takes over pitching coach duties, Tulo coming back to Longhorns baseball program

  26-07-2023 00:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A familiar face is coming back to UFCU Disch-Falk Field.Troy Tulowitzki, the five-time MLB all-star shortstop and assistant coach for the Longhorns baseball team from 2020-22, is coming back as director of player development, head coach Davice Pierce announced Tuesday.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/newslettersPierce also said he'd take over the pitching coach role as Wo
  
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