Austin news

• Buford Tower restoration completed more than two years after fire

  01-11-2023 23:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday, the City of Austin announced it completed restoration work more than two years after a fire broke out at the Buford Tower in downtown Austin from an encampment at the base.After the 2021 fire, the tower needed to be repaired to exact historical preservation standards, according to the city. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Fire spreads to historic firefighter drill tower in downtown AustinThe Buford Tower is a six-story brick building, which was constructed in 1930. It's even pa
  
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• City Council to implement rules of new state law that will likely lead to fewer parks

  01-11-2023 22:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin City Council will vote Thursday to implement necessary changes to parkland dedication ordinances in order to comply with a new state law that passed last session and will go into effect in January.Previously, Austin's ordinance required developers to provide nearly 10 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents or face a fee. The new state law requires local officials to reduce that amount down to 3,000 square feet in Austin’s downtown and to three acres in subur
  
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• City Council postpones implementation of rules directed by new state law that will likely lead to fewer parks

  01-11-2023 22:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin City Council postponed its vote Thursday on the resolution to implement changes to parkland dedication ordinances which are need in order to comply with a new state law that passed last session and will go into effect in January.Citing "complex calculations" in the new map, District 4 Council Member Jose "Chito" Vela asked to postpone the vote to the next City Council Meeting on Nov. 9 so that council members had more time to look over the changes before voting.
  
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• Man accused of forgery after stealing $4K, forging 'fake lease contract'

  01-11-2023 22:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One man was accused of forgery after he forged a "fake lease contract" and stole $4,000 in early October, according to an affidavit.The victim contacted the Austin Police Department on Oct. 27, explaining the events that led up to the theft of the money he gave to an man who identified himself as Juan Vasquez, 23, court documents said.When the victim contacted APD, he said he and his friend found an advertisement on Facebook to rent a home located in northwest Austin.
  On Oct. 10
  
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• Austin eyes development of total eclipse plan ahead of April phenomenon

  01-11-2023 22:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Ahead of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, Austin City Council will consider Thursday directing Interim Manager Jesús Garza to create a plan that covers access, safety and celebration of the natural phenomenon.The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in the area where Austin is located was in the 14th century, per city documents. The next opportunity after April 8 where it will be visible in Austin will be in the 24th century, documents added. TOTAL EC
  
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• Austin developing total eclipse plan ahead of April phenomenon

  01-11-2023 22:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin City Council is directing interim city manager Jesús Garza and city staff to create a plan that covers access, safety and celebration of the total solar eclipse which will take place on April 8, 2024.
  The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in the area where Austin is located was in the 14th century, per city documents. The next opportunity after April 8 where it will be visible in Austin will be in the 24th century, documents added. TOTAL ECLIPSE NEWS
  
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• Austin City Council to consider eliminating minimum parking requirements Thursday

  01-11-2023 21:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin City Council could consider Thursday eliminating minimum parking space requirements from the city's land development code. Thursday's agenda item follows earlier action from council back in May, which authorized beginning the process of stripping mandatory parking minimums from its overarching zoning requirements.That May action not only began efforts to remove off-street parking requirements, but also directs the city manager "to return with recommendations for deve
  
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• Rural freeze expected in many areas overnight

  01-11-2023 21:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Following only an isolated freezing temperature in creek bottoms and valleys in the Hill Country Wednesday morning, lighter winds leading to colder temperatures may mean a more widespread rural freeze Thursday morning.While a Freeze Warning is not officially in effect for most areas (except Milam and Lampasas counties), residents in colder suburbs and rural areas may consider protecting:
  PetsPipesPlantsPeople
  A dramatic warming trend starts Thursday afternoon as winds swing arou
  
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• Zilker Park reopens following ACL closure

  01-11-2023 20:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin's Parks and Recreation Department announced Wednesday Zilker Park's Great Lawn was open to the public again following the 2023 Austin City Limits Music Festival.Austin PARD officials shared on social media that fencing removal at the Great Lawn will continue throughout the day Wednesday. They also cautioned visitors there could be standing water in some areas due to recent rainstorms.RELATED: When will Zilker Park reopen after ACL?Those interested in visi
  
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• Kyle Police help caller, arrest 2 following possible jugging situation

  01-11-2023 20:34 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) — The Kyle Police Department said officers were able to stop a possible jugging and arrest two people Thursday after a person called 911 and reported being followed while leaving a bank.According to Kyle PD, dispatchers told the caller to go to an area where officers were waiting. Officers then attempted to perform a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle.One person got out of the vehicle, and the other two drove away, according to KPD.“A pursuit ensued, resulting in
  
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• Which roads are closed for the UT football game, Run for the Water race?

