Austin news

• Austin airport braces for possible record-breaking Labor Day weekend travel

  29-08-2023 23:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Officials with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport are forewarning passengers traveling during the Labor Day holiday weekend of potential record-breaking traveler numbers.AUS said in a release it is asking all passengers to arrive early and plan ahead for any travel through AUS from Thursday through Tuesday.
  "AUS expects a surge of travelers heading into and out of Central Texas," the release said in part.Five of the airport's 10 all-time busiest days have happened this year
  
  Read more

• New Texas law to mandate child support payment in certain DUI convictions

  29-08-2023 23:33 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS (KXAN) — A new Texas law taking effect Friday will authorize that children whose parent or legal guardian was killed by someone convicted of intoxication manslaughter will now receive child support.Under House Bill 393, those convicted on intoxication manslaughter charges will be required to pay monthly child support "until the child reaches 18 years of age or has graduated from high school, whichever is later."The defendant isn't required to pay restitution to individuals who are 19
  
  Read more

• Kyle Police Chief: Large quantity of fentanyl found in the region

  29-08-2023 22:53 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) --- Less than a month into the new school year and Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said his police department is finding fentanyl in the hands of teenagers yet again.
  This comes as a man police arrested in the area for distributing fentanyl to a minor last year was re-arrested on similar charges this June.
  The previous arrestBack in September 2022, KXAN reported on a joint press conference with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Kyle Police Department and the Hays C
  
  Read more

• Austin officials working on 'path forward' amid Nixta Taqueria permitting issues

  29-08-2023 22:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — City of Austin officials said they are working on a "path forward" for Nixta Taqueria amid permitting issues identified at the restaurant, according to a city memo released Monday.City leaders said in the memo there are "life safety and permitting challenges" at the restaurant, located at 2512 E. 12th St. On Aug. 16, an Austin Energy high heat alarm was triggered due to an electric meter overheating at the restaurant, per the memo. The building is divided up into two suites
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Austin officials, Nixta Taqueria working on 'path forward' amid permitting issues

  29-08-2023 22:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- City of Austin officials said they are working on a "path forward" for Nixta Taqueria amid permitting issues identified at the restaurant, according to a city memo released Monday.KXAN reached out to Nixta Taqueria and it said it hoped to be able to give more clarity on the process once it knows more.City leaders said in the memo there are "life safety and permitting challenges" at the restaurant, located at 2512 E. 12th St. On Aug. 16, an Austin Energy high heat alarm was trigg
  
  Read more

• North winds keep temperatures and humidity a bit lower

  29-08-2023 22:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We are enjoying a break from the recent extreme heat and humidity in the wake of Sunday evening's cool front.Breezy north winds are keeping humidity at lower, more comfortable levels through much of the week, and also helping lower temperatures back to more typical levels for late August.Dry weather is forecast through the rest of the work week locally. The Texas football home opener looks hot and dry, as do the remainder of your Labor Day weekend plans. BLOG: Could PDO mess wit
  
  Read more

• Williamson County Deputies Association says it's understaffed by 400 officers

  29-08-2023 22:36 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — The Williamson County Deputies Association accused county commissioners of inaction that's led to understaffing in the Williamson County Sheriff's Office. The WCDA also said the WCSO does not have adequate manpower to keep up with the rapidly growing population.Deputy Charles Duvall, president of the WCDA, addressed a small crowd on the steps of the historic county courthouse, flanked by Sheriff Mike Gleason, WCSO detectives and other WCDA affiliates.Duvall said
  
  Read more

• Deputies association says it's understaffed by 400 officers, blames Williamson County for inaction

  29-08-2023 22:36 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — The Williamson County Deputies Association accused county commissioners of inaction that's led to understaffing in the Williamson County Sheriff's Office. The WCDA also said the WCSO does not have adequate manpower to keep up with the rapidly growing population.Deputy Charles Duvall, president of the WCDA, addressed a small crowd on the steps of the historic county courthouse, flanked by Sheriff Mike Gleason, WCSO detectives and other WCDA affiliates.Duvall said
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• 'Terribly inefficient and costly': Council to vote on money for development site plan process improvements

  29-08-2023 20:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It was one of the major affordability platforms Mayor Kirk Watson ran on during his campaign: make it easier to develop new housing.
  A consulting firm review initiated by the mayor and city staff found the development site process in Austin is ineffective and city delays cost customers significant amounts of money.
  For a single family home, the cost of development goes up nearly $10,000 for every month of delay, McKinsey and Company found. For multifamily developments, a month d
  
  Read more

• William Shatner talks previous trips to Texas, and space, ahead of weekend Austin visit for GalaxyCon

