Austin news

• Waterloo Greenway to host annual Dia de los Muertos festival

  31-10-2023 23:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Nonprofit Waterloo Greenway Conservancy's annual Día de los Muertos festival returns to Waterloo Park Wednesday, officials announced in a news release.The event run from 6-10 p.m. Guests are invited to commemorate their loved ones at a community ofrenda, held at the Moody Amphitheater stage. Festivities include face paintings, sugar skull decorating, food and drinks, a Latinx marketplace along with live music and dancing, per the release.More details about the event are a
  
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• Gov. Abbott announces statewide veterans hiring fair in November

  31-10-2023 22:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday a statewide hiring initiative for Texas veterans, service members and veteran spouses running through November.The 2023 Hiring Red, White, & You! hiring fair will operate from Nov. 1-17, per a news release. It's held in collaboration between the Texas Workforce Commission and the Office of the Governor alongside local workforce development boards, the Texas Medical Center and the Texas Veterans Commission, the release added.The hiring fair
  
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• Starlink to host hiring event for Bastrop facility

  31-10-2023 22:40 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) -- Starlink announced on social media Monday it would host a hiring event on Nov. 4 to find new hires for its production facility in Bastrop.
  The satellite-based internet service provider, engineered by Elon Musk's SpaceX, is looking to "keep up with surging demand for connectivity around the world," per the social media post. Those interested in becoming a production associate are asked to sign up by 8 p.m. CT on Friday in order to attend the event.Job openings in Bastrop
  
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• New Kids on the Block to perform in Austin during 2024 tour

  31-10-2023 21:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- New Kids on the Block will join Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff for a performance in Austin as part of the group's 2024 tour.New Kids on the Block's Magic Summer Tour 2024 will make a stop at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater on July 12, 2024, per a social media post from the venue. Formed in 1984, New Kids on the Block is known for songs like "Please Don't Go Girl," "I'll Be Loving You Forever" and "Hangin' Tough."Doors open at 6 p.m. before the show is slated to begin at 7 p.m
  
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• Chick-fil-A looking at Austin-area expansion, company says

  31-10-2023 21:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Chick-fil-A is looking to expand in the Austin area, the company said Tuesday.In a statement to KXAN, Chick-fil-A said it is early in the process of "actively pursuing a new location in the Northwest Austin area." RELATED: Robotic servers spotted at Austin Chick-fil-AProject records from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation show the chicken company is planning a restaurant at the intersection of RM 620 and Anderson Mill Road.
  The planning records, which are subject t
  
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• Freeze Warning in effect for parts of Central Texas

  31-10-2023 21:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Our first widespread freeze of the season is expected in portions of Central Texas tonight -- and across more of the area tomorrow night -- several weeks ahead of when we typically see it.Cool northerly breezes are still blowing Halloween evening, keeping temperatures much colder than normal for Oct. 31. Trick-or-treat plans should include a jacket, with temperatures falling through the 50s through 9 p.m., and the 40s thereafter.A Freeze Warning is in effect for Williamson and M
  
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• Report: Austin losing homebuyers to other cities for 1st time on record

  31-10-2023 21:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- Homebuyers are looking to leave Austin as housing costs stay high, according to a report by real estate brokerage Redfin."More homebuyers looked to leave Austin, TX than move in during the third quarter, the first time on record there hasn’t been a net inflow into the Texas capital," the report claimed.The report said data is based on the searches of about two million Redfin users who viewed for-sale homes online across more than 100 metro areas from July 2023 to Septembe
  
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• Victim's girlfriend testifies in Day 1 of Martindale man's murder trial

  31-10-2023 20:41 via kxan.com
  
  CALDWELL COUNTY (KXAN) — Sarah Todd took the stand first in the murder trial for the man who is accused of killing her boyfriend two years ago.
  Martindale resident Terry Turner is on trial for the first-degree murder of Adil Dghoughi.
  KXAN's Jala Washington is in court providing live updates on social media platform X:
  Good Morning, in Caldwell County this morning following another murder trial. Martindale resident, Terry Turner is accused of murdering Adil Dghoughi, shooting him through D
  
