Austin news

• National Coming Out Day: How to support your LGBTQ+ loved ones, co-workers, self

  11-10-2023 23:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Oct. 11, National Coming Out Day, was created in 1988 by Jean O’Leary and Dr. Robert Eichberg as a way for people to express positivity around their sexual and gender identities.Since then, the world has changed, with a February poll by Gallup suggesting that 20% of Gen Z identify as LGBTQ+. But coming out can still be a nerve-wracking experience.GLAAD rapid response coordinator Jacob Reyes said while online resources exist, one of the best ways to prepare can be thro
  
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• Game on! University of Texas opens Esports Arena on campus

  11-10-2023 23:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The University of Texas at Austin just unveiled the new Alienware Longhorn Esports Arena on campus.UT students and staff were on hand for the ribbon cutting that took place in the Texas Union.The 3,400 square feet interactive "Esports" space offers wall-to-wall gaming equipment with 43 gaming stations for students. There's an additional area for people to watch students game.
  "Esports" is a form of competition using video games, with players competing individually or in tea
  
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• Could Austinites weigh in on an I-35 'cap and stitch' bond election?

  11-10-2023 23:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the Texas Department of Transportation moves ahead on its Interstate 35 Capital Express Central project, Austin city leaders are working to identify hundreds of millions of dollars to support highway "caps," or deck plazas placed on top of sunken portions of the highway.But with an estimated $730 million in funding sources needing to be identified by December 2024, one Austin City Council member is eyeing a possible bond election proposal to help supplement any federal grant
  
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• How water may be helping to dampen earthquakes

  11-10-2023 23:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It turns out rocks full of water might be helping to reduce the power of earthquakes near New Zealand. At UT's Institute for Geophysics, they've been studying water stuck in the rocks under the ocean and how that water may be keeping stronger quakes at bay. KXAN Meteorologist Nick Bannin spoke with Andrew Gase, a postdoctoral fellow at the institute about their findings.Nick Bannin, KXAN Meteorologist: Andrew, your research while at UT looked at the relationship between undergro
  
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• Violent content posted on social media of war in Israel, how to talk to your kids

  11-10-2023 23:11 via kxan.com
  
  If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Crisis counselors are available 24/7.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Videos circulating online of the horrors in Israel and Gaza are easily accessible online right now, and will likely continue to dominate media platforms as the war plays out.
  It could get even worse as Hamas has threatened to record and broadcast executions of hostages brought from Israel into Gaza, as reported by Nexstar's
  
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• Violent content posted on social media of conflict in Israel, how to talk to your kids

  11-10-2023 23:11 via kxan.com
  
  If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Crisis counselors are available 24/7.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Videos circulating online of the horrors in Israel and Gaza are easily accessible online right now, and will likely continue to dominate media platforms as the war plays out.
  It could get even worse as Hamas has threatened to record and broadcast executions of hostages brought from Israel into Gaza, as reported by Nexstar's
  
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• Unseasonably warm weather blows in briefly Thursday and Friday

  11-10-2023 22:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the rain moves out, our focus now turns to our next weather-maker -- a breezy autumn cold front.Leftover moisture from former Hurricane Lidia and Tropical Storm Max continue to bring cloudy skies and spots of light rain to our area through early afternoon. Although the clouds hold through the day, any lingering showers in our eastern counties should pull away by mid-afternoon. Highs today may not make it out of the 70s thanks to the clouds.A mix of sun and clouds can be expec
  
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• Police searching for suspects of east Austin robbery

  11-10-2023 21:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin police are asking for the public's help identifying the suspects involved in a robbery that happened in east Austin last month.
  According to the Austin Police Department, it happened at a business on Loyola Lane shortly after 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 10.
  APD said the suspects were refused service by a store employee "due to the suspects having criminal trespass notices."
  APD said one of the suspects took an item and left the store, and an employee was assaulted while trying t
  
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• Kaitlin Armstrong attempts escape ahead of Austin murder trial; will face additional charges

  11-10-2023 18:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Kaitlin Armstrong, the woman accused of killing professional cyclist Moriah “Mo” Wilson, attempted to escape the custody of Travis County corrections officers on Wednesday morning, sources first confirmed for KXAN.Armstrong ran from officers while leaving a medical office building around 8:17 a.m. Wednesday, according to a sheriff’s office spokesperson. After about 10 minutes, officers caught up to her and restrained her.
  The spokesperson said officers did
  