  29-08-2023 20:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — You may know him as Captain Kirk, or the oldest person to ever travel to space.
  William Shatner, 92, is making his way to Austin this weekend for GalaxyCon, a three-day, comic-con-style convention featuring more than 150 guests as well as photo ops, Q&As, panels, costume contests, cosplay events, workshops, parties, gaming tournaments and celebrity meet and greets. Comic-con style event coming to Austin Labor Day weekendIt won't be the actor's first time in the cap
  
  Read more

• Q&A: William Shatner talks previous trips to Texas, and space, ahead of weekend Austin visit for GalaxyCon

  29-08-2023 20:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — You may know him as Captain Kirk, or the oldest person to ever travel to space.
  William Shatner, 92, is making his way to Austin this weekend for GalaxyCon, a three-day, comic-con-style convention featuring more than 150 guests as well as photo ops, Q&As, panels, costume contests, cosplay events, workshops, parties, gaming tournaments and celebrity meet and greets. Comic-con style event coming to Austin Labor Day weekendIt won't be the actor's first time in the cap
  
  Read more

• Austin ISD seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases

  29-08-2023 20:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — School is back in session and the Austin Independent School District is seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases.According to the district's COVID dashboard, there have been 230 positive cases since August 14th.
  "We are seeing a slight increase in cases since the beginning of school," said Alana Bejarano, executive director health services and nursing.
  For the week of August 21-27 there were 168 positive cases, with 89 of them students and 79 employees.
  "If anyone has symptoms we ar
  
  Read more

• ERCOT asks Texans to conserve energy Tuesday evening

  29-08-2023 20:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, is asking Texas to conserve energy Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  Due to a "high level of unexpected thermal generation outages and forecasted low wind generation, operating reserves for ERCOT are expected to be low in the afternoon and evening." ERCOT is asking residents to conserve electricity if it is safe for them to do so.
  This is the fifth time in six days ERCOT has asked Texans to conserve energy.MORE: Here&rsquo
  
  Read more

• Some Texas education leaders denounce conservative PragerU curriculum materials

  29-08-2023 19:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Democratic members of the State Board of Education stood with educational and civil rights leaders at the Texas Capitol Tuesday to denounce the proposed use of curriculum designed by PragerU, a nonprofit media company that, among other things, designs learning materials for children.PragerU identifies itself as "the world's leading conservative nonprofit that is focused on changing minds through the creative use of digital media."State Board of Education member Aicha Dav
  
  Read more

• Best places to view the supermoon around Austin

  29-08-2023 19:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A rare blue supermoon is expected this Wednesday night, Aug. 30. A blue supermoon is when a supermoon is seen twice in one month. Here is what to expect for this year'sbiggest and brightest supermoon of the yearAnywhere away from Austin's artificial city lights will have the best conditions for viewing this blue supermoon. Here is a list of the best places with the darkest skies to view the supermoon:Enchanted Rock State Natural Area — Located in Fredericksburg and ab
  
  Read more

• Motorcyclist killed in Monday morning crash in Buda

  29-08-2023 17:26 via kxan.com
  
  BUDA, Texas (KXAN) — A motorcyclist died after colliding with a truck and towing trailer on Farm to Market Road 2770 Monday morning.
  According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the motorcycle was headed north on FM 2770 when a Ford F-150 with a towing trailer driving on Robert S. Light Boulevard pulled out in front of the motorcycle.
  The motorcycle hit the trailer, and DPS said the motorcyclist was taken to the hospital where they later died.
  The driver of the truck stayed on the s
  
  Read more

• Trial begins for Austin 6th Street mass shooting suspect

  29-08-2023 16:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The murder trial for a man accused of firing into crowds on Austin's Sixth Street in June 2021 began Tuesday after one day of jury selection. One person died and more than a dozen were hurt in the mass shooting.De'Ondre White, 21, also faces an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge. Trial to start Tuesday for Austin 6th Street mass shooting suspectThe shooting took place in the heart of the entertainment district, near Trinity Street. The man who died was Douglas K
  
  Read more

• Austin 6th Street mass shooting suspect pleads not guilty

  29-08-2023 16:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The murder trial for a man accused of firing into crowds on Austin's Sixth Street in June 2021 began Tuesday after one day of jury selection. One person died and more than a dozen were hurt in the mass shooting.De'Ondre White, 21, also faces an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge. He pleaded not guilty in court.De'Ondre White (Austin Police Department Photo)The shooting took place in the heart of the entertainment district, near Trinity Street. The man who died w
  
