Austin news

• Georgetown residents to receive water meter upgrade by 2025

  28-02-2024 23:53 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — Georgetown residents may experience upcoming water service outages, as the Georgetown Water Utility begins updating its metering system.
  The company said updates will include access to live water usage data and the installation of 23,500 smart meters through an Advanced Metering Infrastructure system by September 2025.According to the utility, the live usage d
  
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• How is Austin preparing for the April total eclipse?

  28-02-2024 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  CENTRAL TEXAS (KXAN) — Following lessons learned during October's annular solar eclipse, Austin city leaders outlined Monday several preparations to be taken in advance of the total solar eclipse on April 8 to keep people safe while also marveling at the natural phenomenon.Public safety effortsThe City of Austin's Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) operates its Ready Central Texas webpage with specific information flagged for the April eclipse. Along with the online resource gui
  
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• Even colder on Thursday with scattered rain showers

  28-02-2024 22:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- North winds are blowing in colder air behind a Wednesday morning cold front. Temperatures get even chillier under gray skies on Thursday with a higher likelihood of a few passing rain showers.Wind gusts reached 45 miles per hour on Wednesday at Austin-Bergstrom Airport, but have settled down since. A continued breeze of 10-20 mph is in the forecast overnight, dropping low temperatures into the 30s and 40s.Cloudy skies continue on Thursday as a compact storm traverses the state.
  
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• Over 120 firefighters battling blaze at southeast Austin building near I-35

  28-02-2024 21:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Fire Department is battling an intense, three-alarm fire in south Austin that started Wednesday afternoon. AFD said over 120 firefighters are working to extinguish the fire. PHOTOS: Several wildfires burn in Texas PanhandleAt 2:20 p.m., AFD said crews responded to the three-story building with a "defensive" fire in the 2900 block of South Interstate 35 service road northbound, the agency said on social media. That's near Oltorf and Woodward Street.
  AFD said there was
  
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• Cause of southeast Austin blaze undetermined, estimated at $3M loss

  28-02-2024 21:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Operations have concluded Thursday after a four-alarm structure fire that happened Wednesday in south Austin, the Austin Fire Department said.The blaze started Wednesday afternoon, and AFD said over 120 firefighters worked to extinguish the fire. One firefighter was injured, and no civilians were injured. PHOTOS: Several wildfires burn in Texas PanhandleAFD said crews responded to the three-story building with a "defensive" fire in the 2900 block of South Interstate 35 service r
  
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• AFD responds to 'fully involved,' burning southeast Austin building near I-35

  28-02-2024 21:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Fire Department is battling a three-alarm fire in south Austin with the building fully involved, the agency said on social media Wednesday. PHOTOS: Several wildfires burn in Texas PanhandleAt 2:20 p.m., AFD said crews responded to the three-story building with a "defensive" fire in the 2900 block of South Interstate 35 service road northbound. That's near Oltorf and Woodward Street.
  AFD said there was a structural collapse on the second floor of the building with "mul
  
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• AFD responds to 'fully involved,' burning south Austin building

  28-02-2024 21:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Fire Department is battling a two-alarm fire in south Austin with the building fully involved, the agency said on social media Wednesday.At 2:20 p.m., AFD said crews responded to the three-story building with a "defensive" fire in the 2900 block of South Interstate 35 service road northbound. That's near Oltorf and Woodward Street.
  AFD said there was a structural collapse on the second floor of the building with "multiple exposures," which means there is more danger a
  
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• 1 firefighter injured in southeast Austin blaze, fire now under control

  28-02-2024 21:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One firefighter was injured after a three-alarm fire in south Austin that is now under control, the Austin Fire Department said. No civilians were injured.The blaze started Wednesday afternoon, and AFD said over 120 firefighters are working to extinguish the fire. PHOTOS: Several wildfires burn in Texas PanhandleAt 2:20 p.m., AFD said crews responded to the three-story building with a "defensive" fire in the 2900 block of South Interstate 35 service road northbound, the agency s
  
