Austin news

• Death investigation continues after police identify man found dead off Ben White

  23-08-2023 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday, Austin Police identified a man who was found dead earlier this month off East Ben White Boulevard in south Austin, according to a APD news release.Shortly after midnight, Aug. 4, officers responded to the scene in the westbound service road of Ben White near Burleson Road, according to police. 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.Police i
  
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• Pedestrian dies following weekend crash on North Lamar

  23-08-2023 22:36 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN New Today's top headlines for Aug. 23, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police said a man died following a traffic collision in central Austin Saturday night.APD said at 10:57 p.m., officers responded to a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian in the 100 block of North Lamar Boulevard. PAST COVERAGE: 1 critically injured in auto-pedestrian crash on North LamarPolice said an unidentified pedestrian was taken to a local hospital, where
  
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• Isolated late-day showers and storms return to the forecast

  23-08-2023 22:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A daily chance of isolated late-day showers and thunderstorms returns to the forecast Thursday and continues for the next 7 days. Otherwise, hotter, more humid weather rules the forecast.A heat dome is loosely controlling our weather, drifting from the Midwest toward New Mexico and Arizona this week. On the periphery of it, mainly dry weather is in the forecast with hotter, more humid conditions.Muggy meter showing more humid conditions over the next several days Live interactiv
  
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• APD releases details on fatal crash that caused I-35 shutdown

  23-08-2023 22:14 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN New Today's top headlines for Aug. 23, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department released additional details surrounding a fatal crash that occurred Monday.APD said at approximately 6:03 a.m., officers responded to a crash in the 7400 block of North Interstate 35 where a pedestrian was hit by several vehicles and died at the scene.According to APD, the pedestrian was a man but otherwise remained unidentified. RELATED: I-35 northbound
  
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• Crews contain Pflugerville brush fire caused by unapproved burning on private property

  23-08-2023 22:00 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) -- Crews have contained a two-acre brush fire in Pflugerville near Manor that started Wednesday afternoon after unauthorized burning.The Pflugerville Fire Department posted on Facebook it, Travis County Emergency Services District 12 and Travis County Fire Rescue were responding to the fire.
  According to Travis County ESD 12, the fire started due to unapproved burning on a private property and quickly spread due to winds. The fire grew to around two acres.
  Crews contai
  
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• Crews contain brush fire caused by unapproved burning on private property

  23-08-2023 22:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The location of the brush fire has been updated.MANOR, Texas (KXAN) -- Crews have contained a two-acre brush fire in Manor that started Wednesday afternoon after unauthorized burning.Travis County Emergency Services District No. 12 and Travis County Fire Rescue responded to the fire.According to Travis County ESD 12, the fire started due to unapproved burning on a private property and quickly spread due to winds. The fire grew to around two acres.
  Crews contained a two-acre brush
  
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• Austin transit experts detail changes to come in land use, urban density

  23-08-2023 21:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With new transportation investments coming down the pipeline, Austin transit leaders discussed Wednesday the future of transit, land use and density for residents throughout the city.The Urban Land Institute hosted a panel Wednesday morning with representatives from the City of Austin, CapMetro and the Austin Transit Partnership. The key focus centered on how new forms of mobility play into Austin's economic and population growth, as well as how transportation marries into land
  
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• Why did a private helicopter land multiple times in a north Austin parking lot?

  23-08-2023 21:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Jay Corder is an award-winning Austin architect who runs a firm out of The Village shopping center on Anderson Lane in north Austin. Several weeks ago, he said a helicopter landed in a parking lot in front of his office, alarming him, his staff and some neighboring businesses. KXAN went to two additional businesses in the center who said they also saw the helicopter land in the parking lot multiple times.“I personally have seen it once. My staff have all seen it
  
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• Central Texans turn to prayer, music amid drought

  23-08-2023 19:58 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) --- Even with Tuesday's rainfall, all of Central Texas is still in an extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
  It's left some people turning to prayer for more rain and others creating music to spread awareness of the situation.
  Praying for rainOn Monday, a group of people stood in front of the Hays County Historic Courthouse in San Marcos and prayed for rain."We got farmers, ranchers, all kinds of folks here and we're just asking the Lord to send us rain
  