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• Peek-a-BOO! Austin NICU babies celebrate Halloween

  31-10-2023 20:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's all treats and no tricks this Halloween as some of Austin's newest and tiniest bundles of joy celebrate Halloween.Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin rang in the festivities with teeny costumes in tow, treating each newborn to a spooky photoshoot.
  It's all treats and no tricks this Halloween as some of Austin's newest and tiniest bundles of joy celebrate Halloween. (Courtesy: Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin)It's all treats and no tricks this Halloween as some of Aus
  
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• 'Incredibly concerning': Austin psychologist cautions parents about possible weight loss shots for kids

  31-10-2023 20:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Weight loss drugs prescribed for adults with diabetes, and made popular by many celebrities, may be available for kids soon.According to a NewsNation report, pharmaceutical companies, behind the weight loss shots like Ozempic and Mounjaro, are testing a version to treat kids as young as six years old with obesity.“Incredibly concerning,” Austin-based psychologist Dr. Allison Chase said.The Centers for Disease Control warns childhood obesity i
  
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• Travis County, nonprofit partner on $6M tenant stabilization program

  31-10-2023 19:26 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY (KXAN) — A local nonprofit and Travis County will work together to help residents facing or at risk of eviction.
  A tenant stabilization program with nonprofit El Buen Samaritano will give eligible households financial help. Money can be used to pay approved fees for tenants.  PREVIOUS REPORTING: Travis County rethinking approach to rental assistance, evictionProgram services also include rent assistance, housing costs assistance, relocation coordination, connections to s
  
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• Gov. Abbott says 'agreement' reached with House leaders on school choice plan

  31-10-2023 18:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday he reached an "agreement" with Texas House leaders that could advance his stalled school choice plan, as time runs short to approve it before the third special legislative session ends in exactly one week.
  Abbott said he would now include additional public school funding as well as teacher pay raises in the special session agenda after working with House Speaker Dade Phelan. He said their deal would also raise the proposed amount of money that
  
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• Woman asks for help solving her son's murder in east Austin

  31-10-2023 17:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A woman begged for the community to help find the person who shot and killed her son nearly six months ago in east Austin.
  Dorita Reece joined Austin police as well as her family's pastor at a news conference Wednesday morning because they're still looking for leads after the May 9 homicide of Davante Reece, 19. A detective shared police have several persons of interest in the case, but they have yet to make any arrests.PREVIOUS: Man who died in east Austin homicide identif
  
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• APD looking for leads in May Manor Road homicide

  31-10-2023 17:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is asking for the public's help finding new leads in a homicide that happened nearly six months ago in east Austin.
  The victim in the homicide was identified as Davante Reece, 19.PREVIOUS: Man who died in east Austin homicide identified
  Davante Reece, 19, was identified as the victim of a May 9, 2023 homicide in east Austin. (Austin Police Department photo)Davante Reece, 19, was identified as the victim of a May 9, 2023 homicide in east Aus
  
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• Employee hit, injured by fuel truck at Austin airport

  31-10-2023 16:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A person working at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport was hit and injured by a fuel truck on the tarmac Tuesday morning, according to airport officials.
  An AUS spokesperson said it's not clear which company the person is employed by, and it's not clear who owns the fuel truck. Mayor in talks to possibly rename AUS after former presidentAustin Fire Department units and the Austin-Travis County EMS responded to the incident.
  AFD said the person was hit by the truck near a
  
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• Employee dies after being hit by fuel truck at Austin airport

  31-10-2023 16:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A person working at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport died after being hit and injured by a fuel truck Tuesday morning, according to airport officials.
  An AUS spokesperson said it's not clear which company the person was employed by, and it's not clear who owns the fuel truck. Mayor in talks to possibly rename AUS after former presidentAustin Fire Department units and the Austin-Travis County EMS responded to the incident.
  AFD said the person was hit by the truck near a
  
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• Texas State, ACC student completes 2 NASA 'missions' in college program

