Austin news

• Sources: National Guard helicopter crashes near border, killing two

  08-03-2024 23:53 via kxan.com
  
  (Nexstar) — A National Guard helicopter crashed near Rio Grande City on Friday afternoon, leaving at least two people dead, multiple law enforcement sources confirmed to Nexstar.At least four people are critically injured, Texas Department of Public Safety South Texas Regional Director Victor Escalon told Nexstar. Escalon could not independently confirm further information and directed inquiries to the Texas Military Department.The Starr County Sheriff's Office said the crash happened on t
  
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• Sources: National Guard helicopter crashes near border, killing three

  08-03-2024 23:53 via kxan.com
  
  (Nexstar) — A National Guard helicopter crashed near Rio Grande City on Friday afternoon, leaving three people dead, according to multiple reports.The helicopter went down in La Grulla, a small town in east Starr County on the Rio Grande River, Lt. Chris Olivarez with the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed.DPS South Texas Regional Director Victor Escalon told Nexstar on Friday, "At least four people may be critically injured," but could not independently confirm further informatio
  
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• Sources: National Guard helicopter crashes near border, killing at least two

  08-03-2024 23:53 via kxan.com
  
  (Nexstar) — A National Guard helicopter crashed near Rio Grande City on Friday afternoon, leaving at least two people dead, multiple law enforcement sources confirmed to Nexstar.The helicopter went down in La Grulla, a small town in east Starr County on the Rio Grande River, Lt. Chris Olivarez with the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed.At least four people may be critically injured, DPS South Texas Regional Director Victor Escalon told Nexstar. Escalon could not independently con
  
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• National Guard helicopter crashes near border, killing three

  08-03-2024 23:53 via kxan.com
  
  (Nexstar) — A National Guard helicopter crashed near Rio Grande City on Friday afternoon, leaving three people dead, according to multiple reports.The helicopter went down in La Grulla, a small town in east Starr County on the Rio Grande, Lt. Chris Olivarez with the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed.DPS South Texas Regional Director Victor Escalon told Nexstar on Friday, "At least four people may be critically injured," but could not independently confirm further information and
  
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• Javier Ambler verdict and the Travis County District Attorney's race

  08-03-2024 23:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Following the not guilty verdict for two deputies charged in the in-custody death of Javier Ambler, KXAN aims to provide context on how this relates to the Travis County District Attorney race.
  District Attorney Jose Garza won the Democratic primary this week, advancing to the November general election. Garza will face off against Republican challenger Daniel Betts. Incumbent José Garza wins Democratic primary in Travis Co. District Attorney raceThe final stretch of his p
  
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• ER visits for children accidentally eating melatonin have spiked drastically: CDC

  08-03-2024 23:46 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — Unsupervised exposures of infants and young children to melatonin have increased substantially in recent years, landing thousands of children in the emergency room. The number of kids aged 5 and younger who went to an emergency room for unsupervised melatonin ingestion increased 420 percent from 2009 to 2020, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More recently, melatonin was implicated in approximately 11,000 emergency depar
  
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• PHOTOS: First day of South by Southwest 2024

  08-03-2024 23:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Friday marked the first day of South by Southwest 2024 in downtown Austin.The Austin Convention Center and venues nearby were buzzing with attendees visiting different panels and activations.One of the more popular events on day one included a discussion on women's representation in media from Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, Katie Couric, Brooke Shields, Nancy Wang Yuen and Errin Haines.
  AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 08: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the Breaking Barriers, Shapi
  
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• Austin gets additional funds for tree trimming following multiple weather events

  08-03-2024 23:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin City Council approved $28 million in additional funding for tree trimming and vegetation management around Austin Energy (AE) electrical distribution lines, according to a statement from the utility.According to an AE statement, the funding on the current contracts was depleted quicker than expected, partially due to multiple weather events. Tree trouble: Focus on vegetation management after Austin power outages“The additional funding aids Austin Energy&rsq
  
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• DAA: Man attempts to steal vehicle from parking garage, crashes inside

  08-03-2024 22:41 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Friday, March 8, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, a police report was filed for a vehicle stolen from a parking garage in downtown Austin.The incident occurred near Fifth Street and Colorado at approximately 11:30 a.m., according to a release."The vehicle crashed inside the garage, and the thief fled the garage on foot," the Downtown Austin Alliance said.Security camera photographs of the suspect are provided below
  
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• Cookie Monster has a 'real name' — and it isn't Cookie Monster

