Austin news

• Austin mayor touts opening of new emergency homeless shelter near airport

  24-08-2023 23:28 via kxan.com
  
  Part of the mission of KXAN News is to foster a more informed and engaged community. We deliver in-depth coverage on topics like affordability, safety and mobility that affect the daily lives of Central Texans. And we explore sustainable solutions to economic, systemic and social problems. One way to achieve those goals is providing direct and consistent access to leaders who make decisions that shape local policy — seeking to understand their stances, holding them accountable for promises
  
  Read more

• DPS reports vehicle inspection system outage

  24-08-2023 23:18 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN New Today's top headlines for Aug. 24, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, the Texas Department of Public Safety said it was experiencing a vehicle inspection system outage, preventing proper inspections in "safety-only" counties.DPS said the issues with the system began Wednesday and remained ongoing. Texas removed mandatory vehicle safety inspections. Do I still need an emissions test?“This issue does not allow stations in safety-only c
  
  Read more

• Hot and humid with isolated rain

  24-08-2023 22:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- While the hottest summer on record continues in Central Texas, daily rain chances have made a welcome return for the next five days.Hot, humid weather rules the forecast this week into the weekend with a Heat Advisory and Excessive Heat Warning in effect. Exercise caution when outdoors for extended periods of time, and make sure to keep pets cool and hydrated.The heat dome positioned north of us is moving farther away for the next five days, allowing daily heat and humidity to b
  
  Read more

• Samsung gives $40K to Austin nonprofit for trade skills and manufacturing

  24-08-2023 22:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — At a fundraising luncheon Thursday, Samsung executives presented a $40,000 donation to Skillpoint Alliance, a nonprofit that gives students free training in skilled professions and manufacturing.The check was presented by Kwee Lan Teo, head of workforce development for Samsung Austin Semiconductor. Moments before the presentation, Teo gave several remarks about the company's businesses in Austin and Central Texas.She said the company wants to continue its investment and par
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Central Texas school district stays afloat amid shortage in special education teachers

  24-08-2023 21:14 via kxan.com
  
  WACO. Texas (FOX 44) -- The national shortage of special education teachers is putting some schools in Central Texas in a tough situation.It's a discussion many districts are having to ensure students with special needs are supported.We reached out online and this topic is a big deal to parents mentioning how substitutes, even long-term ones were needed to step into the classroom.This year, Killeen ISD has made strides to improve."These special education aids and teachers just really go through
  
  Read more

• Docs: Texas husband pistol-whips man after discovering affair with wife, both wrap body in plastic

  24-08-2023 21:11 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KIAH) — A murder investigation is underway after the discovery of a body wrapped in plastic and duct tape in Texas on Sunday.Investigators have a husband and wife in custody. They say the pair admitted to their involvement in the killing after the wife admitted to having an affair with the victim.Narciso Banos, 49, has been charged with murder, aggravated kidnapping and tampering with a human corpse when he faced a judge Sunday. His wife, Francisca Carrizales, 42, is also cha
  
  Read more

• 'Hot but not as hot as hell': Texas church sign pays tribute to recent heat

  24-08-2023 21:06 via kxan.com
  
  ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) -- A south Abilene church sign is paying tribute to the Texas heat.
  The Church of Christ on Willis Street and South 11th Street currently have messages inspired by the sweltering summer on both sides of their sign.
  One side reads "It is hot but not as hot as hell", and the other side says, "Whatever you are baking lord, I think it's done."Triple-digit temperatures are expected to stick around through at least the end of this week.Get the latest 7-day forecast and other
  
  Read more

• Austin-based major league pickleball team announces new celebrity ownership group comprised over 30 people

  24-08-2023 21:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin-based pickleball team the Texas Ranchers, one of eight founding Major League Pickleball teams in the U.S., announced a new ownership group earlier this week made up of more than 30 people.
  The group is comprised of "power players" from professional sports, fashion, business, music and entertainment, as well as notable Austin-based entrepreneurs, including Kendra Scott and Garrett Salpeter (CEO, NeuFit), according to a release about the group. PAST COVERAGE: Major League P
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Bat Fest returns to Austin for 17th annual event

