Austin news

• Texas DPS driver license appointments canceled Tuesday due to system outage

  05-09-2023 23:47 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS (KXAN) — An outage in the Texas Department of Public Safety's driver license system led to cancellations of all driver license appointments Tuesday, a spokesperson confirmed to KXAN.Driver's license offices across the state closed Friday through Labor Day weekend for a system update, DPS said previously."The department is working to identify the issue, which is related to the driver's license system update that took place over the weekend, and get it fixed as quickly as possible. We
  
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• Texas DPS driver license appointments canceled through Wednesday morning due to system outage

  05-09-2023 23:47 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS (KXAN) — An outage in the Texas Department of Public Safety's driver license system led to cancellations of all driver license appointments through Wednesday morning until noon, a news release confirmed Tuesday.According to DPS, all appointments between 7:30 a.m. and noon Wednesday were canceled statewide, and customers are being notified of the cancellation via email or phone number used when creating their appointment.Driver's license offices across the state closed Friday through
  
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• All Texas DPS driver license appointments canceled Wednesday due to system outage

  05-09-2023 23:47 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS (KXAN) — An outage in the Texas Department of Public Safety's driver license system led to cancellations of all driver license appointments all day Wednesday, a news release confirmed Tuesday.The cancellations were originally expected to only last through noon on Wednesday.
  According to DPS, all appointments Wednesday were canceled statewide, and customers are being notified of the cancellation via email or phone number used when creating their appointment.Driver's license offices ac
  
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• We Are Blood expanding LGBTQ blood donor eligibility with updated FDA guidelines

  05-09-2023 23:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Starting Wednesday, We Are Blood (WRB) will implement the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) updated guidance removing eligibility criteria based on the gender of donors and their sexual partners, according to a news release from WRB. This move will safely allow additional members of the community to donate blood.The new FDA guidance revises blood donor eligibility questionnaires for blood centers across the country, according to WRB. The new guidance removes time-based deferr
  
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• St. David's Medical Center welcomes new chief medical officer

  05-09-2023 23:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — St. David's Medical Center has a new chief medical officer on its leadership team, officials announced Tuesday.Dr. Rodolfo "Rudy" O. Garza began operating in his new role Aug. 28. Previously, Garza had served as chief medical officer at Methodist Hospital Northeast in San Antonio. During his work at that 237-bed acute care facility, he helped create advance patient treatment plans "to better support cardiothoracic surgery and oncology services," per a release.“Dr. Gar
  
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• Whataburger opens first 'digital kitchen' in Austin

  05-09-2023 23:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Whataburger fans have a new way to order their next burger, honey butter chicken biscuit or other favorite food in Austin.The company's first Whataburger Digital Kitchen opened Tuesday at 3201 Bee Caves Road in the West Lake Hills area. This is the fast-food chain's first digital-only, cashless model. PREVIOUS: Whataburger to put first ‘digital kitchen’ in AustinThe San Antonio-based company said its new concept gives customers an "exclusively to-go experience."So, h
  
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• Finally, tracking a cool front and scattered thunderstorms next week

  05-09-2023 22:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Following a work week of record high temperatures, we are finally tracking promising signs of wetter, milder weather next week.Hottest early-September period on recordFollowing a record-tying warm morning in Austin on Tuesday (record: 79°, set in 2015), another record warm morning is expected on Wednesday.Afternoon high temperatures rise 10-15° above September averages through the rest of the work week, setting daily record high temperatures by as much as 6° margins
  
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• Lake Travis boat ramp to close Tuesday due to low water levels

  05-09-2023 22:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Tournament Point boat ramp at Pace Bend Park will close Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. due to low water levels at Lake Travis, according to the Travis County Twitter.Furthermore, Travis County said the boat ramp will open when the lake level is at or below 631 feet. MAP: Which public boat ramps are open and closed in Central Texas?This means all boat ramps at Travis County parks on Lake Travis will be closed, the agency said. The Collier and Tatum ramps at Pace Bend Park are also clos
  
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• Austin leaders respond to self-driving vehicle safety concerns