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• Texas' interim Attorney General responds to lawsuit over age verification on adult websites

  23-08-2023 19:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The interim Attorney General of Texas, Angela Colmenero, issued a response to a lawsuit brought by a coalition of adult content producers over a new law that would require users of adult websites to transmit their legal identification to those websites. Previous: Pornhub, coalition of adult websites sue Texas over law requiring them to collect user’s legal IDThat lawsuit, filed by the Free Speech Coalition (FSC), claims that the method would be insufficient in preventing m
  
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• Gas leak in Bastrop prompts evacuations

  23-08-2023 18:38 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) — The City of Bastrop said a residential gas leak has led to evacuations.The city said a residential gas line was hit near the Wilson Street and Beech Street intersection.According to a statement, the Bastrop Fire Department arrived, and eight residents have been evacuated as of 11:15 a.m.The city said CenterPoint Energy was en route to the site of the leak.
  
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• Mt. Joy, Tegan & Sara, Thirty Seconds to Mars among ACL Fest Nights lineup

  23-08-2023 16:56 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News Today's top headlines for August 23, 2023.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The schedule for this year's ACL Fest Nights was released this week, and there are some big names hitting Austin venues this year.
  ACL Fest Nights is a series of concerts happening across Austin coinciding with the Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park.
  Around 30 different bands and artists will perform as part of ACL Fest Nights. Some of the featured performers include Aust
  
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• Tracking the Tropics: Atlantic heating up ahead of peak hurricane season

  23-08-2023 16:52 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — It's been an active week in the tropics with a total of four named storms spread throughout the Atlantic basin. But as we near the peak of hurricane season, can we expect this trend to continue?The National Hurricane Center has been keeping tabs on four separate storm systems — The closest of which to the U.S. mainland is Tropical Storm Franklin.TS FranklinFranklin is expected to dump heavy rains across portions of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola Wednesday into Thursd
  
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• Austin company unveils humanoid robot

  23-08-2023 15:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The future has arrived in the form of a robot resembling a human, ready to take on any task and transform the way we work.Apptronik has unveiled Apollo, the world’s first commercial humanoid robot.For the last seven years, the Austin-based startup company has been out of the limelight and in the lab, working day after day to design this robot. RELATED: Austin-based startup designing humanoid robot with NASANow, Apptronik is ready to take off with their creation, which
  
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• LIVE: KXAN Investigates: Texas program to fight pregnancy substance use

  23-08-2023 15:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The in-depth reporting from KXAN Investigates will receive a new spotlight that viewers can interact with Wednesday morning.Investigative reporter Kelly Wiley and KXAN Live anchor Will DuPree will bring back their new weekly show to focus on some of the top trending stories reported by the station’s investigative journalists. KXAN Investigates: Texas prison heat illnesses, new school safety rulesPeople can watch the live stream starting at 9 a.m. in this sto
  
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• KXAN Investigates: Texas program to fight pregnancy substance use

  23-08-2023 15:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The in-depth reporting from KXAN Investigates will receive a new spotlight that viewers can interact with Wednesday morning.Investigative reporter Kelly Wiley and KXAN Live anchor Will DuPree will bring back their new weekly show to focus on some of the top trending stories reported by the station’s investigative journalists. KXAN Investigates: Texas prison heat illnesses, new school safety rulesPeople can watch the live stream starting at 9 a.m. in this sto
  
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• 'Harmful to public schools': Over 100 Texas chaplains issue letter of opposition to school chaplain bill

  23-08-2023 15:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 100 Texas chaplains issued a letter Tuesday urging school board members in the state to keep chaplains out of public schools.
  The letter, organized by the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, Interfaith Alliance and Texas Impact, asks school board members to reject the opportunity to recruit government-approved chaplains to public schools to “provide support, services, and programs for students." The opportunity is part of Senate Bill 763, which wa
  
