Austin news

• One person dead after drowning in Lake Travis, officials say

  04-12-2023 23:59 via kxan.com
  
  LAGO VISTA, Texas (KXAN) -- One person is dead after officials said they drowned in Lake Travis over the weekend.Shortly before 11:30 a.m. Saturday, the Travis County Sheriff's Office assisted Austin-Travis County EMS in responding to a water rescue in the 1200 block of Dusk Street in Lago Vista, according to TCSO.The Lake Travis Task Force also responded to the water rescue, which was later changed to a drowning call, medics said.
  According to TCSO, the person was pulled from the water by famil
  
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• Austin to roll out Safe Place training for parks, library staff next year

  04-12-2023 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin announced plans to provide training for all Austin Public Library and Parks and Recreation Department employees as part of the city's Safe Place program. AUSTIN NEWS: District attorney drops 17 police officer indictments tied to 2020 protestsThe Safe Place program created designated places "to address low reporting of anti-LGBTQ+ crimes," city officials said in a Friday memo. The goal of the program was to help improve reporting on criminal activities, im
  
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• Texas mom of victim from Santa Fe school shooting launches bid for Congress

  04-12-2023 22:24 via kxan.com
  
  SANTA FE, Texas (Nexstar) — Rhonda Hart, whose daughter was killed in the 2018 mass shooting at Santa Fe High School, announced Fridays she is running for Congress.Hart said she was already keen on political involvement, but her activism took a turn after the death of her daughter at the hands of a teenaged gunman who used his father's firearms. Since that tragedy, Hart has been focused on getting safe gun storage laws passed at the state and federal level.The Democrat plans to challenge i
  
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• District attorney drops 17 police officer indictments tied to 2020 protests

  04-12-2023 22:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Indictments against 17 Austin Police officers tied to protests in 2020 will be dismissed, according to a joint release from the Travis County District Attorney's office and the City of Austin. Those officers will be allowed back on duty.PREVIOUS: 18 indicted APD officers have bonded out so farA total of 21 Austin police officers were indicted after May 2020 protests in downtown Austin following the deaths of George Floyd and Michael Ramos. A release from the Travis County Distri
  
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• Are you my owner? Emus spotted in Leander neighborhood

  04-12-2023 22:02 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — A Leander couple is searching for the owner of an injured emu they rescued after it was spotted in their neighborhood near RM 1431 and Big Sandy Creek.Hailey and Ross Copland said their tiny neighborhood's email chain burst with activity around Thanksgiving when several neighbors chimed in that five or six emus had been spotted nearby. The Coplands initially didn't think much of it, until Ross was with their two children at their neighbor's house and spotted an emu
  
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• Williamson Co. EMS said 'data event' affected personal information of patients

  04-12-2023 22:01 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- On Monday, Williamson County EMS said a "data event" may have affected patients' "privacy of personal information," according to a county news release.On Aug. 10, EMS Management and Consultants, Inc. (EMS|MC) mailed notice letters to patients for a transition of their accounts as the new billing vendor for Williamson County EMS. However, during the mailing process, officials said the letter was mailed "as the ambulance point of pickup rather than the home addre
  
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• Seasonably cool weather returns

  04-12-2023 21:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Lovely December weather blew into the area behind the recent cold front. Expect brisk nights and mild, sunny days early this week.Tuesday morning low temperatures dip into the 30s in many rural areas and suburbs.Forecast low temperatures Tuesday morningHigh temperatures for the next several days will be very comfortable, in the upper 60s to lower 70s. Breezy south winds return late this week ahead of a broad western storm, raising Friday's high temperatures locally to near 80 de
  
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• Dallas murder suspect dies of self-inflicted gunshot after running from DPS in Austin, crashing car

  04-12-2023 20:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Dallas murder suspect died from a self-inflicted wound in Austin Sunday evening after attempting to get away from a Department of Public Safety trooper then crashing the car he was driving.
  DPS information officer Sgt. Deon Cockrell told KXAN troopers received information of a murder suspect, identified as Byron Carrillo, 21, driving south on Interstate 35 in a Jeep Grand Cherokee and tried to stop the vehicle around 8:30 p.m. Sunday.
  Carrillo continued driving away from
  
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• Austin Police seeking volunteers for Blue Santa holiday toy deliveries

  04-12-2023 20:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is looking for volunteers to help spread some cheer this holiday season.APD's Operation Blue Santa program is enlisting volunteers to help deliver presents and food to Austin families on Dec. 16. The following locations will operate as part of the Blue Santa delivery network:
  Blue Santa Warehouse: 4101 S. Industrial Drive, Ste. 260, AustinGreen Garage at the Domain: Feathergrass Court, next to Dillard'sAPD East Substation: 812 Springdale Road, A
  
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• Texas foster kids' lawyers ask federal judge to consider 'drastic' step for reforms

  04-12-2023 19:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Twelve years into a lawsuit over the treatment of Texas children in long-term foster care, a federal judge will consider taking some of the toughest and most extreme actions yet against the state.  Lawyers representing thousands of children in the state’s care asked U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack to not only fine the state for not complying with certain court orders for reforms but also to consider placing parts of the child welfare system into what’s cal
  