  05-09-2023 22:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin leaders provided an update Tuesday on the city's growing number of autonomous vehicles.Currently, three AV companies have established services in Austin, with Cruise operating commercially and both Volkswagen ADMT and Waymo testing their vehicles in the Texas capital. Approximately 125 fully electric AVs are currently in commercial and/or testing use in Austin, per the city memo.While City of Austin transportation officials noted the ability of these AVs "bringing increas
  
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• How Central Texas' population boom has affected Austin's wildlife

  05-09-2023 21:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As Central Texas continues to attract more and more residents, some of the region's most vulnerable animals are in need of extra care and services.For decades, nonprofit Austin Wildlife Rescue (AWR) has worked to help rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wildlife animals. Each year, the nonprofit cares for between 8,000 and 9,000 animals, said Hayley Hudnall, executive director of AWR.As the region continues to attract more residents and developments bloom across C
  
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• UT fans, band to be in stadium upper deck for Alabama game

  05-09-2023 20:51 via kxan.com
  
  TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorn fans and band will have an elevated view of the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium for No. 11 Texas' game against No. 3 Alabama this weekend.
  The 5,000 visitor tickets allotted to the Longhorns, which include seats for the band, will be located in the upper deck of the stadium, according to TuscaloosaNews.com. Alabama band not traveling for Texas game due to road ticket allowanceLast year, Alabama's marching band did not travel to the game in Austin
  
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• ERCOT issues weather watch for Wednesday through Friday, expects 'higher electrical demand'

  05-09-2023 20:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas’ main electric grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), has issued a weather watch for Wednesday through Friday.
  ERCOT said in a social media post Tuesday the watch was issued due to "forecasted higher temperatures, higher electrical demand, & the potential for lower reserves." Understanding ERCOT’s emergency alert levelsThe council, at this time, has not issued a conservation request and said grid conditions are expected to be norm
  
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• United flights allowed to take off after systemwide outage

  05-09-2023 19:57 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – United Airlines flights were briefly stuck on the tarmac Tuesday due to a "systemwide technology issue," the company said on social media.
  All flights scheduled to take off were being held at their departure airports, the airline said at 12:38 p.m. Central Time. Flights that were already airborne were allowed to remain in the air and continue toward their planned destinations.Flights were allowed to resume taking off around 12:50 p.m., the Federal Aviation Administration s
  
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• Texas AG Ken Paxton can't be compelled to testify in impeachment trial, rules Lt. Gov. Patrick

  05-09-2023 18:51 via kxan.com
  
  Embattled Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) will not be compelled to testify in his impeachment trial, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) ruled Tuesday.Patrick slapped down the case by Paxton opponents who argued that the attorney general could be forced to testify because his Fifth Amendment protections against self-incrimination didn’t apply in this particular trial, which cannot levy criminal penalties.But the fact that Paxton will have to plead “guilty” or “not guilty&rdquo
  
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• Judge dismisses Williamson County's lawsuit against Austin for Candlewood Suites project

  05-09-2023 17:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Williamson County district court judge has rejected a lawsuit from Williamson County that sued the City of Austin over a project to turn a former hotel into homeless housing.
  The judge rejected the lawsuit Aug. 23. The order said the case "is dismissed with prejudice for lack of jurisdiction."
  Williamson County filed the lawsuit in June 2022, a day after Austin City Council members approved funding for the project. The county's petition claimed the property is zoned for c
  
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• Trial against 6th Street mass shooting suspect nears conclusion

  05-09-2023 17:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The trial of the Sixth Street mass shooting suspect De’ondre White nears conclusion Tuesday as state attorneys call up their final witnesses.White, 21, is charged with one count of murder and 14 counts of aggravated assault for allegedly shooting a Glock semiautomatic pistol into a crowd on a busy night on Sixth Street. He pleaded not guilty in court in the first week of the trial.  PREVIOUS: 6th Street mass shooting suspect’s friends testify about moments
  
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• Have recent weather extremes impacted Texas citrus production?

