Austin news

• After over 2 decades in business, Make It Sweet says it will close its doors

  04-08-2023 23:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Make it Sweet, a business that offers baking lessons and sells supplies, announced Friday it would close its doors for good Sept. 1, citing dramatic increases in the cost of operating a business.
  The business ran for 21 years in north Austin. In a release to its customers, store owners Jennifer and Randy Bartos said challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly followed by disruptions in the supply chain, were too much for the business to recover from.MORE: Mr. Natural
  
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• Hays County Sheriff's Office eyeing new device to avoid deadly force

  04-08-2023 23:53 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The push to avoid excessive force during arrests continues across the country, and it could be coming to Central Texas in the form of a new less-than-lethal device.Bolawrap is a device that shoots out a wire at a suspect, tying them up before they can run away or cause problems.Anthony Hipolito says avoiding force is always a top priority when responding to a call."Officers don't go to work looking to use force," said Hipolito.Terry Nichols, director of business deve
  
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• Hottest temperatures still to come in Austin's longest heatwave on record

  04-08-2023 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin is in the midst of its longest stretch of consecutive 100° days on record. For the 28th day in a row Friday, temperatures hit the triple digits at Camp Mabry.A Heat Advisory and Excessive Heat Warning are in effect this weekend for dangerously high temperatures from midday through the afternoon and evening. A Red Flag Warning is also in effect for dangerous fire weather conditions, as fires that may form will spread rapidly under these conditions.The next 7 days appea
  
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• Ken Paxton's legal team moves to dismiss part of impeachment

  04-08-2023 23:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Attorneys for Ken Paxton in his impeachment trial are trying to get some of the charges against him dropped, KXAN learned on Friday.The suspended attorney general's legal team turned in a motion to dismiss Article 5 of the impeachment to exclude what they called inadmissible evidence.Article 5 states Paxton misused his power to break the law when it came to how outside attorneys are appointed. Paxton's team argued Article 5 doesn't contain an impeachable offense. The inadmi
  
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• Austin winner of 2023 national Disney contest advises future applicants

  04-08-2023 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A winner of last year’s Disney Dreamers Academy Essay Contest said it was one of the best experiences of her life, and she encourages others to apply. U.S. High School students aged 13 to 19 have the opportunity to apply for the Disney Dreamers Academy, which gives driven students who “dream big” the chance to experience a four-day event at Disney World Flordia “designed to give young people the tools they need to make their dreams come tru
  
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• LIVE: APD provides update on death in south Austin

  04-08-2023 23:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said it was investigating a death Friday in south Austin.APD said the investigation was near the 5200 block of Emerald Meadow Drive, which is close to Stassney Lane between Menchaca Road and First Street.Officials are expected to hold a media briefing to provide additional details at approximately 4:30 p.m. The press conference will be livestreamed in this story.This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN for more details.
  
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• APD provides update on death in south Austin

  04-08-2023 23:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said it was investigating a death Friday in south Austin.APD said the investigation was near the 5200 block of Emerald Meadow Drive, which is close to Stassney Lane between Menchaca Road and First Street.Officials are expected to hold a media briefing to provide additional details at approximately 4:30 p.m. The press conference will be livestreamed in this story.This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN for more details.
  
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• APD: Man found dead in backyard of south Austin home

  04-08-2023 23:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said Friday a man's death in south Austin isn't being investigated as a homicide.Around 11:35 a.m. Friday, police said a caller reported there was a person in the backyard of a home near the 5200 block of Emerald Meadow Drive, which is close to Stassney Lane between Menchaca Road and First Street.Officers found a man "obviously" dead when they arrived at the home, police said."It's an undetermined death at this time," APD Officer Andrew Horne sa
  
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• 'The club overachieved last year.' New Austin FC sporting director on state of the club

  04-08-2023 22:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - It's no secret that a breakout 2022 has been a far cry from the product on the field this season for Austin FC. A major deal by the Verde and Black earlier in the week makes that step back even more clear.Fan favorite Diego Fagúndez was dealt to LA Galaxy in exchange for Memo Rodríguez and up to $900,000 in General Allocation Money. Friday, Austin FC Sporting Director Rodolfo Borrell met with the media about the move. ‘I wish it wasn’t ending.’ Dep
  
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• Weekend Back to School drives ahead of students' return

