Austin news

• Man gets 20 years for northwest Austin intoxication manslaughter

  20-09-2023 23:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was sentenced to 20 years in state prison on a charge of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle in connection with an August 2021 incident in northwest Austin.According to Travis County court documents, Scott Allan Taylor, 45, was convicted by a court Aug. 22.The intoxication manslaughter charge was related to the death of 20-year-old Colton Roberts, a college student, who died in the 11000 block of Jollyville Road after a head-on collision Aug. 17, 2021. RELATED: M
  
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• Austin Transit Partnership OKs $190M spending plan for FY24

  20-09-2023 23:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Transit Partnership's board of directors approved Wednesday a $190 million spending budget for fiscal year 2023-24, with key focuses on light rail capital funding, CapMetro projects and anti-displacement funding efforts.Under the now-approved spending plan, $115 million will go toward the Austin light rail capital fund. That chunk of change breaks down into $11 million for right-of-way and real estate acquisitions, $58 million in professional services and $46 million
  
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• INSIGHT: New UT study focuses on kidney health disparities in Latinx communities

  20-09-2023 22:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Community health workers could provide critical care for Latinx communities in Travis County who are at risk for kidney disease, according to a six-month pilot study from Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.Tessa Novick, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine and Board-Certified Nephrologist from Dell Medical School at UT Austin,  joined KXAN’s Jennifer Sanders to provide insight on the study.Read a full transcription of t
  
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• Fire contained in south Austin, AFD says

  20-09-2023 22:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A grass fire in south Austin was contained Wednesday, according to the Austin Fire Department.AFD initially responded to two grass fires in the 13200 block of South Interstate 35 just before before 3 p.m., the agency said on social media.AFD added the fire was contained and extinguished shortly before 4 p.m., and there were no reported injuries.
  
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• AFD responding to 2 grass fires in south Austin

  20-09-2023 22:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Fire Department has responded to two grass fires in northeast Austin, the agency said on social media.AFD said it responded to the grass fire in the 13200 block of South Interstate Highway 35, and the grass fires are spreading quickly.AFD said there are no road closures due to the fire.This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
  
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• AFD responding to 2 grass fires in northeast Austin

  20-09-2023 22:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Fire Department has responded to two grass fires in northeast Austin, the agency said on social media.AFD said it responded to the grass fire in the 13200 block of South Interstate Highway 35, and the grass fires are spreading quickly.This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
  
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• PHMSA announces $14.8 million grant to improve pipeline safety

  20-09-2023 21:35 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced Tuesday it will allocate $14.8 million in grants to help support improved pipeline safety initiatives. These grants are designed to focus on pipeline safety training, educational programming and resources as well as the advancement of pipeline safety technologies, per a release.PHMSA's mission is to “protect people and the environment by advancing the s
  
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• Austin outlines steps toward equitable electric vehicle charging stations

  20-09-2023 21:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Energy officials detailed its latest progress toward a more equitable distribution of electric vehicle charging stations in a Monday memo.AE is working to develop a vision plan for the citywide distribution of both DC fast chargers and Level 2 chargers. AE is also looking toward an initial three-year implementation phase as well as is eyeing federal incentives and grant opportunities to assist in its efforts, per the memo.Its vision plan includes a three-tiered focus:
  Amo
  
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• Texas Parks and Wildlife exploring protection options for ocelots

  20-09-2023 21:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is seeking public input on a plan to try to grow the population of endangered ocelots in South Texas.
  TPWD, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are encouraging the public to review and comment on TPWD's Enhancement of Survival Permit application.The permit, which is part of a proposed Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement with the East Foundation, supports efforts to grow the population of endangered ocelots&nbs
  
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• What does the next year look like for Project Connect's light rail development?