  31-10-2023 16:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Amanda Maes wants to take her love of space and interest in helping others to new heights.
  Maes, an Austin-area college student, finished her second mission in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program last week. The multi-mission program teaches about careers in NASA with mentors and goals along the way -- including a simulation to the moon in the second mission.RELATED: Austin-based startup designing humanoid robot with NASA"Growing up, I always thought, you know,
  
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• State calls use-of-force expert in APD officer's murder trial

  31-10-2023 15:17 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The video above is KXAN's coverage of day 6 (Monday, Oct. 30, 2023) in Christopher Taylor's trial.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Prosecutors have nearly wrapped up their case against Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor, who is on trial for murder in the death of Mike Ramos. Taylor's attorneys are likely to take over Wednesday morning. Prosecutors expect to wrap mid-week in APD officer’s murder trialTaylor shot and killed Ramos, 42, during an incident with police back in April 2020 a
  
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• Day 7: Prosecutors nearing end of case in APD officer's murder trial

  31-10-2023 15:17 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The video above is KXAN's coverage of day 6 (Monday, Oct. 30, 2023) in Christopher Taylor's trial.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Prosecutors have told a judge they are nearly finished presenting their case against Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor, who is on trial for murder in the death of Mike Ramos. Taylor's attorneys are expected to take over as early as Tuesday. Prosecutors expect to wrap mid-week in APD officer’s murder trialTaylor shot and killed Ramos, 42, during an incide
  
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• Day 7: Defense could take over Tuesday in APD officer's murder trial

  31-10-2023 15:17 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The video above is KXAN's coverage of day 6 (Monday, Oct. 30, 2023) in Christopher Taylor's trial.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Prosecutors have told a judge they are nearly finished presenting their case against Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor, who is on trial for murder in the death of Mike Ramos. Taylor's attorneys are expected to take over as early as Tuesday. Prosecutors expect to wrap mid-week in APD officer’s murder trialTaylor shot and killed Ramos, 42, during an incide
  
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• Bastrop elementary school unveils vending machine for books

  31-10-2023 13:54 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) – Lost Pines Elementary has a new vending machine, according to the Bastrop Independent School District.
  The district posted Tuesday morning that the school unveiled the machine that will vend books instead of snacks.
  The district said the machine will dispense a book of choice to students when they are "recognized for being safe, respectful, & responsible".Book vending machine at Lost Pines Elementary. (Courtesy: Bastrop ISD)Book vending machine at Lost Pines Ele
  
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• Bastrop elementary school unveils book vending machine

  31-10-2023 13:54 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) – Lost Pines Elementary has a new vending machine -- but this one does not sell snacks.
  The district posted Tuesday morning that the school unveiled the machine that will vend books selected by campus librarians.
  The books are free to students, who will earn a vending machine "token" for positive behavior and making good choices consistently, a district spokesperson said.Unlike at a library, students can take home and keep the books to build an at-home library.
  The ve
  
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• How to prepare for chilly Halloween in Austin

  31-10-2023 13:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The KXAN First Warning Weather team predicts temperatures will fall into the 40s Tuesday night, resulting in one of the coldest Halloweens ever in Austin.So how will this affect parents and kids trick-or-treating?Austin-Travis County EMS is advising people to layer up on Tuesday night. Austin neighborhood finds creative ways to trick-or-treat this Halloween amid COVID-19 pandemicThis means dressing up little ghouls and goblins in warm costumes; with accessories such as glov
  
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• Georgetown ISD gets top fiscal grade from state

  31-10-2023 13:37 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) – The Georgetown Independent School District said Monday its financial management got the highest rating from the state's financial accountability system.
  The district said it got an "A" rating for "Superior Achievement" in School FIRST (Fiscal Integrity Rating System of Texas).
  According to the Texas Education Agency website, the agency released preliminary 2022-23 FIRST ratings on Aug. 7. The TEA said it would release the final 2022-23 ratings sometime in Novembe
  
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• Neighborhood in Taylor references Matthew Perry sitcom

  31-10-2023 13:29 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) – As fans across the world mourn the loss of actor Matthew Perry who died Saturday, those who visit one part of Taylor are reminded of his work every time they look at a street sign.
  Street names in the northwest Taylor neighborhood reference familiar characters and moments from the 1990s television show "Friends".Perry starred as Chandler Bing on the NBC sitcom.Texas neighborhood has ‘Friends’-themed street namesNames like Pivot Street, Yemen Road, Janice
  