  Read more

• Here's why Texans were asked to conserve energy 4 days in a row

  29-08-2023 16:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — After some heat relief for parts of the state, Monday marked normal electric grid conditions and the end of a four-day streak after state operators asked Texans to conserve energy back-to-back days.
  While high temperatures posed a risk to the grid with near-record demand over the weekend, it held up without reaching an emergency status or rolling blackouts, which is the worst case scenario.
  Pablo Vegas, CEO of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas or ERCOT, told Dall
  
  Read more

• New court-ordered signs at cigarette displays meant to deter smokers

  29-08-2023 15:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — You may see new signs at cigarette displays inside stores warning about the dangers of smoking and its addictiveness.It’s part of a court ruling ordering the signs (called “corrective statements”) be posted between July 1 and Sept. 30 inside retail stores that sell tobacco.The court order applies to tobacco companies Philip Morris USA, R.J. Reynolds and ITG Brands."The whole idea here is to counter the industry's deception by revealing the truth at the ver
  
  Read more

• A physical and emotional toll from this spate of hot temperatures

  29-08-2023 15:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The relentless heat wave, the ongoing drought, the increase in the number of wildfires have not only taken a physical toll on many but has also, for some, exacted an emotional and mental strain.Rich Segal spoke with Erin Larson-Mendoza, Clinical Manager of Sage Recovery and Wellness Center.She says part of the problem lies with the heat leading to people getting irritated. The heart rate increases. We sweat more. Some get headaches. These physical issues lead to the increase in
  
  Read more

• Georgetown shelter says distemper contained to one dog, returns to normal operations

  29-08-2023 14:39 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) – The Georgetown Animal Shelter said Monday it resumed normal operations after determining only one dog in its care had the distemper virus.
  The shelter said the dog remained in isolation and continued to show signs of improvement. Staff are optimistic the dog will fully recover, according to the shelter.PREVIOUS: Georgetown Animal Shelter sees increase in distemper casesIt said test results for the other 26 dogs currently in the shelter's care came back negative o
  
  Read more

• Vehicle inspection system back in operation, DPS says

  29-08-2023 13:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Department of Public Safety said Monday its system to inspect vehicles had been fixed after a hardware failure last week. DPS said there was "no longer an interruption to service at this time."A hardware failure that started on Aug. 23 led to an outage at the vehicle inspection system, DPS said. Department workers were able to replace the damaged hardware over the weekend and finalize testing overnight on Sunday in order to allow inspections to resume on Monday morning,
  
  Read more

• Water well runs dry at Bastrop homeless shelter

  29-08-2023 13:22 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) — As we all endure this heat, a homeless shelter and soup kitchen in Bastrop is struggling to stay open.For the last 10 days, the In the Streets-Hands Up High Ministry hasn’t had any water. Its well went dry and now, it’s in need of a costly $25,000 repair.Without water, the ministry is unable to serve food from its soup kitchen. On average, the local nonprofit dishes out 100-175 free meals a day. Bastrop nonprofit opens emergency cooling shelter, hosts Sa
  
  Read more

• Austin Energy to hold public meetings on future energy goals Tuesday and Wednesday

  29-08-2023 13:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Energy asked for customers and the general public to weigh-in this week on the utility's future plans to balance energy production and clean energy.Austin Energy said it will hold both virtual and in-person meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday.New Austin Energy GM speaks to KXAN
  According to the Aug. 22 announcement, Tuesday's 2 p.m. virtual meeting on Zoom is for small and mid-sized businesses only. Registration is available online.Austin Energy said everyone is invite
  
  Read more

• Neighbors worry of flooding even with project designed to reduce the risk

  29-08-2023 12:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin started construction of the Little Walnut Creek flood risk reduction project over the weekend, but neighbors in the area who were negatively impacted by a flood in April think the project would not have kept their homes safe four months ago.
  Ryan Albright's home is almost completely back to normal. He and his wife spent thousands of dollars to work on cleaning up their home after massive flood damage. Their house was one of 60 that were damaged in the April 20
  
  Read more

• Hot (but not as humid!) finish to August

  29-08-2023 12:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A quiet finish to August as mainly sunny skies take over the 7-day forecast.Afternoon highs will warm well into the 90s today but will likely fall short of the century mark in most areas. Sunshine, a few scattered clouds and manageable humidity will make for a normal August day... but be mindful of the fire danger as recent lack of rainfall and ongoing drought as left our wildfire risk in a bad place.Tuesday's wildfire riskMore of the same is expected midweek, the only differenc
  