  01-11-2023 19:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — November is starting out strong for area events, with residents welcomed to enjoy the annual Austin Food & Wine Festival, catch the Texas Longhorns face off against Kansas State and partake in the Run for the Water race. With each of those events come some road closures in and around the downtown area.Here's a look at some of the closures planned this weekend.Austin Food & Wine FestivalThe Austin Food & Wine Festival will be held at Auditorium Shores on Saturday
  
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• TxDOT: Crash at I-35, McNeil Road closes all southbound lanes

  01-11-2023 19:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Transportation reported a traffic alert that closed several lanes of Interstate 35 following a crash in Round Rock.TxDOT said the crash occurred near southbound Interstate 35 at McNeil Road, just before the Hesters Crossing exit.The Round Rock Police Department said officers were responding to the collision, but there were no injuries."The three left lanes of traffic are closed," RRPD said. "Please expect delays and seek alternate routes."This is a d
  
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• Lanes reopened following crash at I-35, McNeil Road

  01-11-2023 19:38 via kxan.com
  
  UPDATE: As of 2:33 p.m. all lanes have been reopened.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Transportation reported a traffic alert that closed several lanes of Interstate 35 following a crash in Round Rock.TxDOT said the crash occurred near southbound Interstate 35 at McNeil Road, just before the Hesters Crossing exit.The Round Rock Police Department said officers responded to the collision, but there were no injuries.
  
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• Gov. Abbott projects confidence ESAs will pass this session

  01-11-2023 19:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Gov. Abbott said Wednesday he expects the House will pass legislation this session to establish education savings accounts, increase public school funding, and give teachers a bonus, signaling confidence that the ten-month impasse over his top priority will end by next week."We are on track to ensure there will not be another special session. There is enough time to get everything done that we want to get done, that needs to get done to avoid a special session," Gov. Abbott t
  
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• Williamson County election worker hospitalized after alleged 'confrontation' with poll watcher

  01-11-2023 19:01 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — Williamson County said a poll worker has been hospitalized after a medical emergency inside a polling place. Remarks during this week's Commissioner's Court meeting implied the episode was possibly linked to a confrontation with a poll watcher.In a statement, Williamson County said the medical emergency happened around 5:45 p.m. at the Leander Public Library. Poll workers intervened quickly and began life-saving measures, which first responders continued once on the
  
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• Southwest Airlines to fly nonstop from Austin to Boston beginning in June

  01-11-2023 18:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Fliers between Austin and Boston will soon have more options to choose from as Southwest Airlines will resume seasonal service in June 2024.The airline will begin weekend service on June 8, according to a spokesperson. Customers can currently book tickets through Aug. 4. Austin airport passenger totals still on track for record-breaking year… againSaturday flights will depart Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at 5:40 p.m. and arrive at Boston Logan International
  
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• Lineup for Two Step Inn 2024 announced: Cody Johnson, Hank Williams Jr. on the roster

  01-11-2023 18:23 via kxan.com
  
  The above video shows KXAN Live’s top morning headlines for Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023.GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- After a successful inaugural Two Step Inn in Central Texas last spring, the festival is preparing for its second round in Georgetown next year.
  Two Step Inn announced its 2024 lineup Wednesday morning. Performers include Cody Johnson, Turnpike Troubadours, Hank Williams, Jr., Ludacris, Martina McBride, Megan Moroney and more.Two Step Inn to return to Georgetown in April 2024Presa
  
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• DPS looking for car involved in 'racing incident' that caused fatal October crash

  01-11-2023 17:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Department of Public Safety is asking for the public's help finding a car that was involved in a "racing incident" that resulted in a fatal crash in northwest Austin last month, according to a release.
  DPS is looking for a BMW passenger car, pictured below. According to DPS, the BMW and a Tesla were racing and driving recklessly, resulting in the Tesla crashing into another vehicle near the intersection of West Parmer Lane and McNeil Drive around 3:37 p.m. on Oct. 22. PREVIO
  
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• It’s the last month of hurricane season, but the tropics remain active