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• PHOTOS: Several wildfires burn in Texas Panhandle

  28-02-2024 21:05 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS PANHANDLE (KXAN) -- Residents in several counties in Texas' panhandle were issued evacuation orders as multiple wildfires have burned and spread in the area since Monday.
  One of the fires, called the Smokehouse Creek wildfire in Hutchinson County, has now grown to 500,000 acres, making it the second largest wildfire in Texas history, according to maps and archives from the Texas A&M Forest Service.In this photo provided by the Flower Mound, Texas, Fire Department, Flower Mound firefigh
  
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• PHOTOS: Panhandle fire grows to largest wildfire in Texas history

  28-02-2024 21:05 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS PANHANDLE (KXAN) -- Residents in several counties in Texas' Panhandle were issued evacuation orders as multiple wildfires have burned and spread in the area since Monday.
  One of the fires, called the Smokehouse Creek wildfire in Hutchinson County, became the largest in state history Thursday, growing to nearly 1,700 square miles (4,400 square kilometers), or about 1,075,000 acres, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
  The Smokehouse Creek Fire merged with another blaze and is 3% c
  
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• PHOTOS: Panhandle fire grows to 2nd-largest wildfire in Texas history

  28-02-2024 21:05 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS PANHANDLE (KXAN) -- Residents in several counties in Texas' Panhandle were issued evacuation orders as multiple wildfires have burned and spread in the area since Monday.
  One of the fires, called the Smokehouse Creek wildfire in Hutchinson County, has now grown to 850,000 acres, making it the second-largest wildfire in Texas history, according to maps and archives from the Texas A&M Forest Service.In this photo provided by the Flower Mound, Texas, Fire Department, Flower Mound firefigh
  
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• Austin Mayor announces new infrastructure academy to build construction workforce

  28-02-2024 19:38 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Mayor Kirk Watson announced Wednesday plans for a new infrastructure academy to help build a local pipeline of workers for major construction and transportation projects in the region.
  It's tied to an agenda item that the city council will take up March 7.
  According to the resolution, the Austin Infrastructure Academy would be a "one-of-a-kind public-private infrastruc
  
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• Yeomans Moments: Reflecting on David's 12 years at KXAN

  28-02-2024 19:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Austin says goodbye to Chief Meteorologist David Yeomans, KXAN is reflecting on some of his memorable on-air moments, achievements and weather coverage.We announced that David would be leaving KXAN on Monday after 12 years. When the time is right, he'll announce where he's going next. Temporarily, former chief Jim Spencer will fill in on the evening newscasts.
  On Tuesday, David joined KXAN Live's Will DuPree to talk about his departure and discuss some Central Texas weat
  
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• 'Telling them he had a heart condition': LivePD crew member testifies at in-custody death trial

  28-02-2024 19:11 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is KXAN's day coverage of the trial.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The third day of trial for two former Williamson County Sheriff's Deputies charged with the in-custody death of Javier Ambler started with testimony from a LivePD crew member who was at the scene the night Ambler died.The television show, which aired on A&E network then, filmed Ambler and the deputies' interaction. The video didn't air. RECAP Day Two: Questions arise over videos during trial of WCSO depu
  
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• 'Telling them he had a heart condition': Live PD crew member testifies at in-custody death trial

  28-02-2024 19:11 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is KXAN's day coverage of the trial.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The third day of trial for two former Williamson County Sheriff's deputies charged in connection with the in-custody death of Javier Ambler started with testimony from a Live PD crew member who was at the scene the night Ambler died. RECAP Day Two: Questions arise over videos during trial of WCSO deputies for in-custody death of Javier AmblerThe television show, which aired on A&E network then, filmed Am
  
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• Texas is set to execute Ivan Cantu on Wednesday. But is he guilty?