  24-08-2023 20:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The 17th annual Bat Fest in downtown Austin begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, according to event organizers.The venue for the event is the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge and the Austin American Statesman parking lot.Regular GA advance admission is $35, and VIP tickets are being sold for $300. GA tickets will also be sold at the gate for $40 cash.Announced performers include:
  Flo RidaMike RyanThat Mexican OTGeorge BirgeMike JonesTim DuggerAlien Ant FarmLil FlipBaxleyParker
  
  Read more

• Trump surrenders at Atlanta jail on election charges, then is quickly released on $200,000 bond

  24-08-2023 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  ATLANTA (AP) — Former President Donald Trump surrendered Thursday on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia, a brisk 20-minute booking that yielded a historic first: a mug shot of a U.S. ex-president.He was released on $200,000 bond and headed back to the airport for his return flight home to New Jersey, flashing a thumbs-up through the window of his sport utility vehicle as his motorcade left. Unrepentant but subdued after the brief jail
  
  Read more

• Trump is set to surrender at a Georgia jail on 2020 election charges

  24-08-2023 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  ATLANTA (AP) — Donald Trump was set to turn himself in Thursday to authorities in Georgia on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 election in that state, a county jail booking expected to yield a historic first: a mug shot of a former American president.Trump's surrender, coming amid an abrupt shake-up of his legal team, follows the presidential debate in Milwaukee the night before featuring his leading rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination &m
  
  Read more

• Live: Trump surrenders at Atlanta jail on charges he tried to overturn his 2020 election loss

  24-08-2023 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  ATLANTA (AP) — Former President Donald Trump surrendered Thursday on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia, a brisk 20-minute booking that yielded a historic first: a mug shot of a former American president.He was released on $200,000 bond and headed back to the airport for his return flight home to New Jersey.Trump’s surrender to law enforcement authorities has become by now a familiar election-season routine in a way that belies t
  
  Read more

• Live: Trump arrives in Georgia, headed to county jail for booking on 2020 election charges

  24-08-2023 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  ATLANTA (AP) — Donald Trump arrived in Georgia on Thursday evening to surrender on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 election in that state, a county jail booking expected to yield a historic first: a mug shot of a former American president.Trump's surrender, coming amid an abrupt shake-up of his legal team, follows the presidential debate in Milwaukee the night before featuring his leading rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination — a co
  
  Read more

• Donald Trump mug shot shows former president scowling at Atlanta booking

  24-08-2023 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  ATLANTA (AP) — Former President Donald Trump surrendered Thursday on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia, a brisk 20-minute booking that yielded a historic first: a mug shot of a U.S. ex-president.He was released on $200,000 bond and headed back to the airport for his return flight home to New Jersey, flashing a thumbs-up through the window of his sport utility vehicle as his motorcade left. A booking photo released by authorities shot
  
  Read more

• Texas grid conditions expected to be 'extremely tight' Thursday, ERCOT CEO says

  24-08-2023 19:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — During a Public Utility Commission of Texas open meeting Thursday, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) CEO Pablo Vegas said they expect to be in emergency operations Thursday evening due to the extreme heat."We are expecting as we move through the peak this evening... to have extremely tight conditions," Vegas said. Understanding ERCOT’s emergency alert levelsEarlier Thursday, ERCOT issued a Conservation Appeal from 3 – 10 p.m. due to extreme tempe
  
  Read more

• ERCOT expects to be in emergency operations Thursday evening

  24-08-2023 19:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — During a Public Utility Commission of Texas open meeting Thursday, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) CEO Pablo Vegas said it expects to be in emergency operations Thursday evening due to the extreme heat.Earlier Thursday, ERCOT issued a Conservation Appeal from 3 – 10 p.m. due to extreme temperatures, continued near-record demand, and forecasted low wind-power generation. "What we're seeing is conditions that are more tight than what we have seen any o
  
  Read more

• ERCOT asks Texans to volunteer to conserve power Thursday

  24-08-2023 19:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issued a Conservation Appeal from 3 – 10 p.m. Thursday due to extreme temperatures, continued near-record demand, and forecasted low wind-power generation. Understanding ERCOT’s emergency alert levels"Due to low wind-power generation and high demand, operating reserves for ERCOT are expected to be low for several hours this afternoon into the evening," the utility said.ERCOT requested Texans conserve electricity
  