  01-11-2023 17:32 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As we near the end of an active hurricane season, a new system in the Caribbean Sea could become the next tropical depression.The National Hurricane Center said the system could form toward the end of the week as it moves westward over the central and southwestern Caribbean Sea. It has a 60 percent chance of development over the next seven days.Even if the system doesn't develop, the NHC said it has the potential to produce heavy rains over portions of Central America
  
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• Leftover Halloween candy? Where to donate it in and beyond Austin

  01-11-2023 17:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's never a bad thing to have more tricks than treats during Halloween. But what happens when you leave with excess Halloween candy or flavors that aren't your favorite?Here's a look at some of the places in the Austin area that accept candy donations.Central Texas Food BankCentral Texas Food Bank shared in a blog post last year they do accept wrapped Halloween candies. However, they added they do prioritize healthier and more nutritious food options in their warehouse sto
  
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• 'There's help out here for you': First trauma recovery center in Texas opens in Austin

  01-11-2023 17:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)— Clarence Watson fought back tears as he stood in front of a crowd during the grand opening of the Harvest Trauma Recovery Center in Austin.
  Survivor, Clarence Watson embraced after emotional speech during Harvest Trauma Recovery Center open. (KXAN photos/Tim Holcomb
  ).Watson is a survivor of violent crime, and for years, worked to bring a trauma recovery center to the area. He said he was shot in a drive-by shooting when he was in his 20s, among other traumatic experiences.
  
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• First trauma recovery center in Texas opens in Austin

  01-11-2023 17:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)— Setting out to provide a holistic approach to helping survivors of violence heal, the Harvest Trauma Recovery Center is officially open in Austin.
  It's the first center of its kind in Texas, according to the City of Austin and the African American Youth Harvest Foundation (AAYHF). This center was created in partnership between the two entities.
  "The Harvest Trauma Recovery Center will stand as a sanctuary for survivors of violence in Austin-Travis County, where they will not
  
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• What could separate Texas in Big 12 football race

  01-11-2023 17:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Big 12 was viewed by many as top-heavy and a tier below some of the other power-five conferences early in the season. Now in November, the depth of the conference looks pretty impressive.Texas is 4-1 in conference which is good for first. Well. First, along with four other teams. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Iowa State and Kansas State are all 4-1 as well.With a month to go in the season, Longhorns senior offensive lineman Christian Jones calls it, 'Championship November.' It be
  
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• Hays County applies for grant to check 460+ neighborhoods for wildfire risk

  01-11-2023 16:37 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) --- Hays County is taking steps toward assessing every neighborhood in the county for wildfire risk.The Hays County Commissioners Court recently approved applying for the United States Department of Agriculture's Community Wildfire Defense Grant program for funds to complete 469 subdivision-level wildfire risk assessments.The county said the risk assessments must be done in order for the county to update and receive state approval on the Community Wildfire Protection Pl
  
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• 43 people assisted in Austin's latest HEAL Initiative encampment closures

  01-11-2023 15:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin announced Wednesday the closures of additional encampments this week, with 43 people assisted through that effort.The city's Housing-Focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) Initiative aided in closing the encampments at Barwood Park and the Tom Donovan Nature Trail at the Williamson Creek Greenbelt, per the release. Those 43 residents assisted were relocated to the city's Northbridge and Southbridge shelters. TRENDING NOW: Watch opening statements of Ka
  
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• Prosecutors rest case in APD officer's murder trial, defense takes over

  01-11-2023 15:08 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video is KXAN's coverage of day 7 of this trial from Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Wednesday, state prosecutors rested their case against Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor, who is on trial for murder in the death of Mike Ramos. Taylor's attorneys have now taken over.
  The defense reserved its opening statement at the start of the trial and instead gave them Wednesday afternoon before calling its first witness.Prosecutors expect to wrap mid-week in APD
  
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• Day 8: State nearly done presenting case in trial of APD Officer Christopher Taylor

  01-11-2023 15:08 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video is KXAN's coverage of day 7 of this trial from Tuesday (October 31, 2023).
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- State prosecutors have nearly wrapped up presenting their case against Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor, who is on trial for murder in the death of Mike Ramos. Taylor's attorneys could take over Wednesday. 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 at a sou
  
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• Watch opening statements of Kaitlin Armstrong murder trial

  01-11-2023 14:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The murder trial for Kaitlin Armstrong is set to begin Wednesday at 9 a.m. Armstrong is accused of shooting and killing up-and-coming professional cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson in May 2022.TIMELINE: Ahead of Kaitlin Armstrong’s trial, a look back at pro-cyclist murder caseCameras are allowed inside the courtroom for opening statements, closing arguments and the verdict, but not during witness testimony.
  People can watch the live stream of the opening statements in this s
  