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• Initial lineup announced for Moontower Just for Laughs comedy fest; Tickets go on sale this week

  04-12-2023 19:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Moontower Just for Laughs Comedy festival announced its initial lineup of performers from a list of over 100 comedians that will take over Austin for two weeks next spring.
  Some well-known acts will hit stages in Austin next April and will include the likes of Andrew Schulz with his "The Life Tour," Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey with their podcast "Office Ladies," a Q&A with Alan Ruck following a screening of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," and many more.
  Moontower Comedy
  
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• How to avoid fake ticket resales for UT's Sugar Bowl game

  04-12-2023 19:27 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video at the top of this story shows KXAN’s morning headlines for Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hook 'em! The University of Texas at Austin will face off against the Washington Huskies in New Orleans Jan. 1 as part of the College Football Playoff Semifinals. As Longhorn fans rush to get their hands on bowl tickets, experts caution against falling for any fraudulent resale offers.Gary Adler serves as executive director and counsel for the National Assoc
  
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• City of Stillwater releases new details on longhorn carcass investigation

  04-12-2023 19:16 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is previous coverage from KFOR-TV of the investigation.STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) — The City of Stillwater provided new details on Saturday as the investigation regarding the dead longhorn illegally dumped on the lawn of FarmHouse fraternity at Oklahoma State University continues.According to the city, Stillwater Police are working in collaboration with Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Agricuture Investigative Services Unit, Noble County Sheriff's Office and
  
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• Round Rock HS to keep color guard team after proposed discontinuation

  04-12-2023 18:31 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video at the top of this story shows KXAN’s morning headlines for Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Round Rock High School will continue with its color guard team after considering a possible discontinuation, district officials confirmed to KXAN.A Round Rock Independent School District spokesperson told KXAN a proposal had been made to make changes to RRHS' color guard program. The spokesperson added that proposal was dropped after RRHS administ
  
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• Study names Austin as one of the most fun cities in the US

  04-12-2023 17:56 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — When you think of the most fun cities in America, what comes to mind?
  WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities based on 65 pertinent metrics. The three key dimensions were entertainment and recreation, nightlife and parties, and overall costs."WalletHub compared 182 cities — including the 150 most populated U.S. cities, plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state," WalletHub stated.Las Vegas, Nevada, topped the list as the most fun city in Am
  
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• Texas Stars giving fans a unique way to donate to children in need

  04-12-2023 17:43 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) -- If you've ever felt the urge to throw something onto the ice and pause the action during a hockey game, you'll get your chance FridayDuring the Texas Stars' game at the H-E-B Center, fans are encouraged to bring as many teddy bears as they can carry, and throw them down onto the ice.
  Stars Broadcasting and Media Relations Manager John Peterson said the mayhem ensues as soon as the puck hits the back of the net.
  "As soon as they score their first goal... Texas Stars fa
  
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• Austin resident wins $3 million in scratch-off lottery game

  04-12-2023 17:27 via kxan.com
  
  TX 750 Million Winners Circle 2053 (Photo courtesy: Texas Lottery)
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An Austin resident is $3 million richer after claiming a winning ticket they bought at a north Austin convenience store in a scratch-off lottery game.
  The resident, who chose to remain anonymous, claimed a top prize winning ticket worth $3 million in the Texas Lottery scratch ticket game "$750 Million Winner's Circle."
  The ticket was purchased at a Texan Mart at 10401 N. Interstate 35, in Austin.This was the 11t
  
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• Round Rock ISD trustees called to return donations from embattled PAC

  04-12-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) – Two Round Rock Independent School District board members are facing calls to return thousands of campaign dollars they received from a political group, following news of the former president of the group meeting with a widely known white supremacist, antisemitic podcaster.The group under fire for the meeting – Defend Texas Liberty PAC – donated $13,000 to RRISD Trustee Mary Bone and $18,000 to trustee Danielle Weston in December 2021, according to Tex
  
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• Restaurants open in Austin on Christmas Eve, Day

  04-12-2023 13:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- 'Tis the season to be merry, bright and stuffed with delicious food! Whether you don't celebrate Christmas or you're looking for a nice holiday meal out, here's a look at some of the Austin restaurants that'll be open on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day.Carve American GrilleCarve will offer a three-course prix fixe menu on Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Curbside pickup services are available from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with meals costing $69 per person. For dine-in services, g
  
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• How much does it cost to see Texas play in the Sugar Bowl?

  04-12-2023 04:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's a great day to be a Texas Longhorn: The University of Texas at Austin will head to the College Football Playoff Semifinals in New Orleans to face off against the Washington Huskies on January 1.
  There's no doubt UT fans will be in the crowd. But how much could it end up costing?Plane ticket costsKaty Nastro is a travel expert with Going.com, a travel deal-finding service.
  "It is a free service, but we also have paid service for, if you want first class deals, business
  
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