  04-08-2023 22:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Some Central Texas students will return to class this coming week, and school districts and communities are hosting Back-to-School events and school supply drives in preparation. Related: 76 Texas school districts have moved to four-day weeksHere are the events giving away free backpacks and school supplies on Saturday:
  4:12 Kids' annual Back to School Giveaway Event, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at 521 North Pecos Street, Lockhart;Georgetown Cultural Citizens Memorial Association's
  
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• How to get free, on sale school supplies at weekend Back to School drives ahead of students' return

  04-08-2023 22:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Some Central Texas students will return to class this coming week, and school districts and communities are hosting Back-to-School events and school supply drives in preparation. Related: 76 Texas school districts have moved to four-day weeksHere are the events giving away free backpacks and school supplies on Saturday:
  4:12 Kids' annual Back to School Giveaway Event, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at 521 North Pecos Street, Lockhart;Georgetown Cultural Citizens Memorial Association's
  
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• Lowering property taxes among 14 constitutional amendments on your November ballot

  04-08-2023 21:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some of the legislation passed earlier this year by state lawmakers will require making additions to the Texas Constitution, so voters will ultimately go to the polls later this year to decide whether those will take effect.
  In total, people will see 14 proposed constitutional amendments appear on their ballot during the Nov. 7 election. They range in impact from the broadest statewide level to those affecting just certain counties. However, every Texas voter will have a ch
  
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• Opposing groups to have events on the importance of books at the Round Rock Public Library Saturday

  04-08-2023 21:35 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) –  A conservative group from Williamson County is hosting an event Saturday at the Round Rock Public Library sponsored by Brave Books, a traditional and Christian values children's books organization. One Round Rock woman is hosting an additional event as a response.The founders of Brave Books started the organization to counter progressive books they say promote an “agenda to confuse and demoralize our children and make them hate their country an
  
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• ERCOT issues Weather Watch as forecast anticipates higher temperatures

  04-08-2023 21:32 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 4, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, issued a Weather Watch to begin Sunday that will last until Monday.ERCOT said the watch was due to forecasted higher temperatures, anticipated higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves.Grid conditions are expected to be normal and can be monitored online.This summer, ERCOT rolled out a new system to communicate grid conditio
  
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• Planes, trains, automobiles, and a whole lot more at plastic modeling convention in San Marcos

  04-08-2023 19:54 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — The United States branch of the International Plastic Modelers' Society held its national convention and conference this week in San Marcos.
  Running from August 2nd to August 5th at the City of San Marcos Conference Center, it's the first time in 20 years the convention has been held in Texas.
  Hundreds of models, ranging from classic cars to military dioramas to giant robots, and even some pop culture icons like the Millennium Falcon, face off against each other
  
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• VIDEO: Downtown Austin fire now under control

  04-08-2023 19:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Firefighters responded to a brush fire Friday morning in downtown Austin, the Austin Fire Department said.The fire, which AFD said is under control as of noon Friday, started along railroad tracks near Walter Seaholm Drive and West Cesar Chavez Street.
  Photo: Austin Fire DepartmentPhoto: Austin Fire DepartmentPhoto: Austin Fire DepartmentPhoto: Austin Fire DepartmentPictures shared from AFD show the fire is near the downtown Austin Energy District Cooling Plant. KXAN has reached
  
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• APD identifies man who died after crashing motorcycle into wall

  04-08-2023 17:39 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Aug. 4, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, the Austin Police Department identified a man who died after a crash in northwest Austin Sunday afternoon.Police said 39-year-old Brandon L. Robinson was on a motorcycle when he crashed into a wall. APD said Robinson died at the scene.According to a release, APD officers responded to a single-vehicle crash at the US 183 NB to SH 45 EB Ramp at 1:19 p.m. MAP: Where have Austin’s
  
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• Puppies found on side of road saved, shelter seeking more help from fosters

  04-08-2023 16:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An Austin pet shelter is thanking people who stepped up to foster puppies who were recently found on the side of the road in Lockhart, but the shelter said it still needs support.The puppies arrived at Austin Pets Alive! after being found still attached to the umbilical cord of their dead mother, who was likely hit by a car, the shelter said.Austin Pets Alive! seeking fosters amid Central Texas heat waveAPA! said each of the puppies is fighting to live and will require bottle-fe
  
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• Trees are 'stressed' due to multiple years of extreme weather

  04-08-2023 14:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Central Texas is breaking its record of one-hundred degree days on Friday, another high point in a sweltering summer. While we're all feeling the heat, so are our trees.
  "Without any rain, the soil is starting to dry out. And obviously, the roots of the trees are in the soil and looking for that water," said Sarah Ruark, a technical advisor with The Davey Institute, part of Davey Tree."Over time, that's going to weaken the tree because it's under stress now, and that allows some
  
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• What happens if you don't wash your car?