  Read more

• ERCOT asks Texans to conserve power Thursday

  24-08-2023 19:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issued a Conservation Appeal from 3 – 10 p.m. Thursday due to extreme temperatures, continued near-record demand, and forecasted low wind-power generation. Understanding ERCOT’s emergency alert levels"Due to low wind-power generation and high demand, operating reserves for ERCOT are expected to be low for several hours this afternoon into the evening," the utility said.ERCOT requested Texans conserve electricity
  
  Read more

• TCSO asks for help identifying suspect accused of attempting to sexually assault a woman

  24-08-2023 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN New Today's top headlines for Aug. 24, 2023.TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Travis County Sheriff’s Office said it was searching for a suspect accused of attempting to sexually assault a woman in northern Travis County.TCSO said at approximately 6:15 a.m. Aug. 12, a woman stopped at a gas station at the corner of Wells Branch Parkway and Interstate 35, and she was followed to her apartment complex by an unknown man she had seen parked
  
  Read more

• Study: How 1 alcoholic drink can affect blood pressure

  24-08-2023 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A recent medical study has found drinking as little as one alcoholic drink may contribute to increased blood pressure for both men and women.KXAN Anchor Jennifer Sanders spoke with Dr. Vivek Goswami, a cardiologist at the Heart Hospital of Austin, about the impacts alcohol has on heart health.Read a full transcription of the discussion below or use the video player above.SANDERS: Okay, so we've long known that drinking alcohol in moderate to even heavy amounts can really im
  
  Read more

• Texas Parks and Wildlife votes to limit future use of eminent domain after Fairfield Lake saga

  24-08-2023 18:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted Thursday to limit its future use of eminent domain.The Parks and Wildlife Department is currently using the process to try to acquire a 5,000-acre property that includes the now-former Fairfield Lake State Park.The policy adopted Thursday says eminent domain authority will be limited to "exceptional and unusual circumstances." Commissioners defined those circumstances as "when property was previously dedicated to public use as a
  
  Read more

• District asks voters to approve salary raise for Round Rock ISD staff in November election

  24-08-2023 17:05 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- A salary increase for Round Rock Independent School District employees will be up to voters to approve at the polls in November after the district's Board of Trustees voted to call for a Voter- Approval Tax Rate Election, or VATRE, earlier this week.
  On Monday the board called for the VATRE for the Nov. 7 election to provide staff members with salary increases. The board also approved a tax rate of $0.9190 for the 2023-2024 school year. The calling for the election fo
  
  Read more

• Comic-con style event coming to Austin Labor Day weekend

  24-08-2023 15:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A comic-con style convention featuring celebrities, creators, cosplayers and voice actors is coming to the Austin Convention Center Sept. 1-3.
  The organizers of GalaxyCon Austinsaid the three-day convention will feature more than 150guests as well as photo ops, Q&As, panels, costume contests, cosplay events, workshops, parties, gaming tournaments and celebrity meet and greets.According to GalaxyCon, the guest list includes:Charlie Cox - Daredevil, The Defenders, Spider-
  
  Read more

• What on Earth is föhn? Explaining unusual weather system names around the world

  24-08-2023 15:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The world is full of unique weather events, but many of them aren't as unique as you may think. Sometimes weather systems are given wild names, but they're actually the same type of system.In this First Warning Weather University lesson, we look at some of these weather systems and the wild names they have.In this FWWU lesson you'll learn:
  What's the difference between a hurricane and a cyclone?Where do typhoons happen?What is a chinook and a föhn?
  There's more in the First
  
  Read more

• Senate issues public viewing rules for Paxton trial

  24-08-2023 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Impeachment Trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton will be open to the public to watch, and the Senate issued rules on Tuesday for the public to get tickets and to watch the trial.Tickets are required for admission to Senate GalleryTickets will be given out on the third floor outside of the Senate gallery for the morning and afternoon sessions of the impeachment trial.
  The tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basisMorning session tickets will be handed
  