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• For all the tortillas: Anderson, McCallum clash in 22nd annual Taco Shack Bowl

  23-08-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — McCallum head coach Tom Gammerdinger said the Taco Shack Bowl is not only a great rivalry, but it helps gives Austin ISD athletics a little bit of the spotlight to kick off the year.The Knights and Anderson Trojans will rumble at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at House Park in the 22nd installment of the rivalry game, and Gammerdinger said it's something his team looks forward to all summer. VOTE: 2023 Taco Shack Bowl spirit competition, Anderson vs. McCallum"Austin ISD schools don't a
  
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• Anderson scores early and often, runs away with 42-0 Taco Shack Bowl win over McCallum

  23-08-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Anderson junior receiver Ed Small hauled in three touchdown passes in the first half to help fuel the Trojans to a 42-0 win in the 22nd Taco Shack Bowl over McCallum on Thursday at House Park.It's the Trojans' 12th Taco Shack Bowl victory and their second consecutive blowout win after taking the game 49-3 last year. Anderson took advantage of early mistakes by McCallum and had short fields for most of the first half, and when an athlete like Small has that type of advantage
  
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• 3 displaced after house fire in southwest Austin

  23-08-2023 12:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two adults and one child were displaced after their house was nearly a total loss in a fire in southwest Austin overnight.
  The Austin Fire Department responded to the fire in the 7200 block of Breezy Pass Cove shortly after 2 a.m. That area is in the Oak Hill neighborhood, just south of where Highways 71 and 290 intersect.
  AFD said neighbors called in the fire, and the homeowners were woken up by smoke alarms. Everyone got out safely, and no injuries were reported, according to
  
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• Drone, firefighting aircraft nearly collided in Caldwell Co. fire, Texas A&M Forest Service says

  23-08-2023 04:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A helicopter delivering water to the 150-acre Barth Fire in Caldwell County nearly collided with a drone that came within feet of the aircraft, the Texas A&M Forest Service said in a news release Tuesday.The agency said drones are a serious safety hazard for both the aviation resources, as well as the firefighters on the ground and can cause a serious or fatal accident if they collide with firefighting aircraft. 150-acre fire in Caldwell County fully contained“Pilots h
  
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• Dangerous heat returns as we track our next chance of rain

  23-08-2023 04:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Following 45-consecutive days at or above 100 degrees, afternoon downpours from Tropical Storm Harold broke Austin's extended stretch of triple-digit heat.Afternoon highs at Camp Mabry rose to 99 degrees Tuesday before rain bands on the north side of the decaying tropical storm raced through our area. Some areas enjoyed their first rainfall in a month, with up to 0.46" in Buda and 0.26" in Elgin. Live interactive weather radarGusty east winds from the decaying tropical storm wil
  
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• Almost daily low rain chances return Thursday

  23-08-2023 04:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Following 45-consecutive days at or above 100 degrees, Tuesday afternoon downpours from Tropical Storm Harold broke Austin's extended stretch of triple-digit heat.A heat dome moves back overhead Wednesday through the coming weekend, sending temperatures back north of 100 degrees each day. A slight chance afternoon and evening rain is in the forecast, however, beginning Thursday, as the area of high pressure will be slightly weaker overhead.7 day rain chances Live interactive wea
  
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• Protesters stood outside Austin high school with anti-LGBTQ, abortion messages

  23-08-2023 04:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As students were released from McCallum High School Tuesday afternoon, the district confirms roughly eight protesters stood outside with anti-LGBTQ and anti-abortion signs.
  "The protesters were on the sidewalk but were blocking the buses, so they were asked to move," a spokesperson for AISD said. "Austin ISD Police officers were on-site to ensure everyone's safety, and the protesters left after about an hour."KXAN does not share photos or videos of possible hate speech as standa
  
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• Demonstrators stood outside Austin high school with anti-LGBTQ, abortion messages