  28-02-2024 18:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- As the sun sets on Feb. 28, the State of Texas will end Ivan Cantu's 50 years of life in a Huntsville death chamber -- the ultimate punishment for the two lives he was convicted of taking more than two decades ago. But those who condemned him to death are now calling on the state to save his life.Cantu was found guilty of shooting and killing his cousin, James Mosqueda, and Mosqueda's fiancée Amy Kitchen in 2000. But mounting exculpatory evidence has cast doubt on Cant
  
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• McConnell will step down as the Senate Republican leader in November after a record run in the job

  28-02-2024 18:36 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in history who maintained his power in the face of dramatic convulsions in the Republican Party for almost two decades, will step down from that position in November.
  McConnell, who turned 82 last week, was set to announce his decision Wednesday in the well of the Senate, a place where he looked in awe from its back benches in 1985 when he arrived and where he grew increasingly comfortable in the front row seat afforded t
  
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• 5 arrested, charged in Hays County robberies

  28-02-2024 18:23 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2024.HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Four people were arrested in Hays County on charges connected to a string of robberies, and additional charges were added for a fifth person, according to county officials.Officials said the robberies occurred at various convenience stores in the area, and the individuals were arrested between Dec. 26 and Feb. 14. The Kyle Police Department, Buda Police Department a
  
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• Expedia Group Austin to lay off dozens of employees, per WARN notice

  28-02-2024 17:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A WARN notice from the Texas Workforce Commission indicated that dozens of employees at the Expedia Austin office are being fired.
  The notice said 64 Expedia Group Inc. employees would be laid off from the Austin office.
  An Expedia Group spokesperson said in a statement the company will be "reviewing operations" this year, which it expects will result in 1,500 roles being impacted across the globe. They also said that "consultation with local employee representatives, where appl
  
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• Missing Kyle girl found safe

  28-02-2024 17:07 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) -- An 11-year-old girl who was reported missing by the Kyle Police Department Wednesday morning was found safe.
  Police said in a Facebook post Wednesday morning they were searching for the girl, but later updated that she had been found safe.
  
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• Kyle police searching for missing 11-year-old girl

  28-02-2024 17:07 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) -- The Kyle Police Department is asking for the public's help locating a missing 11-year-old girl.
  Police said in a Facebook post Blakely Pierce was last seen shortly before 5 a.m. Wednesday. She was last seen wearing a dark-colored zip-up long sleeve and dark-colored pants. She also had clear glasses.Kyle Police searching for missing 11-year-old Blakely Pierce (Photo: Kyle Police Department)Kyle Police searching for missing 11-year-old Blakely Pierce (Photo: Kyle Police Depar
  
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• Central Texas aerospace company expands to prepare for new space age

  28-02-2024 16:28 via kxan.com
  
  BRIGGS, TX (KXAN) -- More rockets will soon be built in the Austin-area. Firefly Aerospace, an end-to-end space transportation company, think space truckers, is unveiling their newest Rocket Ranch facility today.
  The expanded facility will allow the company to produce and assemble new rockets, as well as test engines with 230,000 pounds of thrust. A new 100-foot test stand is part of the facility.In addition, the facility will give the company access to a new automated fiber placement machine, a
  
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• Local non-profit celebrates 100 years of service Saturday night

  28-02-2024 14:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – An Austin non-profit organization marking 100 years in the area said Monday it is inviting the community to a celebration this coming weekend.United Way for Greater Austin will host its annual A Night United on Saturday night from 6 to 10.The non-profit said the event would include a live auction of tickets to see Taylor Swift in New Orleans.The event will be at Fair Market on 1100 E. 5th Street.     Online tickets were $300.United Way is also selling 10
  
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• Leap Day deals from Wendy's, Krispy Kreme and more

  28-02-2024 14:01 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Leap Day is just one day away, but you can already take advantage of some deals in honor of the once-in-four-years phenom.Unlike non-Leap Years, February will have a 29th day on Thursday, but why?The thing to know is that leap year exists, in large part, to keep the months in sync with annual events, including equinoxes and solstices, according to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology.It’s a correction to counter the fact that E
  
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• Central Texas Food Bank creates art competition to help in combating hunger