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• Kaitlin Armstrong attempts escape ahead of Austin murder trial

  11-10-2023 18:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Kaitlin Armstrong, the woman accused of killing professional cyclist Moriah “Mo” Wilson, attempted to escape the custody of Travis County Sheriff’s deputies on Wednesday morning, sources first confirmed for KXAN.Armstrong is now back in custody, according to a sheriff’s office spokesperson.   BACKGROUND: Kaitlin Armstrong’s murder trial date movedKXAN is working to confirm details about how and where she became separated from authorities.A
  
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• New study identifies serious gaps in Texans' health care access

  11-10-2023 18:34 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KXAN) — A study published on Wednesday by the Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF) claimed that polling data of Texans shows a "growing health care affordability and access crisis" in the state.“This is more than a health care crisis; It’s a statewide crisis,” said Dr. Ann Barnes, EHF president and CEO, in a press release. “These numbers paint a grim picture of the barriers Texans face in accessing essential medical care.”Some data points in that press r
  
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• Austin EMTs, firefighters help deliver baby girl

  11-10-2023 18:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A new bundle of joy calls Austin home after Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services and Austin Fire Department crews helped deliver a baby girl Tuesday.ATCEMS said in a social media post medics were dispatched early Tuesday morning following reports of a pregnant patient having contractions. When crews arrived, they saw "their patient in active labor, with the baby crowning," per the post.Within 10 minutes, ATCEMS and AFD teams helped deliver the baby girl, adding both t
  
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• CapMetro eyes Dove Springs Pickup zone service

  11-10-2023 17:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A new CapMetro Pickup zone in southeast Austin's Dove Springs neighborhood could launch early next year.CapMetro is considering the launch of a Dove Springs Pickup zone that would help link transit users to other CapMetro service options and key destinations within the area."This new zone was prioritized to allow the agency to bring more service to this area of Southeast Austin while we continue to prepare for the future CapMetro Pleasant Valley Rapid line, which will also help
  
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• Group to explore 'advanced nuclear technology' in Texas

  11-10-2023 17:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) said Tuesday a group of experts will spend the next year looking at how advanced nuclear reactors can provide safe, reliable, and affordable power for Texas.
  According to the PUCT announcement, the Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group will look at safety advancements, financial incentives, state, and federal regulatory impediments to growth, permitting processes, and impacts to the Texas electric market. Understanding ER
  
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• LIVE: Inside the Investigations: Judge to decide on A-F school rating lawsuit

  11-10-2023 17:07 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 10:30 a.m. with investigative reporter Kelly Wiley and KXAN Live anchor Will DuPree to break down one of this week’s top stories. People can watch the live stream in this story and on the KXAN Facebook page.Inside the Investigations: Family calls for change after nursing home ‘error’The story they'll discuss t
  
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• Inside the Investigations: Judge to decide on A-F school rating lawsuit

  11-10-2023 17:07 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 10:30 a.m. with investigative reporter Kelly Wiley and KXAN Live anchor Will DuPree to break down one of this week’s top stories. People can watch the live stream in this story and on the KXAN Facebook page.Inside the Investigations: Family calls for change after nursing home ‘error’The story they'll discuss t
  
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• Groundbreaking for new Uvalde school on Oct. 28

  11-10-2023 16:53 via kxan.com
  
  UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) – A nonprofit foundation Tuesday announced plans to hold a ground-breaking ceremony later this month for an elementary school to replace Robb Elementary.
  The Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation said the ceremony would happen on Oct. 28 at the site of the new school.
  The location will include a tribute to the 21 victims who were killed in the mass shooting at Robb Elementary in 2022.The proposed tribute is a tree, designed with two large branches to represen
  
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• Granite Shoals Mayor, councilmember resign

  11-10-2023 15:09 via kxan.com
  
  GRANITE SHOALS (KXAN) — Granite Shoals Mayor Kiel Arnone and City Councilmember Kevin Flack resigned from their positions during Tuesday night's council meeting.During his resignation speech, Arnone said “our current city council has spent more time tearing good people down than leading.”His resignation comes one week after a special meeting resulted in City Manager Peggy Smith being placed on a performance plan.Smith has been under scrutiny after local leaders discovered discr
  
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• San Marcos homicide suspect arrested