  20-09-2023 21:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With a Phase 1 light rail investment plan adopted in June, the Austin Transit Partnership is now gearing up for the federal funding application process for its multi-billion-dollar Project Connect program.ATP officials said they are eyeing roughly half the capital costs of the light rail plan to be funded via federal grants.What's next for Project Connect?Jennifer Pyne, ATP's executive vice president of planning and risk management, told KXAN said the organization is working wit
  
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• Judge rules on Texas law restricting books

  20-09-2023 19:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A U.S. District Judge blocked the enforcement of a new Texas law saying it violated free speech.House Bill 900 set a new standard for Texas school libraries to keep what supporters called "sexually explicit content" off shelves.Now, Austin's BookPeople and others have sued the state over the law and the ruling.The judge said the court did not dispute the state's interest in protecting kids, but said the law was unconstitutionally vague.The judge said it could not be enforce
  
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• 'Oldest brewery in North Austin' announces closure after nearly 15 years operating

  20-09-2023 19:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A brewery in north Austin announced its sudden closure earlier this week on social media after operating for nearly 15 years. Circle Brewing Company first launched its concept in 2008 before officially starting in 2010, the brewery said."It is with a heavy heart and the utmost sadness that we must announce the closing of Circle Brewing Company," the brewery posted in a message on its Facebook page and website Monday.
  The message continued, recalling some of the history of the br
  
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• Texas produces and consumes the most electricity in the US 

  20-09-2023 18:58 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Sept. 20, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — For nearly two decades, the Lone Star State has generated more wind-sourced electricity than any other state in the U.S., according to the Energy Information Administration, or EIA.
  In 2022, EIA reported Texas produced more electricity than any other state and generated twice as much as second-place Florida.RELATED: Understanding ERCOT’s emergency alert levelsHowever, Texas also leads the
  
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• Report: How APD is handling new changes to cadet classes

  20-09-2023 18:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new report looked at how the Austin Police Department was handling new changes to its cadet classes.In 2020, APD shut down the cadet academy to better train future officers following protests nationwide against police violence and racial injustice.This new report was put together by Kroll Associates, the auditor who gave the initial assessment of ways the academy could improve training.For the large part, in most of the categories reviewed, the report found the academy wa
  
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• Spirit Airlines cancels international route from Austin citing low demand

  20-09-2023 18:49 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN Live's top headlines for Sept. 20, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — Spirit Airlines has canceled a nonstop international route between Austin and Monterrey, Mexico, citing low demand.The route ran through Sept. 4 before being cancelled. Flights operated on the route for less than a year, having started on Oct. 6, 2022."We truly appreciate the support of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and the entire Austin community," an airline spokesperson told KXA
  
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• Schlotzsky’s launches sandwich-themed home décor line

  20-09-2023 18:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Who's hungry? Schlotzsky’s announced Wednesday its launch of a limited-edition home décor collection, aimed at paying tribute to its first sandwich.The Original sandwich was first created and rolled out on South Congress in 1971. The home décor line aims to capture a 1970s nostalgic feel "while representing the 13 ingredients of the sandwich," per a company release.Schlotzsky’s announced Wednesday its launch of a limited-edition home décor collec
  
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• Office of Police Oversight updates city on its progress

  20-09-2023 18:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The director of Austin’s civilian Office of Police Oversight (OPO) sent city leaders a memo Monday about its progress.In the letter, the director outlined several updates, including how it handles complaints of police misconduct, and how its policies align with state law.In the spring, a majority of voters approved for the office to have more access to certain police files and participate in investigations of officer conduct, including anonymous complaints.The memo sh
  
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• Eanes ISD considering Teslas for district police force

  20-09-2023 17:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Eanes ISD board decided to put its proposal on hold that would have added Tesla vehicles to its district police car fleet.The district said it would meet with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) next week to review state law.Eanes ISD said it was considering buying nine Model Y cars for its 11 officers, but the district said it wanted to go over a new law with TCOLE that states not every officer needs a patrol car.The school board said vehicles would cost mo
  
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• Kyle PD arrests five people in human smuggling operation