  08-03-2024 21:57 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Aside from Big Bird or Guy Smiley, Cookie Monster is probably the most aptly named character on Sesame Street.If indeed “Cookie Monster” were his actual name.First, some history: The Muppet that would eventually become known as Cookie Monster was first developed by Jim Henson in the mid-1960s for a snack commercial, where he was unofficially referred to as a “wheel stealer” due to his penchant for stealing wheel-shaped cheese crackers.That commercial nev
  
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• Update: Kansas City candidate exits Austin's city manager race

  08-03-2024 21:04 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is KXAN's previous coverage of Austin's three city manager finalists.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Brian Platt, one of the candidates selected to move forward in Austin's city manager race, dropped out of the process, according to a Sunday post from Mayor Kirk Watson's office.Austin mayor, council members share thoughts on top city manager candidatesOn Friday, the Mayor's Office pushed back against reports that Platt was withdrawing."You may have seen a news report indicating t
  
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• Kansas City candidate still in Austin's city manager race despite reports, mayor says

  08-03-2024 21:04 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is KXAN's previous coverage on Austin's three city manager finalists.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Brian Platt, one of the candidates selected to move forward in Austin's city manager race, has not dropped out of the process, despite reports from a Kansas City outlet, according to a post to council members from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.Austin mayor, council members share thoughts on top city manager candidates"You may have seen a news report indicating that the Kansas City Coun
  
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• These school districts have canceled classes for the April 8 total solar eclipse

  08-03-2024 20:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Several Central Texas school districts have canceled classes on April 8, the day a total solar eclipse will be visible across much of the region.Marble Falls ISD called it "kind of a once-in-a-lifetime thing for our students." How much of the sun will be covered in your city during April’s solar eclipse?The district is one of several that have made the day a student holiday. KXAN has created the following map and list of districts across our viewing area who have also
  
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• ‘No hard feelings’: Javier Ambler’s father embraces defendants following not guilty verdict

  08-03-2024 20:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following four hours of deliberation, jurors found two former Williamson County Sheriff’s deputies not guilty of manslaughter Thursday night related to the in-custody death of Javier Ambler.Once the court was dismissed, the families of defendants James Johnson and Zach Camden rushed to embrace the former deputies. Some with tears in their eyes.Moments later, Javier Ambler Sr., Ambler's father, approached the defense counsel, offering a handshake. He then turned first
  
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• Memphis murder suspect arrested in Cedar Park

  08-03-2024 19:57 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Friday, March 8, 2024.CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — On Thursday afternoon, members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested a man wanted in connection to a deadly shooting in Shelby County, Tennessee.
  Investigators linked Devin Trust, 21, to a December homicide in Memphis. According to court documents, two groups of men met at a car wash for a gun trade and to buy marijuana on Dec. 14, 2023. It ended with four peo
  
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• Travis County issues disaster declaration ahead of total solar eclipse

  08-03-2024 19:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County said it would take emergency measures ahead of the total solar eclipse set to take place in exactly one month.The declaration was in anticipation of large crowds, increased traffic and strains on first responders, hospitals and roads related to the eclipse. Travis County Judge Andy Brown issued the declaration. RELATED: Total eclipse traffic drives some Texas schools to cancel classMuch of Central Texas, including Travis County, is expected to have some of the
  
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• LIVE: Travis County issues disaster declaration ahead of total solar eclipse

  08-03-2024 19:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County said it would take emergency measures ahead of the total solar eclipse set to take place in exactly one month.The declaration was in anticipation of large crowds, increased traffic and strains on first responders, hospitals and roads related to the eclipse. Travis County Judge Andy Brown issued the declaration. RELATED: These school districts have canceled classes for the April 8 total solar eclipseMuch of Central Texas, including Travis County, is expected to
  
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• How springing forward to daylight saving time could affect your health — and how to prepare

  08-03-2024 19:17 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Most of America “springs forward” Sunday for daylight saving time and losing that hour of sleep can do more than leave you tired and cranky the next day. It also could harm your health.Darker mornings and more evening light together knock your body clock out of whack — which means daylight saving time can usher in sleep trouble for weeks or longer. Studies have even found an uptick in heart attacks and strokes right after the March time change.
  