  11-10-2023 14:37 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) -- A San Marcos homicide suspect was arrested this week in connection to the September death of a 41-year-old man, according to police.
  Last week, the San Marcos Police Department identified Ray Robert Saenz, Jr., 18, as the suspect the Sept. 30 death of Nathaniel Hudson, 41. MORE: San Marcos police identify homicide suspect, ask for help locating himSan Marcos police said Saenz was located in Austin on Tuesday and taken into custody by members of the U.S. Marshals Lone
  
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• Vista Ridge High School teacher on leave, accused of inappropriate relationship with student

  11-10-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) – The Leander Independent School District placed a math teacher at Vista Ridge High School on administrative leave last month after learning about a potential inappropriate relationship between the student and the teacher, the school's principal said in a letter to parents Tuesday.
  According to the letter, the district received information about the alleged relationship on Sept. 5.
  Principal Paul Johnson said in the letter the district placed the teacher on leave t
  
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• Vista Ridge High School teacher charged with indecency with a child

  11-10-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) – Cedar Park Police have charged a math teacher at Vista Ridge High School with indecency with a child, a second degree felony, for having inappropriate interactions with her 15-year-old student, according to police documents.The Leander Independent School District placed 33-year-old Kristie Russell on administrative leave last month after learning about a potential inappropriate relationship, the school's principal said in a letter to parents Tuesday.
  According to
  
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• 'Uniquely Austin': Bat City Scaregrounds celebrates Halloween with homage to old Austin

  11-10-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Halloween time is here. That's right. Once it hits the month of October, it is Halloween all month. I don't make the rules. I just love to enjoy the spooky time.As Halloween makes its presence felt in Central Texas, it's time for haunted attractions to gear up for spooky season.Corey Trahan, co-founder of Bat City Scaregrounds, said opening up a sister park in Austin was a way to bring Halloween to Austin. Bat City is a sister park to Nightmare on 19th Street in Lubbock, right d
  
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• Longhorn Legend Mike Adams coaching two standout sons at Vandegrift

  11-10-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - There is no question Mike Adams is a legend of Texas football. When the wide receiver finished his career in Austin in 1996, he was the program leader in receiving yards, touchdowns and receptions among some other records.After playing professionally, Adams turned to coaching. He's know the wide receiver coach at Vandegrift just miles from where he played college ball in Austin."He was nice in college," said Mike Adams son Deuce, a senior quarterback at Vandegrift. "I mean he's n
  
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• Jonathon Brooks waited behind NFL backs, now he's 2nd in the country in rushing

  11-10-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Expectations were high for Texas football heading into the 2023 season because they returned so much talent. One of the few position groups that came a question mark was running back since Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson left to the NFL.Freshman CJ Baxter started the opening game of the season and while he has impressed, he's battled injuries. However, a patient redshirt sophomore has stepped up and dominated the run game.Everything the Texas Longhorns want is still in front o
  
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• First place in 6A-District 25 on the line in KBVO Game of the Week

  11-10-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A pivotal 6A-District 25 matchup Thursday between No. 5 Vandegrift and Round Rock is the KBVO Game of the Week.The Vipers have been dominant all season thus far, going undefeated and winning by an average of 33.3 points per game, while the Dragons have flipped the script and won their last three games after dropping their first three. Both teams are 3-0 in district play heading into the matchup, so a win will put one of the teams in the driver's seat for a district title an
  
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• Temperature swing ahead of this weekend

  11-10-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the rain moves out, our focus now turns to our next weather-maker -- a breezy autumn cold front.Leftover moisture from former Hurricane Lidia and Tropical Storm Max continue to bring cloudy skies and spots of light rain to our area this morning. Although the clouds hold through the day, any lingering rain is expected to clear by late morning.A mix of sun and clouds can be expected tomorrow, but the main headline will be the jump in temperatures. Afternoon highs will warm well
  
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• Cool and cloudy ahead of a big warmup

  11-10-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the rain moves out, our focus now turns to our next weather-maker -- a breezy autumn cold front.Leftover moisture from former Hurricane Lidia and Tropical Storm Max continue to bring cloudy skies and spots of light rain to our area through early afternoon. Although the clouds hold through the day, any lingering showers in our eastern counties should pull away by mid-afternoon. Highs today may not make it out of the 70s thanks to the clouds.A mix of sun and clouds can be expec
  
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• Central Texas man says family members seized by Hamas militants in Israel