  20-09-2023 17:03 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) --- The Kyle Police Department arrested five people in a human smuggling case, according to a press release.
  The city said smugglers were trying to ransom victims for more money from families."On Sunday, Sept. 17, the Kyle Police Department dispatch received a call at approximately 6:30 p.m. from a person saying a relative was being held by human smugglers for ransom," the release said.
  Officers then responded to a home on Voyager C
  
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• Inside the Investigations: Suspected inaccuracies of Austin Water smart meters

  20-09-2023 15:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Each week the in-depth reporting from the KXAN Investigates team will get a spotlight on KXAN Live.A conversation will happen Wednesday at 9 a.m. about this week’s top stories with investigative reporter Kelly Wiley and KXAN Live anchor Will DuPree. People can watch that in this story or on the station's Facebook page.Georgetown finds new water source, but relief is years awayThey’ll discuss these headlines:
  KXAN investigator Mike Rush looked into some
  
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• Police searching for 3 suspects in vehicle burglary at Bull Creek Preserve

  20-09-2023 14:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is asking for help identifying three women connected to a vehicle burglary that happened over the weekend in the Bull Creek Preserve.
  APD said video showed the women get out of an SUV and break the window of a pickup truck before stealing several items from the truck. This happened Sunday, Sept. 17 around 5:30 p.m.The suspects' descriptions are below:
  Suspect 1
  Black female
  Mid 20’s
  She was last seen wearing dark jeans and a brown t-shirtSuspec
  
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• Tasty tradition at Dripping Springs football continues

  20-09-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  Dripping Springs, Texas (KXAN) - Of the many growing suburbs around Austin, Dripping Springs has seen as much change as any, including to their athletic teams. With an influx of people, the Tigers have risen to 6A, the biggest division in Texas high school athletics.Success has been there for the Tigers who had a very successful first full season in 6A last fall. With the change, there's been a constant.Since the 1990s, Dripping Springs has sold catfish at concession stands. To call it a hit is
  
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• Tasty catfish tradition continues for Dripping Springs football

  20-09-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) - Of the many growing suburbs around Austin, Dripping Springs has seen as much change as any, including to their athletic teams. With an influx of people, the Tigers have risen to 6A, the biggest division in Texas high school athletics. NEXT: Texas high school footballSuccess has been there for the Tigers who had a very successful first full season in 6A last fall. With the change, there's been a constant.Since the 1990s, Dripping Springs has sold catfish at conces
  
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• Georgetown man arrested, accused of assaulting 2 people, including 6-year-old, with bat

  20-09-2023 04:39 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- A 39-year-old man was arrested by the Williamson County Sheriff's Office after he was accused of assaulting two people, including a 6-year-old child last week, the agency confirmed in a news release.At approximately 5 a.m., Sept. 11, WCSO deputies responded to a disturbance at a home located in the 300 block of Rock Mill Loop in Georgetown, the release said.According to the investigation, detectives determined Logan forced entry into a home armed with a baseball bat a
  
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• Texas State Parks offering viewing for upcoming solar eclipse

  20-09-2023 03:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An annular solar eclipse will be visible across skies in Texas on Oct. 14, and Texas State Parks will offer prime viewing opportunities for the unique event.Due to the eclipse's anticipated popularity, entry to state parks on the day of the eclipse will be restricted to those who pre-purchased day passes or camping permits, according to TPWD. NEXT: Texas eclipseThe agency said a state park pass does not guarantee entry, and it recommends people reserve a campsite or day pass as
  
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• Pflugerville FD says city hired unskilled ambulance service, autopsy says private paramedic caused patient death

  20-09-2023 02:10 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — Travis County ESD No. 2 said it is concerned for the public's safety after seeing problems with private paramedics hired by the city. An autopsy report showed a paramedic caused a patient's death while in their care earlier this year.The City of Pflugerville hired Allegiance Mobile Health last year to provide emergency medical and ambulance services. Travis County ESD No. 2, also known as the Pflugerville Fire Department, often responds to calls if needed in th
  
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• VIDEO: Round Rock police release video, suspect vehicle after 29-year-old woman reported missing