  04-08-2023 13:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Amid Central Texas' ongoing drought and heat wave, any reprieve from rainstorms is far and few between. That also means your vehicle hasn't received a free rinse down courtesy Mother Nature.But how bad is it if you seldom wash your car -- or, even more extreme, never take it to the car wash or clean it yourself?What happens if you never wash your vehicle?According to online auto resource Carwash Country, any dirt or grime left on your vehicle is abrasive and can deteriorate the
  
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• Today sets new record for longest heatwave in Austin's history

  04-08-2023 12:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Well... we're doing it. Today puts us in the record books for the most consecutive days at 100° or hotter... and we're not done yet.There will be little to no difference between today and yesterday, as both the Heat Advisory and Red Flag Warning remain intact for most of the area.Heat Advisory in effect 12p.m. to 9 p.m. FridayRed Flag Warning in effect 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. FridayExcessive heat will continue into the weekend with afternoon highs likely to break or exceed the dai
  
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• One killed in crash in western Travis County

  04-08-2023 11:39 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – The Department of Public Safety launched an investigation Friday morning after a deadly rollover crash in western Travis County.According to Austin-Travis County EMS, the crash happened around 1:35 a.m. on Lakehurst Road near Happy Hollow. That's north of Bee Creek Road and Texas Highway 71.
  ATCEMS said an adult died at the scene of the crash. The agency said the rollover crash did involve an ejection but had no other details.
  
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• LIVE: APD launches homicide investigation after body found off Ben White

  04-08-2023 11:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Police launched a homicide investigation after someone reported finding a man's body off East Ben White Boulevard in southeast Austin early Friday morning.
  Police said officers were called to the scene in the westbound service road of Ben White near Burleson Road just after midnight. When police arrived, officers found a man with obvious trauma to the upper part of his body. It's unclear if there was a weapon found at the scene at this time.
  According to police, the
  
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• APD launches homicide investigation after body found off Ben White

  04-08-2023 11:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Police launched a homicide investigation after someone reported finding a man's body off East Ben White Boulevard in southeast Austin early Friday morning.
  Police said officers were called to the scene in the westbound service road of Ben White near Burleson Road just after midnight.
  According to police, the body was found by a citizen. Police did not say where the body was found or how the man died.
  Police said they would provide more information at a 4:30 a.m. brie
  
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• Two hurt in overnight stabbing in downtown Austin

  04-08-2023 10:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Police said two people were stabbed early Friday morning in downtown Austin.
  Austin-Travis County EMS said paramedics responded to the scene at Rio Grande and West 6th Streets around 2:20 a.m. They took two adults to the hospital.
  ATCEMS said both adults had serious, potentially life-threatening injuries.
  Police said the stabbing may been part of a fight involving a unknown number of people. Detectives were on the scene investigating and had no one in custody.
  This i
  
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• UFCU holds basket drive for first-generation college students

  04-08-2023 05:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Starting college can be expensive, which is why the University Federal Credit Union said it hosted a college dorm basket drive Thursday.To relieve some of the financial stress that comes with starting college, UFCU employees put together baskets full of supplies students might need in the classroom.The baskets are expected to be given to first-generation college students associated with organizations such as Breakthrough Central Texas, Con Mi Madre and Communities in School
  
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• Off-duty deputy files lawsuit against H-E-B after 2022 stabbing in Austin

  04-08-2023 05:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A lawsuit filed Wednesday claimed H-E-B has refused to pay medical bills after the stabbing of an off-duty law enforcement official providing security at one of its grocery stores.The lawsuit said on Nov. 12, 2022, Luke Werner was “violently stabbed in the neck multiple times by a patron of the store," which was located at 2508 East Riverside Drive. RELATED: Austin police arrest man after Bastrop deputy stabbed at East Riverside H-E-B storeAccording to lawsuit documen
  
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• Water restrictions ramp up as drought continues

  04-08-2023 04:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin has now seen 27 straight days at 100 degrees or higher, and it looks like those high temperatures will continue.What does that mean for people living in Central Texas?It could mean tougher water restrictions as some places have already added more restrictions."Has it ever been like this hot in Austin before?" asked Henry Pugh as he walked through his grandfather's yard.Gary Pugh is under Travis County Water Control and Improvement District 17, where they are under st
  