  05-09-2023 16:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After a devastating freeze in 2021, Texas citrus growers are sharing some surprising news with this year's harvest -- optimism. Two years ago, the historic winter storm that crippled the state was said to have killed or damaged approximately 10% of citrus trees, or 24,000 acres.
  Fast forward to this year, experts say surviving trees are showing good results.Meteorologist Kristen Currie spoke with Dr. Juan Anciso, a professor with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, to see how rece
  
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• Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Applications open

  05-09-2023 15:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Application dates for The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program have changed.The program will open on Tuesday, September 5. Limited spots are available. Applications will close by Saturday, September 30, or as soon as spots are filled, whichever is first.Since 1979, The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program has helped to fulfill the Christmas wishes and needs of children up to 12 years old throughout Central Texas. Low income families apply to the program starting i
  
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• Texas' new patient safety law takes effect, sort of

  05-09-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Five months after KXAN took the findings of our investigation into the Texas Medical Board straight to lawmakers, a major new law is now in effect aimed at protecting patients and saving lives. However, patients wanting to research their doctors ahead of time still have to wait another two years to see greater transparency, our ongoing investigation found."The serious issues that were uncovered in your original investigative reporting made it very, very, very clear that patients
  
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• Austin ISD to begin process of 'leveling'; what it means

  05-09-2023 13:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Austin Independent School District told parents on Aug. 31 their children might have to change teachers in a couple of week.According to the district note, the annual leveling process moves teachers to help balance class sizes.
  The district said no one's job is at risk and it estimates fewer than 20 teachers will be reassigned during the process.
  According to Austin ISD, the process will work this way:Middle and high school students may experience schedule changes
  
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• Sheriff's office: Officer-involved shooting investigation underway in Buda, I-35 access road shut down

  05-09-2023 13:38 via kxan.com
  
  BUDA, Texas (KXAN) – Buda Police shut down northbound traffic Tuesday morning on the access road of Interstate 35 near the McDonalds and Chevron at the Main Street crossing.
  According to a 6 a.m. social media post, Buda Police said officers were working an investigation and said it was active scene.
  The Hays County Sheriff's Office confirmed to KXAN there is an investigation into an officer-involved shooting underway.
  Police asked drivers to use alternate routes and avoid the area if possi
  
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• Officer-involved shooting investigation underway in Buda

  05-09-2023 13:38 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video shows the scene of the investigation into an officer-involved shooting in Buda Sept. 5.BUDA, Texas (KXAN) – The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating after officers from the Hays County Sheriff's Office and Buda Police Department were involved in a shooting in Buda this morning.
  According to a release from HCSO, a Buda police officer made a traffic stop just before 4 a.m. in the 15000 block of the Interstate 35 service road, near the McDonalds an
  
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• Man who allegedly exchanged gunfire with deputies, officer in Buda identified

  05-09-2023 13:38 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video shows the scene of the investigation into the officer-involved shooting in Buda on Sept. 5.BUDA, Texas (KXAN) – The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating after deputies and officers from the Hays County Sheriff's Office and Buda Police Department were involved in a shooting in Buda Tuesday morning.
  According to a release from HCSO, a Buda police officer made a traffic stop just before 4 a.m. in the 15000 block of the Interstate 35 service road, n
  
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• Buda police shut down I-35 access road due to investigation

  05-09-2023 13:38 via kxan.com
  
  BUDA, Texas (KXAN) – Buda Police shut down northbound traffic Tuesday morning on the access road of Interstate 35 near the McDonalds and Chevron at the Main Street crossing.According to a 6 a.m. social media post, Buda Police said officers were working an investigation and said it was active scene.
  Police asked drivers to use alternate routes and avoid the area if possible.
  
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• Buda PD: Man allegedly fired at officers before police shooting

  05-09-2023 13:38 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video shows the scene of the investigation into the officer-involved shooting in Buda on Sept. 5.BUDA, Texas (KXAN) – The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating after officers and deputies from the Hays County Sheriff's Office and Buda Police Department were involved in a shooting in Buda Tuesday morning.
  According to a release from HCSO, a Buda police officer made a traffic stop just before 4 a.m. in the 15000 block of the Interstate 35 service road, n
  
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• Paxton impeachment trial Day 2: More witnesses to take stand

  05-09-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN/Nexstar) —The impeachment trial for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton is officially underway, beginning Tuesday morning despite Paxton's requests to dismiss all articles of impeachment.
  As presiding officer of the trial, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick functioned as a judge by kicking off the trial with procedural moves taking up the majority of the morning. Proceedings began with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas administering oaths to Patrick and others involved in th
  