  20-09-2023 01:41 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- The Round Rock Police Department released more details Tuesday, including video of a 29-year-old woman who was last seen on Aug. 26. Round Rock police searching for missing womanAt approximately 11:50 p.m., Yara Perez was seen leaving Divas Men's Club, 4134 Felter Ln, in Austin with two unknown men in a black Ford Expedition and has not been seen since, according to police.Images courtesy of the Round Rock Police DepartmentOn Sept. 12, Perez's babysitter reported her
  
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• Round Rock Police find vehicle in case of missing 29-year-old woman

  20-09-2023 01:41 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- The vehicle in the case of a missing 29-year-old woman has been found, a Round Rock Police spokeswoman tells KXAN Wednesday.Round Rock Police initially announced Yara Perez was missing Sept. 18, and included video of when she was last seen almost one month before on Aug. 26. Round Rock police searching for missing womanYara Perez is seen in the video leaving Divas Men's Club located at 4134 Felter Ln around 11:50 p.m., which is in the area of McKinney Falls State Park
  
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• Round Rock Police find suspect vehicle in case of missing 29-year-old woman

  20-09-2023 01:41 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- On Wednesday, the Round Rock Police Department found the suspect vehicle in the case of a missing 29-year-old woman. Police did not provide any additional details.On Tuesday, RRPD released more details, including video of the woman, Yara Perez,who was last seen on Aug. 26. Round Rock police searching for missing womanAt approximately 11:50 p.m., Yara Perez was seen leaving Divas Men's Club, 4134 Felter Ln, in Austin with two unknown men in a black Ford Expedition and
  
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• LIVE: Austin works on program to test for spiked drinks at bars

  20-09-2023 00:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- City staff in Austin are in the early stages of developing a program to distribute alcohol test strips to bars on Sixth and Rainey Streets that would allow patrons to see if their drinks got spiked.This alcohol test strips in California inspired city staff in Austin to look into a similar program.
  "[It] is an important element to the overall goal of keeping our community safe, particularly considering a spiked drink is often a precursor to a more traumatic event," according to a
  
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• Austin works on program to test for spiked drinks at bars

  20-09-2023 00:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- City staff in Austin are in the early stages of developing a program to distribute alcohol test strips to bars on Sixth and Rainey Streets that would allow patrons to see if their drinks got spiked."[It] is an important element to the overall goal of keeping our community safe, particularly considering a spiked drink is often a precursor to a more traumatic event," according to a spokesperson for the City of Austin's Development Services Department.
  The strips would detect the p
  
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• Mom thinks someone stuck needle in daughter's arm, drugged her in downtown Austin

  20-09-2023 00:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)— The mother of an Austin woman has a warning after she said her daughter might've been drugged — but not through her drink.She thinks someone might've also tried to abduct her.It happened in the Red River Cultural District in downtown Austin over the weekend. According to the woman's mother, her friend may have saved her life.On Tuesday, the trauma was evident when KXAN spoke to the woman who said she started acting out of character after two drinks.She asked KXAN not t
  
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• Nearing triple digits through the weekend

  20-09-2023 00:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Hot... and only getting hotter.Afternoon highs will run +5° hotter than normal this week with most areas running up the thermometer to the mid- to upper 90s. Mainly sunny and dry skies will stretch areawide with increasing humidity making the heat feel even more uncomfortable.Unseasonably hot through the weekA quick-passing disturbance may bring a small chance at a few showers late Friday, but eyes continue to stay focused on a cold front with a better chance of rain-bearing
  
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• Near 100º through the weekend, before cooling rain

  20-09-2023 00:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Hot... and only getting hotter.Afternoon highs will run 5-10° hotter than normal this week with most areas running up the thermometer to the mid- to upper 90s. It is possible we reach 100 degrees any day through the weekend. Helping us get hot? Building high pressure. What may keep us below 100º would be the increasing humidity that will show itself in the form of daily morning clouds.
  More humid air is harder to heat up than drier air. The humidity in the air will make
  
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