  Read more

• TXST plans to open new dormitory halls next 2 years

  24-08-2023 12:49 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) -- Texas State University welcomed its biggest freshman class in school history this year with almost 8,000 students arriving to San Marcos for their first semester. The growth is expected to continue in the future, and the university is making moves to ensure there is enough on-campus housing for first-year students.
  University officials said on-campus housing is currently at 107% capacity with a total of 7,244 students checked into their spaces. The school faced a simi
  
  Read more

• Isolated storms daily as temps top 100 degrees

  24-08-2023 12:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's not much... but it's something. Near-daily rain chances are in the forecast through the next week, but it won't help our temperatures much.Isolated storms will be possible each afternoon and evening today through the weekend. Although no area is expected to get rain every day, it'll be a good idea to keep an eye on the KXAN Weather app as these storms, although few and far between, could pop up quick.Heat alerts in effect 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. ThursdayDespite the low chance for
  
  Read more

• Hot and humid with spotty storms

  24-08-2023 12:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's not much... but it's something. Daily rain chances are in the forecast through the next week, but it won't help our temperatures until next week.Today will be very hot and humid with feels-like temperatures 105-112º. Unlike previous hot days where the humidity dropped significantly in the afternoon, it won't drop nearly as much today making it way more uncomfortable.Heat alerts in effect 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. ThursdayIsolated storms will be possible each afternoon and even
  
  Read more

• Fire burns North Austin complex; no one hurt

  24-08-2023 10:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Fire crews are fighting a fire at a complex in North Austin Thursday morning.
  According to an Austin Fire Department social media post at 3:20 a.m., 3 units were on fire in the 8200 block of Sam Rayburn Drive.
  That is just north of Powell Lane which is northeast of U.S. 183 and northwest of Interstate 35.AFD said no one was hurt.
  
  Read more

• 60 displaced after fire burns North Austin complex; no one hurt

  24-08-2023 10:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Fire crews said 60 people, including children, were displaced after a fire at a complex in North Austin Thursday morning.
  According to an Austin Fire Department social media post at 4:49 a.m., 3 units of an apartment building on Sam Rayburn Drive suffered fire damage. 5 units had smoke and water damage.
  All 16 units in the building could not be occupied, AFD said.
  AFD did not say why in the post but Austin Fire Division Chief Eddie Martinez earlier said, "We are shut
  
  Read more

• 60 displaced after fire burns North Austin apartment complex; no one hurt

  24-08-2023 10:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Sixty people, including children, were displaced after a fire at a complex in North Austin Thursday morning.
  According to an Austin Fire Department social media post at 4:49 a.m., three units of an apartment building on Sam Rayburn Drive suffered fire damage. Five units had smoke and water damage. All 16 units in the building could not be occupied, AFD said.
  The apartment complex is just north of Powell Lane, which is northeast of U.S. 183 and northwest of Interstate 35.Aus
  
  Read more

• Virtual power plants to provide power to ERCOT grid for the first time, PUCT says

  24-08-2023 05:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two virtual power plants are now qualified and able to provide power to the Texas electric grid, operated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the Public Utility Commission of Texas said in a news release Wednesday.This is a first for the state's electricity market, the release said. The pilot project tests how consumer-owned, small energy devices, like battery energy storage systems, backup generators, and controllable Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers, can act as
  
  Read more

• Terry Funk, beloved hardcore wrestling icon, dead at 79

  24-08-2023 03:15 via kxan.com
  
  (KTVI) - Terry Funk, a wrestling icon whose legendary career of spectacle and violence spanned five decades, has died. The brawling Texan, affectionately known as "The Funker" to friends and fans, was 79.Funk was born on June 30, 1944, in Hammond, Indiana. His family soon relocated to Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. His father, Dory Funk Sr., began a pro wrestling career after serving in the Navy during World War II. In time, Dory Sr. joined the management team of a regional wrestling promotion
  
  Read more

• 19-year-old pleads guilty to two February murders

  24-08-2023 01:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Abraham Kulor, now 19 years old, pleaded guilty to two murders this week, according to the Travis County District Attorney's Office.The incidents happened in February, about two weeks apart, on the 5800 block of Techni Center Drive in east Austin and on Sixth Street downtown, according to the District Attorney's Office. Kulor was 18 at the time.“Marijuana was located inside the victim’s vehicle,” APD said during a news conference about the Feb. 8 Techni Center
  
