Austin news

• Bubonic plague case confirmed in Oregon. Will it spread?

  15-02-2024 23:47 via kxan.com
  
  PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Health officials in Oregon confirmed a case of human plague in a Deschutes County resident who they say was likely infected by their pet cat.According to Oregon Health Authority, the plague is rare in the state, with the last case being reported in 2015. In the U.S., an average of 7 cases of human plague are reported each year, according to the CDC, and about 80% of them are the bubonic form of the disease. Most of those cases were in the rural western and sout
  
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• How family-run Black's Barbecue has withstood the test of time

  15-02-2024 23:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — Black’s Barbecue has become one of Central Texas' longest-lasting, most successful restaurants — it's world-renowned. Matt’s El Rancho is one of America’s most successful restaurants — here’s howBut the torch passed down now for four generations — a rare feat in the business world — wasn't so hot for decades. The fact is, Black's could have ceased to exist on multiple occasions over the last 92 years as it w
  
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• Austin City Council begins steps to revive Blues on the Green

  15-02-2024 22:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin is moving forward with plans to try and develop a co-sponsorship process for live music events in the city, following Austin City Limits Radio's cancellation of its 2024 Blues on the Green event.When announcing the cancellation in January, ACL Radio officials cited rising costs as reasons behind foregoing the free concert series this year. On Thursday, Austin City Council unanimously approved a resolution to look into support opportunities to help sustain
  
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• After brief cancellation, Blues on the Green concert series returning this summer

  15-02-2024 22:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Blues on the Green is back on for the summer, according to a release from Austin City Limits Radio Friday.ACL Radio said the concert will return "thanks to Austin City Council’s approval of Resolution 23 and H-E-B’s increased financial support." The official name of the event is now Blues on the Green presented by H-E-B. PREVIOUS: Blues On The Green canceled for 2024, ACL Radio saysIn January, ACL Radio officials cited rising costs as reasons behind foregoing th
  
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• Austin Public Library sculpture graffitied, man now facing charges

  15-02-2024 22:55 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was arrested Monday and accused of graffitiing a sculpture outside of the Austin Public Library in downtown Austin.According to court documents, a security officer saw 40-year-old Jonathan Gonzales defacing art pieces outside of the library. The incident was also on the library’s surveillance cameras.KXAN reached out to Gonzales' attorney. This article will be upda
  
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• Tracking a strong Friday night cold front

  15-02-2024 22:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We are tracking a strong cold front slated to blow through the area Friday night, bringing the return of jacket weather all weekend.Ahead of the cooldown, cloudy, mild weather continues. A disturbance coming our way from Mexico will lead to scattered, light rain showers mainly south of the Austin area overnight into Friday morning. Rain totals will remain light at under 0.25".Only a few areas will get rainA strong cold front blows through the area Friday night largely rain-free,
  
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• Tampa Bay's 'Beer Can Island' goes on sale for $14.2 million

  15-02-2024 22:34 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – A party spot for generations of Tampa Bay area residents is on the market for just over $14 million.
  Pine Key, more commonly known as "Beer Can Island," is a 9-acre island that sits in Hillsborough Bay between MacDill Air Force Base and Apollo Beach.
  Boaters had anchored at the tiny island for decades before it was purchased by a group of friends six years ago and transformed into a members-only party spot. They set up bathrooms, thatched roof structures, a bar and an
  
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• How Texans can learn more about local produce, state-made wines

  15-02-2024 22:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new initiative from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is working to share the wonder of Texas farming, winemaking and other horticulture fields with a younger audience.Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will host a two-day conference, dubbed "Taste 360," on March 15-16 in an effort to connect attendees with local producers."What we're trying to do is to attract a younger audience as well — people who are interested in where their food comes from, how to grow health
  
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• How Texas quilters are making history in state-led competition

  15-02-2024 20:40 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Calling all quilters! The bi-annual Quilt Block Competition is returning, and this year’s theme is “Texas Agriculture Matters.”The announcement was made Thursday by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), who will be hosting the event."The themes of the quilts highlight various aspects of Texas agriculture and
  
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• Austin seeks federal funds to transform abandoned railroad tracks into future trail

  15-02-2024 19:56 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin is seeking up to $25 million in federal grant funds to help transform an abandoned railroad track in south Austin into a new trail system.Austin City Council approved Thursday submitting an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program. City leaders are seeking t
  
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• Luck Reunion 2024 lineup announced

  15-02-2024 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- This year's lineup for Willie Nelson's famous annual Luck Reunion is here. The one-day festival will feature over 40 artists including Willie Nelson and Family, Tyler Childers, Old Crow Medicine Show and many more.
  The 12th annual festival will return to Nelson's "Luck Ranch" on Thursday, March 14.
  2024 Luck Reunion Line-Up:
  BMI Song Swap 
  Claud
  Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country 
  Dawes / Lucius 
  Durand Jones
  Dylan LeBlanc
  Evangeline
  Folk Uke
  FRIKO
  Jobi Riccio**
  
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• Jennifer Lopez to play Austin's Moody Center this summer

  15-02-2024 17:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Let's get loud! Following a five-year touring break, Jennifer Lopez will bring her "This Is Me...Now" tour to Austin's Moody Center, with a planned performance on July 2.Lopez last toured in 2019, grossing more than $50 million during the concert series. Her 2024 tour will feature performances of songs from her past discography as well as her upcoming album, "This Is Me...Now," which will be released Friday.A JLo Fan Club presale begins Feb. 20 at 9 a.m. CT. The Moody Cente
  