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• Opening statements of Kaitlin Armstrong murder trial

  01-11-2023 14:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The murder trial for Kaitlin Armstrong began Wednesday at 9 a.m. Armstrong is accused of shooting and killing up-and-coming professional cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson in May 2022.TIMELINE: Ahead of Kaitlin Armstrong’s trial, a look back at pro-cyclist murder caseCameras are allowed inside the courtroom only for opening statements, closing arguments and the verdict, but not during witness testimony.
  Even though cameras are not allowed inside during testimony, KXAN's Brian
  
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• LIVE: Watch opening statements of Kaitlin Armstrong murder trial

  01-11-2023 14:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The murder trial for Kaitlin Armstrong is set to begin Wednesday at 9 a.m. Armstrong is accused of shooting and killing up-and-coming professional cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson in May 2022.TIMELINE: Ahead of Kaitlin Armstrong’s trial, a look back at pro-cyclist murder caseCameras are allowed inside the courtroom for opening statements, closing arguments and the verdict, but not during witness testimony.
  People can watch the live stream of the opening statements in this s
  
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• Day one of the Kaitlin Armstrong murder trial wraps up

  01-11-2023 14:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The murder trial for Kaitlin Armstrong began Wednesday at 9 a.m. Armstrong is accused of shooting and killing up-and-coming professional cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson in May 2022.TIMELINE: Ahead of Kaitlin Armstrong’s trial, a look back at pro-cyclist murder caseCameras are allowed inside the courtroom only for opening statements, closing arguments and the verdict, but not during witness testimony.
  Even though cameras are not allowed inside during testimony, KXAN's Brian
  
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• Central Texas Food Bank launches holiday food drive

  01-11-2023 13:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Central Texas Food Bank will announce Wednesday a new initiative to give out 17,000 turkeys and holiday meals to the 21-county region it serves.
  According to Sari Vatske, Central Texas Food Bank President and CEO, the non-profit is seeing a surge in demand for food assistance with levels seen during the peak of pandemic with an increase of 30% reliance on its services.
  Vatske told KXAN Tuesday that, "with 1 in 5 kids in the area facing food insecurity, we want to make s
  
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• VOTE: Help us choose the best KXAN viewer photo of October 2023

  01-11-2023 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Here at KXAN, we get hundreds of photos sent to us each month by viewers just like you.We want to showcase some of the best pictures we receive, so we narrowed them down to our 10 favorites for the month.Help us choose the best viewer photo of October 2023. Look through the 10 pictures below, then vote for your favorite. The winning photo will move on to represent October in th
  
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• RESULTS: This is the best KXAN viewer photo of October 2023, as voted by you

  01-11-2023 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Here at KXAN, we get hundreds of photos sent to us each month by viewers just like you.We want to showcase some of the best pictures we receive, so we narrowed them down to our 10 favorites for the month.The winning photo will move on to represent October in the best viewer photos of the year once 2023 is said and done.#10. Solar Projection (1.5% of votes)Austin, Oct. 14. Court
  
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• Texas nursing home COVID-19 data becoming harder to find

  01-11-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – With pandemic emergency rules declared over by federal authorities in May, state and local health officials have halted their ongoing collection and public display of detailed nursing home COVID-19 case data. The change could make it tougher for residents and their families to find up-to-date, facility-level information.Texas Health and Human Services Commission used to update its COVID-19 case counts and vaccination rates for nursing homes and assisted living facilities on
  
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• Manor city council to decide on pay structure for mayor, council members

  01-11-2023 12:03 via kxan.com
  
  MANOR, Texas (KXAN) -- Manor city council will vote Wednesday on a proposed pay structure that will decide how much each member is compensated each month they serve in office.
  The current proposal received no input from the community and would create a tiered pay structure that would give more money to members who take on more responsibilities.
  A tiered pay structure
  The pay structure would be in four tiers. As members take on more responsibilities and duties within the city, they will be compen
  
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• Data breach reported at Meals on Wheels

  01-11-2023 11:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Meals on Wheels Central Texas said Tuesday it is changing security protocols after it said its In-Home Care service suffered a data breach from a email phishing attack.
  The non-profit said it was alerted to the breach involving personal health information on Sept. 21. 2021: Meals on Wheels Central Texas needs more volunteers as they return to daily deliveriesAccording to Meals on Wheels, the phishing attack allowed unauthorized access to a cloud account containing personal
  