  28-02-2024 13:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Central Texas Food Bank has launched its inaugural ‘Feeding Creativity’ Youth Art Competition.Elementary, middle and high school students from across the 21-county service area are invited to showcase their talents for a meaningful cause.The winning student’s artwork will be printed on one of the Food Bank’s 18-wheeler trucks, which travels throughout Central Texas.Sari Vatske is the president and CEO of Central Texas Food Bank. She said she fear
  
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• Recycling solar panels: one company closing the loop

  28-02-2024 12:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Solar panels can last several decades, but these panels don't last forever. Throwing away solar panels at the end of their use would be detrimental to the environment, which serves to counter why many people choose to go solar in the first place.
  KXAN Meteorologist Nick Bannin spoke with Suva Sharma, the CEO of Solarcycle, a company working to recycle solar panels and turn them into new ones.KXAN Meteorologist Nick Bannin: Suvi, your company specializes in recycling solar panels
  
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• Blast of cooler air comes in with gusty winds

  28-02-2024 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's cold front day!A strong cold front will continue to race south across our area this morning. In it's wake, gusty winds and much cooler temperatures will spread across Central Texas through the day.Winds out of the north are likely to reach 20-35 mph sustained while gusts could potentially get up to 45 mph. A Wind Advisory is in effect until 4 p.m. today.Temperatures will struggle to leave the 50s most of today, nearly 30° cooler than what we felt yesterday and Monday.Li
  
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• HHSC warns about fraudsters targeting Lone Star Card users

  28-02-2024 12:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A state agency warned Tuesday about a telephone fraud scheme targeting people using a state benefits card.The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) said it is getting more complaints about the fraud involving Lone Star Card holders who get benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).According to the agency's warning, the HHSC's Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports that its Fraud Hotli
  
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• DPS investigating fatality on Highway 71

  28-02-2024 12:27 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas – The Department of Public Safety said early Wednesday morning it is investigating a fatality on State Highway 71 in Bastrop County.
  According to DPS Dispatch, DPS got word of the incident around 11:20 p.m. Tuesday.
  It occured on eastbound Highway 71 and Enchanted Cove, DPS said. That just 5 miles northwest of Highway 21 in Wyldwood.KXAN requested more information from DPS about the fatality and will update the article when we get more details.
  
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• Texas ex Peyton Stearns falls in ATX Open first round

  28-02-2024 06:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Former NCAA Tennis Singles National Champion Peyton Stearns fell in the opening round of the second ever ATX Open. The former Longhorns star lost in three sets to Anna Karolína Schmiedlová.After Schmiedlová took the first set 6-2, Stearns rallied for a hard-fought 6-4 second set victory. The crowd was heavily in favor of the Texas ex."For me, I think it helps a lot when the crowd is for me chanting," said Stearns. "[It] kind of gives you an adrenaline rush an
  
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• APD responding to SWAT situation in south Austin

  28-02-2024 04:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department said it is responding to a SWAT situation in south Austin.Shortly after 9 p.m., APD said it responded to the incident in the area of Corral Lane and S. IH-35 Frontage Road, the agency said on social media Tuesday.APD said it will give an update about the incident at 10 p.m. in a media briefing.
  
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• APD: One arrested after SWAT situation in south Austin

  28-02-2024 04:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person was arrested after Austin Police responded to a SWAT callout situation in south Austin on Tuesday, the agency said during a media briefing.Around 4:42 p.m., 911 dispatch received a call from someone saying his son was causing a disturbance in his home at 600 Corral Lane. That's near South Interstate 35 Frontage Road. He told dispatch his son was breaking glass inside the home, APD Public Information Officer Ariel Crumes said during the briefing.APD initially responded
  
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• Travis County firefighters deploying to assist in panhandle fires

  28-02-2024 03:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Travis County Emergency Services District 1 firefighters are headed to the Texas panhandle to assist in fighting several large blazes burning more than 275,000 acres.According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the blaze has closed down major highways, and several counties has been evacuated.TCESD1 is joining the Killeen Fire Department, Kyle Fire Department/Hays County ESD No. 5, Pflugerville Fire Departments/Travis County ESD #2, Temple Fire and Rescue and Moffett Fire Depar
  