  Read more

• Idalia now a hurricane, pushing dangerous storm surge toward Florida

  29-08-2023 11:59 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Much of Florida was in disaster mode on Tuesday with only hours to go before an onslaught from Idalia, forecast to strengthen rapidly into “an extremely dangerous major hurricane” before hitting the Gulf Coast on Wednesday.Florida residents loaded up on sandbags and evacuated from homes in low-lying areas along the Gulf Coast to prepare for a storm that the National Hurricane Center projected could have sustained winds of up to 120 mph (193 kph). That would m
  
  Read more

• Idalia could come ashore as a dangerous Category 3 storm

  29-08-2023 11:59 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Florida residents loaded up on sandbags and evacuated from homes in low-lying areas Tuesday, less than a day before Hurricane Idalia was expected to barrel into the state with the threat of flooding that could swamp the Gulf Coast.Idalia was churning in the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 1 storm, but it was projected to come ashore as a Category 3 system with sustained winds of up to 120 mph (193 kph) — a potentially big blow to a state still dealing with linger
  
  Read more

• Hurricane Idalia strengthens into a Category 2 storm with 100 mph winds

  29-08-2023 11:59 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR KEY, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane Idalia strengthened to a Category 2 storm with 100 mph (155 kph) winds on Tuesday as it barreled toward Florida’s Gulf Coast.Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami said Idalia is expected to become a major hurricane Tuesday night before it reaches the Big Bend, and is still likely to be a hurricane while moving across southern Georgia on Wednesday .THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.CEDAR KEY, Fla. (A
  
  Read more

• Hurricane Idalia could come ashore as a dangerous Category 3 storm

  29-08-2023 11:59 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR KEY, Fla. (AP) — Idalia strengthened into a hurricane Tuesday and barreled toward Florida's Gulf Coast as authorities warned residents of vulnerable areas to pack up and leave to escape the twin threats of high winds and devastating flooding.Idalia was churning in the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 1 storm, but it was projected to come ashore early Wednesday as a Category 3 system with sustained winds of up to 120 mph (193 kph) in the lightly populated Big Bend region, where the Florid
  
  Read more

• As Hurricane Idalia churns toward Florida forecasters warn of storm surge

  29-08-2023 11:59 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR KEY, Fla. (AP) — Idalia strengthened into a hurricane Tuesday and barreled toward Florida's Gulf Coast as authorities warned residents of vulnerable areas to pack up and leave to escape the twin threats of high winds and devastating flooding.Idalia was churning in the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 1 storm, but it was projected to come ashore early Wednesday as a Category 3 system with sustained winds of up to 120 mph (193 kph) in the lightly populated Big Bend region, where the Florid
  
  Read more

• EMS closer to contract agreement with City of Austin

  29-08-2023 04:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The bargaining team with the Austin-Travis County EMS Association agreed to a deal with the city about a four-year contract, according to union president Selena Xie."It's been a long two-year process getting to this point, and it's a step closer to pay parity that we've been asking for," she said. PREVIOUS: ‘We are worth more than 14 cents’: Austin medics comment on raise offerShe said regarding next steps, union members will vote on the contract, and from there - it
  
  Read more

• Update on Safer 6th Street as man charged in Austin 2021 mass shooting heads to trial

  29-08-2023 03:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the trial begins Tuesday for the man accused in the June 2021 mass shooting on Sixth Street, the city continues work on a safety initiative launched in response to the event.Police believe De'ondre White opened fire into crowds following some kind of confrontation between two groups, killing one person and injuring more than a dozen others.
  "My heart goes out to the family of the gentleman who passed away," District 9 Council Member Zo Qadri said. "If you go out for a night o
  
  Read more

• VOTE: Which high school football games should the KXAN team go to?

  29-08-2023 02:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — High school football is BACK in Central Texas, and KXAN and KBVO are your home for the most exciting games in our area each week.We need your help to learn which teams Central Texas fans want to see most. Each week, YOU get to decide the matchups our KXAN photographers will attend.
  Vote in our weekly poll out of four Friday matchups, and we’ll announce the winner on social media every Thursday night.
  Week Two
  Polls close every Thursday at 5 p.m.
  
  Read more

• Leander police identify multiple people involved in deadly weekend crash

  29-08-2023 00:31 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — The Leander Police Department identified multiple people involved in a deadly crash that occurred on the 183A Toll frontage road over the weekend, according to an LPD news release.At approximately 11:30 a.m. Saturday, officers responded to a crash at the intersection of Hero Way and 183A Toll Road frontage road, according to police. 2 dead in crash on 183A Toll frontage road in Leander; Police searching for driverThe primary vehicles involved in the crash were a Toy
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!