  23-08-2023 04:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As students were released from McCallum High School Tuesday afternoon, the district confirms roughly eight people stood outside with anti-LGBTQ and anti-abortion signs.
  "The protesters were on the sidewalk but were blocking the buses, so they were asked to move," a spokesperson for AISD said. "Austin ISD Police officers were on-site to ensure everyone's safety, and the protesters left after about an hour."KXAN does not share photos or videos of possible hate speech as standard p
  
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• Man with previous history of DWIs pleads guilty to killing 20-year-old UT Dallas student in crash

  23-08-2023 03:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The mother and father of Colton Roberts, 20, addressed the man who killed their son in court Tuesday."All I can do now is write letters to him in a journal that only I will ever see. Things I would say that he'll never get to hear," said Bill, the young man's father.Scott Taylor pled guilty to intoxication manslaughter for the August 2021 crash that killed Roberts. The crash happened on Jollyville Road just after 9 p.m., right before Roberts was set to return to class at the Uni
  
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• Binge drinking, marijuana use hit historic highs for adults 35 to 50 in 2022, NIH says

  23-08-2023 02:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The use of some substances reached an all-time high for adults aged 35 to 50 in 2022, according to the results of a National Institute of Health survey. Per the annual survey, binge drinks and the use of marijuana and hallucinogens reached a historical apex among adults aged 35 to 50. NIH researchers said binge drinking has declined among younger adults (19 to 30) over the last decade, but marijuana, hallucinogen and nicotine vaping use is up. Further, marijuana use an
  
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• PragerU lesson plans could be allowed in Texas schools

  23-08-2023 00:54 via kxan.com
  
  Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect that the State Board of Education has not yet voted to approve use of PragerU materials in Texas schools.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Monday, PragerU announced it is now an educational vendor in Texas, according to a video posted to its website. The company said that means teachers have the options to use its lessons in classrooms.Texas is the second state, after Florida, to approve material from the conservative nonprofit to be used in schools,
  
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• PragerU among educational lesson plans allowed in Texas schools under new law

  23-08-2023 00:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Monday, PragerU announced it is now an educational vendor in Texas, according to a video posted to its website. That means teachers have the options to use its lessons in classrooms.Texas is the second state, after Florida, to approve material from the conservative nonprofit to be used in schools, according to its release. The Hill reported in Florida, the videos aren't required content but "aligns to Florida's revised civics and government standards and can be used as s
  
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• PragerU among educational lesson plans allowed in Texas schools, company says

  23-08-2023 00:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Monday, PragerU announced it is now an educational vendor in Texas, according to a video posted to its website. The company said that means teachers have the options to use its lessons in classrooms.Texas is the second state, after Florida, to approve material from the conservative nonprofit to be used in schools, according to its release. The Hill reported in Florida, the videos aren't required content but "aligns to Florida's revised civics and government standards and
  
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• Former Miss Texas announces campaign for Texas House

  23-08-2023 00:50 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS (KXAN) — The first Asian American woman to win the Miss Texas crown is now hoping to add another title to her name: state lawmaker.
  Averie Bishop, who won the statewide pageant in 2022, made it official Tuesday afternoon that she's running to unseat a longtime Republican state representative in a competitive district located outside of Dallas. She posted a video on her social media accounts announcing her campaign for Texas House District 112, which includes the communities of Addis
  
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• Oncor customers in Pflugerville affected by Monday power outage

  23-08-2023 00:24 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) -- Around 630 Oncor customers were affected by a power outage in Pflugerville that started Monday evening, according to Oncor officials.At approximately 7:40 p.m. Monday, crews responded to hundreds of outages in the area. Power was estimated to be restored by 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.However, officials said the cause for the outage was underground facilities that needed repair, so the repairs took longer to find and fix.As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, approximately 194 customers rema
  
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• Texas women's basketball set for marquee Moody showdown

  23-08-2023 00:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Texas women's basketball is one of the premier programs in the country, especially with some of the success they've had as of late. But without much question, one of - if not the - biggest name program in the nation is the University of Connecticut.While the Huskies haven't won a national championship since 2016, they're still perennially one of the top teams in the nation. And now in 2023, UConn will make the trip to Central Texas."Obviously that name is very recognizable in the
  
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