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• Train derails in Texas after crash with semi, one person dead

  04-08-2023 04:53 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas -- A train derailment was reported at a railroad crossing near US 84 between Amherst and Sudan after a crash on Monday, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. One person was killed.The incident was reported around 10:45 a.m. as a crash between a semi and a train. DPS provided an update and said the driver, who was identified as Brent Michael Spahich, 25, of Borger, passed away while being taken to the hospital.(Nexstar/Staff)(Nexstar/Staff)(Nexstar/Staff)(Nexstar/Staf
  
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• Art, music bring awareness to mental health, suicide prevention

  04-08-2023 04:52 via kxan.com
  
  WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - Creative artists in Central Texas came together to support one another and raise awareness towards mental health and suicide prevention.
  The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network collaborated with the Music + Art = Positive Digital Magazine so more people could hear about mental health and how to combat suicidal thoughts."Tell somebody, it doesn't hurt. It hurts a lot less when we speak out and let someone know," says Verlyn Johson Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Netwo
  
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• Christian Jones' leadership noticed on and off the field, nominated for Wuerffel Trophy

  04-08-2023 04:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Christian Jones has been a pillar on the Texas Longhorns offensive line for the past three seasons, starting in 35 games while playing in 48. Since he decided to use his extra year of eligibility the NCAA granted players due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sixth-year 321-pounder out of Cypress Woods has seen quite a bit during his time on the 40 Acres."I've been here longer than some of the bricks in the building," Jones said. "But this locker room is very special. It's a bro
  
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• Christian Jones' leadership noticed on and off the field, nominated for Wuerffel Award

  04-08-2023 04:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Christian Jones has been a pillar on the Texas Longhorns offensive line for the past three seasons, starting in 35 games while playing in 48. Since he decided to use his extra year of eligibility the NCAA granted players due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sixth-year 321-pounder out of Cypress Woods has seen quite a bit during his time on the 40 Acres."I've been here longer than some of the bricks in the building," Jones said. "But this locker room is very special. It's a bro
  
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• Wastewater data shows increase in COVID, Austin Public Health says

  04-08-2023 03:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With an uptick of COVID-19 cases in the Austin area, Austin Public Health said it is making moves to keep children safe during the back-to-school season.APH said it is giving vaccines to children who might need them, as well as helping to support mobile clinic operations in the area.Data from Travis County wastewater indicated the presence of the virus and shows it has increased over the past six weeks, according to a release from APH.CDC predicts late summer COVID wave. Wh
  
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• Uptick of COVID cases attributed to Travis County wastewater

  04-08-2023 03:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the uptick of COVID cases in the Austin area, Austin Public Health said it was making moves to keep children safe during the back-to-school season.APH said it was giving vaccines to children who might need them, as well as helping to support mobile clinic operations in the area.The increase in cases can be attributed to Travis County wastewater, where covid has been found over the past 6 weeks."We are seeing SARS-CoV-2 present in the wastewater stream,” said Jane
  
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• Bee Cave teen gets his wish to ride in old-school Corvette

  04-08-2023 03:05 via kxan.com
  
  BEE CAVE, Texas (KXAN) — One teenager in Bee Cave had his wish come true Tuesday.Nicholas said he always wanted to drive or ride in an old-school Corvette, and on his 17th birthday, he got the chance to do just that.Make-A-Wish worked with Covert Bee Cave to make Nicholas’ wish happen.“I've been fortunate and blessed enough to be part of roughly 10 or 12 wishes that we've granted over the last 10 plus years,” Mike Ishack, Covert Bee Cave General Manager, said.Ann Jerome,
  
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• Top Texas A&M officials were involved in botched recruiting of journalism professor, who will receive $1 million settlement

  04-08-2023 01:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — Several high-level Texas A&M University System officials — including the board of regents and the flagship campus’ president — were involved in discussions about how to handle a Black journalism professor’s job offer after conservatives criticized her hiring, according to an internal report released Thursday.The details of the report contradict former Texas A&M University President M. Katherine Banks’ earlier claims that she wa
  
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• Lago Vista employee accused of not reporting 16-year-old son's death, burying him

  04-08-2023 00:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An employee with the City of Lago Vista was charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence involving a human corpse in connection with the death of her son, according to a Travis County affidavit.According to the affidavit, Lago Vista police assisted Child Protective Services on March 10 regarding a call for a welfare check on a bed-bound, physically and mentally handicapped 16-year-old boy, but officials could not find the boy at the home.Documents stated the
  
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