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• LIVE: Ken Paxton impeachment trial starts in Texas Senate

  05-09-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The impeachment trial for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton began Tuesday morning at the State Capitol. Proceedings started at 9 a.m. in the Senate chamber.KXAN is streaming the proceedings in this story.Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will be the presiding officer of the trial, functioning as a judge. Senators will serve as jurors. Proceedings will begin with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas administering oaths to Patrick and others involved in the process.KXAN's M
  
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• LIVE: Ken Paxton impeachment trial set to start in Texas Senate

  05-09-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The impeachment trial for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton will begin on Tuesday morning at the State Capitol.Proceedings are scheduled to start at 9 a.m. in the Senate chamber. KXAN will stream them in this story when they begin.Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will be the presiding officer of the trial, functioning as a judge.Senators will serve as jurors.Proceedings will begin with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas administering oaths to Patrick and others involve
  
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• Ken Paxton pleads not guilty to all impeachment articles on day one

  05-09-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN/Nexstar) —The impeachment trial for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton is officially underway, beginning Tuesday morning despite Paxton's requests to dismiss all articles of impeachment.
  As presiding officer of the trial, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick functioned as a judge by kicking off the trial with procedural moves taking up the majority of the morning. Proceedings began with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas administering oaths to Patrick and others involved in th
  
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• Ken Paxton impeachment trial starts in Texas Senate

  05-09-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The impeachment trial for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton began Tuesday morning at the State Capitol. Proceedings started at 9 a.m. in the Senate chamber.Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is acting as the presiding officer of the trial, functioning as a judge. Senators will serve as jurors. Proceedings began with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas administering oaths to Patrick and others involved in the process.KXAN's Monica Madden is at the trial Tuesday. View her l
  
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• Ken Paxton impeachment trial set to start in Texas Senate

  05-09-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The impeachment trial for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton will begin on Tuesday morning at the State Capitol.Proceedings are scheduled to start at 9 a.m. in the Senate chamber. KXAN will stream them in this story when they begin.Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will be the presiding officer of the trial, functioning as a judge.Senators will serve as jurors.Proceedings will begin with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas administering oaths to Patrick and others involve
  
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• Too hot by September statistics

  05-09-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Another record warm low was tied this morning's with today's minimum temperature of 79°. The record was first set in 2015.Highs today will be back in triple digits making today #74 where the Camp Mabry high has reached 100°+. It's the second most daytime highs in triple digits in any year, trailing only 2011 (90 days) for this statistic.
  A Heat Advisory will be in effect for Lampasas, Milam, and San Saba Counties for heat index readings up to a range of 105° to 109&d
  
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• Stretch of record heat ahead

  05-09-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Hotter than normal temperatures continue through the week with records likely to be rewritten both day and night in the coming days.High temperatures will return to the low 100s in most areas today - Austin likely to record its 74th day of 100°+ this year. High humidity will bring 'feels like' temps up to 103°-107° later today.
  Forecast heat index values Tuesday afternoonHigh humidity through midweekMainly to partly sunny skies will stretch areawide with the sea bree
  
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• Former Bowie HS student arrested at Austin campus Monday, principal letter says

  05-09-2023 05:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A former Bowie High School student was arrested Monday evening after they were found trespassing outside the campus' fine arts building, according to a letter KXAN obtained that was sent to campus families. KXAN also received several tips from people who identified themselves as parents of Bowie High School students who said an incident happened Monday night.In the letter, Bowie High School Principal Mark Robinson said no weapons were found within the student's possession,
  
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• ATCEMS has 3 times more heat-related calls this Labor Day weekend than last year

  05-09-2023 01:06 via kxan.com
  
  Austin (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services said it rescued and transported a hiker from a trail near Lake Travis on Labor Day after they experienced heat cramps. This was one of dozens of heat-related calls the agency said it responded to over the holiday weekend.ATCEMS Special Operations Commander Craig Smith said between Friday and Sunday, responders received 25 heat calls. During the same timeframe last year, he said EMS only had six heat-related calls. ATCEMS trans
  
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