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• Here are 3 things Austin City Council is trying to do about climate change right now

  28-02-2024 03:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- From Mayor Kirk Watson announcing he wants the City of Austin to shut down its portion of the Fayette Power Plant no later than 2029, to the possibility of a climate change bond election later this year, there's a renewed focus at City Hall on climate change issues.
  City Council members say it's a top priority for them to both prevent further climate change and prepare for the impacts of changes already happening."It's going to mean more damages for our communities, so more infr
  
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• Austin's 2024 homicide rate compared to last year's

  28-02-2024 03:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Three homicides happened in Austin over the course of the last week.This prompted many people on social media to either inquire about this year's homicide rate compared to last year's - as well as make claims about the number of homicides dramatically increasing. MAP: Where have Austin’s homicides occurred in 2024?In reality, according to information KXAN has received from the Austin Police Department (APD), there have been 11 homicides so far this year, while in 2023, the
  
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• 3 homicides in one week, comparing Austin's 2024 homicide rate to 2023

  28-02-2024 03:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Three homicides happened in Austin over the course of the last week.This prompted many people on social media to either inquire about this year's homicide rate compared to last year's - as well as make claims about the number of homicides dramatically increasing. MAP: Where have Austin’s homicides occurred in 2024?In reality, according to information KXAN has received from the Austin Police Department (APD), there have been 11 homicides so far this year, while in 2023, the
  
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• Round Rock Police investigating vehicle-motorcycle crash

  28-02-2024 02:54 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- The Round Rock Police Department a vehicle-motorcycle crash, the agency said on social media Tuesday.Shortly after 7 p.m., officers responded to the crash at A.W. Grimes Boulevard and Bryant Drive.All northbound lanes were previously closed, but shortly before 7:45 p.m., police said all lanes were back open.
  
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• Austin Water proposes recommendations for GoPurple Program

  28-02-2024 01:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Water will make recommendations to Austin City Council in hopes of launching the GoPurple Program, which works to advance the city's reuse strategies all while addressing affordability.When wastewater leaves a home or business, it enters the wastewater collection system and is treated, according to a City of Austin memo. One the water is treated, it can be recycled and reused for non-drinking purposes.
  Then, the pipelines that carry the recycled water back to the communit
  
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• California woman known as the oldest living American dies weeks after turning 116

  28-02-2024 00:48 via kxan.com
  
  (KTXL) — Edith “Edie” Ceccarelli, who recently celebrated her 116th birthday and was known as the oldest living American, has died. Ceccarelli died on Feb. 22 — 17 days after her 116th birthday, according to Suzanne Picetti-Johnson, who helped organize Ceccarelli’s birthday parade in early February.Picetti-Johnson told Nexstar's KTXL that Edie died peacefully in her sleep sometime in the afternoon. “She was an inspiration to all of us on how to live
  
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• Circuit of the Americas to host Bésame Mucho Festival Saturday

  28-02-2024 00:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 90 Spanish musicians will perform Saturday at the Circuit of the Americas for the Bésame Mucho Festival.
  The packed lineup runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. across four themed stages: Las Clasicas, Beso, Rockero and Te Gusta El Pop? (classic, banda, rock and pop), according to the festival's website.Austin is the festival's first expansion after launching in Los Angeles in 2023. This year, headliners include Los Tigres El Norte, Grupo Frontera, Los Tucanes De Ti
  
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• Former Hays CISD teacher investigated for allegedly giving alcohol to students

  28-02-2024 00:23 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) --- A former Hays Consolidated Independent School District teacher is under investigation for allegedly providing alcohol to students.
  Hays CISD said it received an allegation that a Johnson High School teacher may have provided alcohol to students.
  The district told KXAN it immediately placed the teacher on administrative leave and launched an internal investigation after hearing the allegations.Lago Vista ISD investigating community member presenting as ‘private
  
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