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• Head of state licensing department resigns

  31-10-2023 13:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The head of the Texas state agency in charge of 38 license programs left his job, the agency said Monday.
  The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation said Executive Director Mike Arismendez resigned. TDLR did not give a reason for the resignation.
  TDLR said Christina Kaiser, TDLR Senior Deputy Executive Director, has been temporarily designated as Acting Executive Director of the agency. Investigations: New law takes away some Texas veterinary board authority temporari
  
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• Abbott has highest approval rating among state's leaders; Paxton's numbers improve in latest poll

  31-10-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Gov. Greg Abbott is the most popular state leader in Texas according to a new poll, while Attorney General Ken Paxton and Speaker of the House Dade Phelan are both underwater in approval ratings.The new poll, by the University of Texas/Texas Politics Project, surveyed 1,200 registered voters between Oct. 5 and 17.Of the four main state leaders — Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Phelan and Paxton — Abbott has the highest approval rating, at 49%, nine points higher t
  
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• Saddlebrook community in San Marcos under boil water notice

  31-10-2023 04:23 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) -- A boil water notice was issued for the Saddlebrook community in San Marcos on Monday due to a line break, Maxwell Special Utility District said on its website.While under the boil water notice, customers should boil water prior to consumption for washing their hands/face, brushing their teeth, for drinking and more, the water district said. Water should be brought to a "vigorous rolling boil" and then it should be boiled for two minutes.Once the boil water notice is r
  
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• 'The Voice' season 24 battle rounds ramp up

  31-10-2023 03:14 via kxan.com
  
  (WCMH) — NBC's “The Voice” returns Monday with an all-new episode featuring more contestants going head-to-head in the Battle rounds.The show has released a new clip featuring Team Legend's Elizabeth Evans of Arlington, Texas paired against teammate Kaylee Shimizu from Ewabeach, Hawaii. After singing a duet of Olivia Rodrigo's “Traitor,” both received praise from the coaches. Ohio’s Jackson Snelling’s return on ‘The Voice’“Elizabeth and
  
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• From bright and cool to clear and cold

  31-10-2023 02:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Temperatures will be warming every day between now and early next week. In fact, the cold feel of winter will eventually be replaced by the warm feel of spring. Most of this afternoon's high temperatures will peak in the upper half of the 50s.We're glad to be able to tell you that the weather conditions for the trick-or-treaters will be nearly perfect. The sky will be clear. It will be a bit breezy at 5 p.m. but the winds will subside during the early evening. It's suggested to
  
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• A chilly Halloween ahead of Wednesday morning freeze

  31-10-2023 02:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Following a week of wet weather in the area, dry sunshine returns for the rest of the week starting Tuesday. But clear skies will set the table for the first autumn freeze for some communities -- coming two to three weeks ahead of schedule.Freeze Warnings are in effectFollowing a top-5 coldest Halloween Day on record in Austin with highs in the 50s, trick-or-treaters will need a jacket with their costume Tuesday evening. Expect chilly temperatures and north winds blowing at 10-1
  
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• Time running short to approve Texas school voucher plan

  31-10-2023 01:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The end of the third special legislative session is approaching quickly, and still it appears Texas lawmakers are no closer to reaching a deal on a plan that would allow families to use public dollars to pay for their children's private education.The Texas House of Representatives gaveled in Monday afternoon and adjourned after six minutes, leaving its version of the school choice plan on the table. The Senate approved its plan more than two weeks ago that would create an e
  
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• Federal judge orders immigration agents to stop removing Texas’ concertina wire on the border

  31-10-2023 00:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (The Texas Tribune) -- A federal judge on Monday ordered immigration agents to stop taking down or cutting through concertina wire placed on the Texas-Mexico border in Eagle Pass by state troopers and National Guard members in their efforts to deter migrants from crossing the border illegally.Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the Biden administration last Tuesday, claiming that the Border Patrol illegally destroyed state property when its agents cut through concertina wire on the ban
  
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