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• All the times Biden mentioned Texas during his State of the Union

  08-03-2024 18:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — President Joe Biden's State of the Union speech featured Texas or Texans throughout as he talked about major topics affecting the nation.As he highlighted the "chaos that has resulted" from overturning Roe v. Wade, he acknowledged Kate Cox. She was the mom at the center of a challenge to Texas' abortion ban last year when she tried to receive one under the ban's medical exceptions. The case went to the Texas Supreme Court, which denied an abortion. In the meantime, as the l
  
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• Willing to ditch your gas mower? Austin considering new incentives

  08-03-2024 18:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin City Council passed a resolution Thursday allowing the city manager to explore expanding Austin Energy's electric lawn care equipment rebate.The goal of the resolution was to help cut down on toxic emissions, as well as incentivize Austinites to ditch gas-powered equipment for less harmful alternatives. PAST COVERAGE: Here are 3 things Austin City Council is trying to do about climate change right nowThe current program covers lawnmowers, leaf blowers and weed ea
  
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• Hays, Lake Travis cancel school April 8 for solar eclipse

  08-03-2024 16:39 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Hays Consolidated Independent School District and Lake Travis ISD announced this week school will be canceled on April 8 for the solar eclipse.
  Hays CISD said it decided to cancel at the request of county emergency management officials. Hays CISD sent an email to parents, staff and students Thursday alerting them of the decision.Total eclipse traffic drives some Texas schools to cancel classLake Travis said "safety and operational concerns" influenced their
  
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• Hays CISD cancels school April 8 for solar eclipse

  08-03-2024 16:39 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The Hays Consolidated Independent School District announced Thursday it will cancel school on April 8 for the solar eclipse.
  The district said it decided to cancel at the request of county emergency management officials. Hays CISD sent an email to parents, staff and students Thursday alerting them of the decision.Total eclipse traffic drives some Texas schools to cancel classHays CISD said in the email the Central Texas area is expected to see a large influx of eclip
  
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• Local architecture firm plans east Austin test of city's new HOME Initiative

  08-03-2024 16:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — A local architect plans to build three homes on about two-tenths of an acre in east Austin to test out the new HOME Initiative approved by the Austin City Council last year. RELATED COVERAGE: First phase of Austin’s HOME initiative rolls outAustin-based Dick Clark + Associates, a full-service architecture firm, will develop the site under the new guidelines that allow up to three homes on an existing single-family lot, according to a Feb.
  
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• Central Texas leaders, groups react to not guilty verdict for deputies accused in Javier Ambler's death

  08-03-2024 15:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After a nine-day trial in Travis County, jurors found two former Williamson County Sheriff’s deputies not guilty for the in-custody death of Javier Ambler. READ MORE: Jury finds deputies not guilty in Javier Ambler trialAmbler died in March 2019 after leading police on a 20-minute chase, crashing at the intersection of St. John’s and Bethune Avenue. Former deputies James Johnson and Zach Camden were accused of acting recklessly while trying to arrest Ambler by using
  
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• Audible brings 'carnival-inspired' pop-up to South by Southwest

  08-03-2024 15:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Renowned audiobook and podcast platform Audible is bringing an immersive activation with "over-the-top, carnival-inspired experiences" to South by Southwest for free this weekend.
  The Audible Sound Experience will "immerse guests in the magic and diversity of premium audio storytelling through interactive, over-the-top, carnival-inspired experiences," according to event organizers.
  The sound experience will include rides on a "larger-than-life" ferris wheel with audio-enabl
  
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• A look inside Audible's 'carnival-inspired' pop-up to South by Southwest

  08-03-2024 15:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Renowned audiobook and podcast platform Audible is bringing an immersive activation with "over-the-top, carnival-inspired experiences" to South by Southwest for free this weekend.
  The Audible Sound Experience will "immerse guests in the magic and diversity of premium audio storytelling through interactive, over-the-top, carnival-inspired experiences," according to event organizers.
  The experience includes rides on a large ferris wheel with audio-enabled passenger gondolas s
  
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• How geography played into the results of Texas' US Senate Democratic primary

  08-03-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Despite a crowded field of nine candidates, Congressman Colin Allred won outright in Tuesday's Democratic primary in Texas, and he will face incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in November.Cruz received 88.31% of votes in Tuesday's Republican primary. Cruz, Allred tout crossover appeal to win US Senate matchupAllred, who represents Texas' 32nd Congressional District in parts of Dallas, Collin and Denton counties, received 58.84% of the vote, well above the threshold to avoid
  
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• Windy, colder weather to kick off the weekend

  08-03-2024 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After a brief round of morning showers and thunderstorms and a warm afternoon, a windy cold front will blast through Central Texas this evening, bringing much cooler weather this weekend.Wind gusts this eveningSaturday should feature a mix of sun and clouds with gusty winds in the morning slowly backing off later in the day.Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday morning as daylight saving time returns.Sunday should see more clouds than sunshine, but we
  
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• Rain and storms moving through the area this morning

  08-03-2024 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Rain along with a line of non-severe thunderstorms are moving through the Hill Country. They are moving to the east at between 35 and 45 mph. The storms are forecast to weaken the further east they go through 7 a.m.
  Radar has indicated some hail in some of Mason County but as of this writing there are no storm reports indicating that.A cold front responsible for this morning's precipitation will push the rain off to the east and leave behind a breezy northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
  