  11-10-2023 04:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Right now, Dori Roberts' phone is his lifeline as he clings to any new word of the whereabouts of his family members in Israel."You're hopeless, you're helpless there's nothing you can do, there's not a button you can push," he said. His aunts and cousins leave near the Gaza strip. They're the ones he's barely heard from since Hamas militants launched a surprise attack Saturday.
  Dori Roberts shared his story about trying to track down family members in Israel. (KXAN photo/Briann
  
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• Tyler girls at center of Amber Alert found

  11-10-2023 04:44 via kxan.com
  
  TYLER, Texas (KETK) - An Amber Alert that was issued Tuesday has been discontinued.
  The alert was issued by the Tyler Police Department for two girls from the area. It was discontinued later Tuesday night.
  
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• Amber Alert issued for 2 Tyler girls reportedly taken by armed, 'mentally unstable' father

  11-10-2023 04:44 via kxan.com
  
  TYLER, Texas (KETK) - An Amber Alert has been issued by the Tyler Police Department for two Tyler girls.The girls are identified as 7-year-old Audrey Lee and 9-year-old Ella Lee. Police said at approximately 6 p.m. the girls' father, Chase Lee, took them from their home located on the 8400 block of Cambridge after reportedly committing an aggravated assault on their mother.Audrey Lee. Picture Courtesy of Tyler Police.Ella Lee. Picture Courtesy of Tyler Police.Chase Lee. Picture Courtesy of Tyler
  
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• FAA investigating after jet forced to take 'evasive action' at AUS

  11-10-2023 03:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after an F-18 fighter jet was forced to take "evasive action" back in September at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport, the agency confirmed to KXAN in a statement Tuesday.Around noon, Sept. 23, the jet "conflicted with two aircraft" at the airport, according to the FAA. The pilot of another jet took "evasive action" after getting an alert that the F-18 was nearby.Furthermore, the F-18 flew near Runway 18L while another
  
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• Medicaid renewal deadline extended for some Texans as agency reviews eligibility for millions

  11-10-2023 02:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is extending its renewal deadline for "certain" Medicaid recipients after the federal government required HHSC to redetermine eligibility for approximately six million Texans over a 12-month period, according to a release from HHSC.Those Medicaid recipients will receive an "additional 30 days to complete their renewal packets," HHSC said.A group of HHSC employees went public in August with concerns about delays and denia
  
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• Affidavit says man hit with hatchet before he was run over in north Austin

  11-10-2023 01:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An affidavit obtained by KXAN Tuesday provided more details on what a witness said led to the death of a man in north Austin last week. Austin police identified a suspect who faces a capital murder charge in the case.On Oct. 3, the Austin Police Department responded to a report of a hit-and-run after a person was found on a sidewalk near the southbound lanes in the 12100 block of North MoPac Expressway Service Road. The location is between Parmer Lane and Duval Road.A detective
  
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• Former la Barbecue employee suing restaurant after losing fingers in meat grinder

  11-10-2023 00:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A former employee of la Barbecue in Austin is suing the restaurant and its owners after a 2016 incident that caused him to lose four fingers. The lawsuit follows 2022 insurance fraud charges from the Texas Department of Insurance.
  In 2016, Aaron Gomez was working to prepare sausage overnight at la Barbecue when his glove caught in the meat grinder, causing him to lose four fingers on his left hand, the lawsuit said.
  A lawsuit filed Tuesday is seeking a jury trial to recover
  
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• 'What are we going to do now': Fayette County residents concerned after hospital closure announced

  11-10-2023 00:05 via kxan.com
  
  LA GRANGE, Texas (KXAN) — St. Mark's Medical Center in La Grange announced it is closing its doors and ceasing all operations Oct. 12.A news release said the closure results from St. Mark's "ongoing inability to meet its financial obligations.""Living here and living in the country is a joy," said Fayette County resident Bill Koenig. "Virtually everything you would need has been here except for now the hospital."Struggles to keep St. Mark's Medical Center running have been going on fo
  
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• DPS urging Texans to 'remain vigilant' after Israel attacks

  11-10-2023 00:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Department of Public Safety said it has concerns after the recent attacks against Israel and want to remind Texans to remain vigilant at all times, as well as report any suspicious activity, according to a news release from DPS.DPS responded to Gov. Gregg Abbott's directive this week to work with local partners and federal intelligence agencies to heighten public safety measures due to the Israel attacks, the release said.However, DPS said it is not aware of any specif
  
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