  Read more

• 2024 Debate Breakdown: An Insider’s Look at the First Republican Presidential Debate

  24-08-2023 01:32 via kxan.com
  
  Join The Hill’s first installment of the “2024 Debate Breakdown: An Insider’s Look at the First Republican Presidential Debate.”The Hill’s Political Reporter Rafael Bernal, National Political Correspondent Julia Manchester, and Congressional Reporter Mychael Schnell break down the top moments from the first Republican Primary debate and how the debate resonated with Americans. Register for the Debate Breakdown stream here.
  Democratic Strategist  Michael Starr H
  
  Read more

• After death of cousin, Hutto High School student raising awareness about fentanyl

  24-08-2023 01:23 via kxan.com
  
  HUTTO, Texas (KXAN) — More and more people are losing their lives to fentanyl and Central Texas isn’t immune from this growing problem.Many teens have also fallen victim to fentanyl overdoses. Rebecca Benavides says her son Ryan Garcia or King Ryan as she calls him died at just 17 years old.”I wish every day he would walk in and say Momma I am home,” said Benavides.Garcia was a student at Akins High School and died in 2022. Benavides says she got a late-night call that so
  
  Read more

• What's next for the Austin housing market heading to fall 2023

  24-08-2023 01:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Mortgage rates have hit a 21-year high, and KXAN wanted to see what it could mean for Central Texans.KXAN Anchor Jennifer Sanders spoke with Dr. Clare Losey, a housing economist with the Austin Board of Realtors, about key housing data, such as new and existing home sales.Read a full transcription of the discussion below or use the video player above.JENNIFER: So as mortgage rates top 7% It's a two-decade high. What does this really mean for homebuyers as well as homeowners
  
  Read more

• Gloria Lofton's daughter reacts to updates in the Raul Meza investigation

  24-08-2023 00:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Months have passed since Sonia Houston was first informed that Raul Meza Jr., 62, was connected with her mother, Gloria Lofton’s, death. Houston said in recent weeks, she feels Austin police have been more communicative with her, but still, she wants more answers.  READ MORE: Daughters of Gloria Lofton decry Austin Police for its handling of their mother’s deathSince the APD press conference in May, there have been several updates in the case, including whe
  
  Read more

• Georgetown Animal Shelter sees increase in distemper cases

  24-08-2023 00:49 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- The Georgetown Animal Shelter has seen an rise in dogs entering the shelter with the distemper virus, according to a news release from the City of Georgetown.
  The shelter is asking for help getting healthy dogs out of the shelter and into foster or adoptive homes, in order to separate them from sick dogs.The release said the shelter confirmed one case of distemper and six presumptive cases. The initial dog came into the shelter July 31 and first showed symptoms on Aug
  
  Read more

• 'Help us!' State employees blow whistle on errors they say are kicking thousands off Medicaid

  24-08-2023 00:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- A new whistleblower complaint obtained by Nexstar claims technical glitches and disorganized leadership have caused issues in Texas' administration of Medicaid and erroneously kicked thousands of children and pregnant women off of their health insurance."The persistence of numerous and growing system issues remains evident, causing erroneous denials of coverage, particularly impacting newborns and pregnant women—creating a situation that could further agitate our noncom
  
  Read more

• Leander announces resignation of city manager

  24-08-2023 00:15 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) -- The City of Leander will soon be on the hunt for a new municipal leader, following the resignation of City Manager Rick Beverlin Tuesday.Beverlin accepted an offer with the City of Nacogdoches, Texas, to serve as its city manager, per a City of Leander news release Wednesday. Beverlin had served in his role with the city since 2019.Leander City Council will officially consider accepting Beverlin's resignation at its council meeting on Thursday, Sept. 7. As part of that d
  
  Read more

• Which local restaurants received a perfect health inspection score in July 2023?

  24-08-2023 00:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In July, Austin Public Health (APH) performed over 550 health inspections at locations across the metropolitan area, such as restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores and schools.Of the 565 locations inspected, 312 received scores above 89. Only 39 received perfect scores, and just 12 of those are restaurants.For July 2023, four local restaurants received perfect health inspection scores:
  Blue Basil, a food truck typically located at The Domain (11119 Alterra Pkwy, Austin)
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!