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• New UT Hill Country lab will soon pop up near 'best-kept secret' in Texas

  01-11-2023 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Construction is expected to begin this spring on the University of Texas' newest field lab. The lab is being funded with a $50 million grant, the largest donation in UT's Center for Biodiversity's history. The lab will be constructed within Mirasol Springs, a conservation-scale development that has faced criticism from nearby landowners.The Hill Country Field Station will help support the study of biodiversity and aquifers within the Hill Country. Texas’ ‘best kept s
  
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• Friendsgiving Challenge 2023: Donate to Team David or Kristen to help Central Texas Food Bank

  01-11-2023 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  KXAN’s Friendsgiving Challenge: Back for year three! For three weeks in November leading up to Thanksgiving, your favorite morning and evening meteorologists compete to see who can raise more money for the Central Texas Food Bank. Team David and Team Kristen each have one win under their belt. Who will win in 2023?
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The race to raise the most money for Central Texas Food Bank is back on for 2023. Join KXAN meteorologists David Yeomans and Kristen Currie as they go head
  
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• Sunny and chilly, but near freezing again tonight

  01-11-2023 03:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A chilly morning meant temperatures dropped to the low 40s in our warmest spots, but down to freezing in parts of the Hill Country.Reported lows Wednesday morningA Freeze Warning may be needed again tonight for parts of the area, especially west of I-35. Many of us get down into the 30s for one more night.Communities expecting a freeze, especially in colder suburbs and rural areas, should take steps to protect:
  PetsPipesPlantsPeople
  Thursday morning is the last morning we're for
  
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• Freeze Warning in effect for Austin, most of Central Texas

  01-11-2023 03:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Our first widespread freeze of the season is possible across much of Central Texas tonight -- and is even more likely tomorrow night -- several weeks ahead of when we typically see it.A Freeze Warning has been expanded to include nearly the entire KXAN viewing area and the City of Austin. The first widespread freeze of the season is possible Wednesday morning.Communities expecting a freeze, especially in colder suburbs and rural areas, should take steps to protect:
  PetsPipesPlan
  
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• 'They must be devastated': Expert asks public to consider victim's family while following Armstrong case

  01-11-2023 02:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The murder trail for Kaitlin Armstrong -- the pro cyclist accused of killing fellow pro cyclist Mo Wilson -- begins this week.The case has garnered attention across the country.
  "This case is sort of like a Hollywood movie," said Carsten Andresen, a criminal justice professor at St. Edward's University.But while he said it may seem exciting to many to cling to the details of the case, he wants to remind everyone that there is another side to this."Imagine how the victim's family
  
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• Southeast Austin Beetlejuice house delights trick-or-treaters

  01-11-2023 02:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's showtime!Trick-or-treaters in southeast Austin are in for a thrill as the city's beloved "Beetlejuice" house returns for Halloween.For about five years now, Jessica Martinez and Edward Murray have brought the Tim Burton classic to life with their annual Halloween display.Trick-or-treaters in southeast Austin are in for a thrill as the city's beloved "Beetlejuice" house returns for Halloween. (KXAN Photo/Emma Oertling)Trick-or-treaters in southeast Austin are in for a thrill
  
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• A public health response helped reduce fatal car wrecks in Texas. Can it do the same for gun deaths?

  01-11-2023 01:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (The Texas Tribune) -- When Mark Rosenberg started a branch of the Center for Disease Control to study violence in 1983, he decided to model his work on existing research about another rising cause of injuries and death — motor vehicle crashes.At the time, wrecks were replacing infectious diseases as a leading cause of death in America. The federal government invested roughly $200 million a year to identify specific causes — and potential solutions.That investment helped bring
  
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• Longhorns No. 7 in first college football playoff rankings

  01-11-2023 00:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Texas Longhorns check in at No. 7 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings. They are the highest ranked team in the Big 12.Ohio State, Georgia, Michigan, Florida State, Washington and Oregon are the six teams in order ahead of the Longhorns. Rival Oklahoma checks in at No. 9 after losing to Kansas last week.Three Big 12 teams other than Texas and Oklahoma find themselves in the initial rankings. Kansas checks in at 21 with Oklahoma State right behind them at 22. At 23
  
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