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• Gusty north winds ushering in much chillier weekend

  08-03-2024 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After a brief round of morning showers and thunderstorms and a warm afternoon, a windy cold front was blasting through Central Texas Friday evening, bringing much chillier weather this weekend.A WIND ADVISORY is in effect for much of our area until 10 a.m. SaturdayThe northerly winds will bring peak gusts of 30-40 mph Friday night through mid-morning Saturday. The wind will drop off significantly Saturday afternoon and evening.Temperatures will drop into the 30s and 40s Saturday
  
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• Bright and warm this afternoon followed by a chilly weekend

  08-03-2024 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The last bit of rain and thunderstorms over Milam County are left before 9 a.m. We're dry for the rest of the day.Hail and lightning were the weather issues this morning, although the hail size was low. Pea-sized hail was reported at Fredericksburg and Granite Shoals. We do know there was hail in Buchanan Dam where some windshields were blown out.A cold front responsible for this morning's precipitation leaves behind a breezy northwest wind 10 to 15 mph with some afternoon gusts
  
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• Another cold front this evening brings cooler weekend

  08-03-2024 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Beneficial rain has cleared Central Texas and the clouds have cleared too.Plan on a mostly sunny sky this afternoon followed by some late afternoon clouds increasing from the north. It will be a warm afternoon with highs in the low 80s. A cold front tonight will arrive to bring a chill for the weekend.The cold front will bring gusty winds between 5-8 p.m. that will usher in highs only in the 60s this weekend.Wind gusts this eveningSaturday should feature a mix of sun and clouds
  
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• LIVE: Eclipse economic boost could help save endangered species

  08-03-2024 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- A once in a lifetime event could play a key role in saving a dying species in Africa. The April 8 eclipse will pass over Texas and the central United States, including a small winery in the heart of the Hill Country."The winery has taken the concept of rhino conservation, and it has really blown it up and out of the box," said Christine Bobko, Director of Rhino Conservation at the Rhinory, a small winery a few miles east of Fredericksburg. Not only does the wine
  
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• Eclipse economic boost could help save endangered species

  08-03-2024 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- A once in a lifetime event could play a key role in saving a dying species in Africa. The April 8 eclipse will pass over Texas and the central United States, including a small winery in the heart of the Hill Country."The winery has taken the concept of rhino conservation, and it has really blown it up and out of the box," said Christine Bobko, Director of Rhino Conservation at the Rhinory, a small winery a few miles east of Fredericksburg. Not only does the wine
  
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• Brock the Croc Hunter? Cunningham hopes to play pro ball in Australia after Texas

  08-03-2024 04:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Brock Cunningham wants to trade Austin for Australia once his playing days for the Texas Longhorns are over.On Thursday, the sixth-year forward shared some of his post-Texas plans ahead of senior night at the Moody Center, and they involve getting paid to play basketball while enjoying sunsets and campfires down under.Baylor's RayJ Dennis (10) collects a rebound against Texas's Chendall Weaver, left, Brock Cunningham (30) and Dylan Disu (1) during the first half of an NCAA
  
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• AISD priority registration waitlist causing concerns for some parents

  08-03-2024 04:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Priority registration is an important time for parents and students in Austin Independent School District.It is a time when parents can register their kids and sign them up for a different AISD schools or programs that might not be offered in their area."We have lots of great programs," said Gabe Reyes, Director of Student Enrollment and Attendance Services with AISD.Some parents are concerned that their kids won't get into those programs, though there can be very long wait
  
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• Austin Water gets approval from City Council on GoPurple program

  08-03-2024 03:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An Austin Water program aimed at saving 16 millions of gallons of drinking water per day via reclaimed water and onsite water usage was approved by Austin City Council during its scheduled meeting Thursday.Some of those key elements in the program include "water sustainability code changes, program incentives, as well as funding mechanisms to support foundational aspects of Austin Water's Water Forward Initiative," according to the city. Austin Water proposes recommendations for
  
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• Austin FC prepares for potential rough-and-tumble match with St. Louis City FC

  08-03-2024 01:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC might be in for a fight Saturday night at Q2 Stadium.The squad welcomes St. Louis City FC to town for Matchday No. 3, and head coach Josh Wolff said St. Louis' hardnosed style "makes the game challenging." PREVIOUS MATCH: Brad Stuver has 5 saves, Austin plays Sounders to 0-0 tie"They're a very combative team with high speed and high volume of running, and they like to put a lot of pressure on you," Wolff said. "There's a constant buzz and press in the middle part
  
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