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• Man posing as mover sentenced for not returning property to 80-year-old woman

  15-02-2024 15:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was sentenced Tuesday to eight years in prison and a $5,000 fine after being convicted of theft from the elderly, a third-degree felony.According to the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office, 31-year-old Jonathan Ruiz Oviedo defrauded an 80-year-old woman out of her belongings and money.The DA’s office said according to evidence presented at trial, the woman hired Oviedo to help her move in August 2021 after she saw him working on another moving job
  
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• Pioneer or ‘guinea pig?’ Central Texas highway testing tech for driverless trucks

  15-02-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – There’s a decent chance you’ve traveled next to a self-driving 18-wheeler on a Texas interstate.The reason you may not have noticed, said Mike Arellano, is because they travel with backup drivers sitting in the seats — not controlling the wheel but ready to take over in case of a problem. Arellano is the Austin deputy district engineer with the Texas Department of Transportation and is helping lead the charge to keep up with — and enhance — the
  
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• ATX Council: You could foot the bill for city climate change initiatives

  15-02-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin City Council has nearly 50 items on its agenda Thursday. Here's some of what we're watching:
  Funding for climate change efforts: ApprovedAustin City Council voted to take steps toward an “environmental investment plan” Thursday. The vote will kickstart the public input process and direct staff to bring back recommendations. Council Member Mackenzie Kelly was the lone vote against the plan.Austin City Council considering bond election to address climate changeT
  
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• Federal judge appears skeptical of new Texas immigration law that makes illegal entry a state crime

  15-02-2024 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas' novel immigration enforcement law got its first legal test in federal court Thursday, challenged by the Department of Justice and civil rights groups who argue the law is "plainly unconstitutional and anti-immigrant."Senate Bill 4 would empower state and local law enforcement to arrest suspected illegal immigrants and order them back across the border. The law creates a new state crime for crossing into Texas outside of a port of entry, punishable as a Class B mis
  
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• Texas Amber Alert issued for 12-year-old girl

  15-02-2024 13:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A child abduction alert was issued by the Texas Amber Alert network on Thursday for a 12-year-old last seen at 10 a.m. Wednesday off Brenna Road in Waxahachie, Texas.The Texas Department of Public Safety said the Waxahachie Police Department was searching for 12-year-old Tanya Jackson, who was described as a 5’7” Black girl, weighing approximately 170 pounds. Officials said she has black hair and brown eyes.Law enforcement officials believe Jackson is in grave o
  
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• Airport Advisory Commission seeks better traffic management during car crashes

  15-02-2024 12:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin's Airport Advisory Commission is recommending the airport staff to coordinate with state and local partners to ensure at least one lane of traffic is open near the airport under most circumstances so passengers can make their flight on time.
  The recommendation relates to instances when State Highway 71, the sole entrance and exit out of Austin's airport, is shut down due to a major crash. On Nov. 15 last year, a fatal crash shut down all eastbound lanes just before the ai
  
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• Security barriers not required at hospitals. Could that have prevented injuries?

  15-02-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Could a simple solution have prevented people from getting hurt?Investigators are still working to figure out what caused Tuesday's crash into the emergency room waiting area at St. David's North Austin Medical Center. The accident killed the driver and injured five people, including two children.
  Austin police identified the person behind the wheel of the sedan as Michelle Holloway, 57."There is no indication at this time that this is an intentional act, nor does it indica
  
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• Record-breaking 3.3K people used Austin homeless shelters last year, city says

  15-02-2024 04:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- More than 3,300 people used Austin homeless shelters last fiscal year, according to the City of Austin. It's a record-breaking number.
  Both the City of Austin's Homeless Strategy Office and Housing Department briefed Austin City Council Tuesday on overall efforts to shelter people experiencing homelessness, whether that be for the short or long-term.
  “The fact of the matter is we don’t have the luxury of choosing if we want to go all in on more shelters or 
  
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• Silver Alert issued for 2 Central Texans

  15-02-2024 02:25 via kxan.com
  
  GATESVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — The Bell County Sheriff's Office is looking for two people in their 70s last seen in Gatesville Tuesday night.A Silver Alert has been issued for David Fabrizius, 76, and Cherilynne Fabrizius, 75. They were last seen around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at 1207 East Main Street in Gatesville in a white, 2024 Honda Civic with a temporary Texas License Plate, 4895W17.Law enforcement said they are both diagnosed with a cognitive impairment, and their disappearance is a thre
  
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• 'Try to hold my tears back': Historic Fayette County Black cemetery being restored

  15-02-2024 02:21 via kxan.com
  
  FAYETTE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Ernest Anderson laid an old family photo album on the bed of his truck, flipping through generations of memories feet away from where many of his relatives are buried.
  At least a dozen of his loved ones were laid to rest in the historic all-Black cemetery Mt. Olive in Fayette County alongside hundreds of other deceased Black people. Many were veterans serving as far back as World War I. Others buried there were even slaves.
  Reminiscing alongside Anderson on W
  
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• Austin City Council to look at city's use of artificial intelligence

  15-02-2024 01:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Writing copy. Organizing data. Building models to predict trends. All things artificial intelligence can help us do. And it's a topic Austin City Council members are turning their attention to Thursday.
  "The University of Texas recently declared the year of AI this year, South by [Southwest] is around the corner, they have a lot of panels and discussions around AI. So this is an area where the City of Austin stands to lead when it comes to artificial intelligence," said Austin C
  
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