Austin news

• How can driverless cars broaden access for people with disabilities?

  12-03-2024 23:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Less than a week after Waymo announced it began testing fully autonomous vehicles in Austin, company heads joined panelists from different subsectors of the disability community to discuss how the technology can expand accessibility for riders.The panel was held as part of the 2024 South by Southwest Conference and Festivals. Among those speaking Tuesday included Emily Coleman, the superintendent of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Austin.
  Coleman sai
  
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• Affidavit: Man charged with burglary, entered south Austin home naked

  12-03-2024 22:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was charged with burglary of a home following a SWAT situation in south Austin on March 7, according to an arrest affidavit.Larry Lydell Robinson, 44, is accused of entering a home on Merle Drive, which is near Ben White Boulevard and Menchaca Road around noon on March 7, court documents state. KXAN reached out to Robinson's attorney for a statement. This story will be updated when we receive a response. APD: Naked man broke into south Austin home, prompting SWAT call
  
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• Austin restaurant Easy Tiger investigated by Department of Labor, workers allege wage theft

  12-03-2024 21:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- Popular Austin restaurant Easy Tiger is in hot water for allegedly withholding tips from employees.
  The situation prompted at least one employee to file a report with the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor (DOL). That person alleged to KXAN that hourly managers and back of house staff received tips.
  The DOL confirmed that it's investigating the business, but couldn't provide details.
  KXAN reached out to Easy Tiger but have not heard back yet. They d
  
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• Uvalde police chief resigns, city names interim chief of police

  12-03-2024 21:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In a letter to the Uvalde city manager on Tuesday, Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez submitted his resignation to "embark on a new chapter."Rodriguez worked with the department for the past 26 years, writing "it was a privilege to serve the City of Uvalde." Uvalde police officers ‘exonerated’ of wrongdoing, city’s investigation recommendsThe city released the following statement to KXAN:“The City of Uvalde is grateful to Chief Rodriguez for his 26 year
  
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• LIVE: Austin bomb squad responding to reported threat in western Travis County

  12-03-2024 20:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department bomb squad is responding to a bomb threat call in western Travis County Tuesday afternoon, according to a social media post.APD said the scene near the 4800 block of Republic of Texas Boulevard is still active as of 2 p.m. That road is near the Travis Country neighborhood close to Southwest Parkway and Foster Ranch Road.Police are asking everyone in that area to stay inside homes and buildings.This developing story will be updated.
  
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• Austin bomb squad responding to reported threat in western Travis County

  12-03-2024 20:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department bomb squad is responding to a bomb threat call in western Travis County Tuesday afternoon, according to a social media post.APD said the scene near the 4800 block of Republic of Texas Boulevard is still active as of 2 p.m. That road is around the Travis Country neighborhood near Southwest Parkway and Foster Ranch Road.Police are asking everyone in that area to stay inside homes and buildings.This developing story will be updated.
  
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• APD gives 'all clear' after reported bomb threat in western Travis County

  12-03-2024 20:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department gave the "all clear" after a bomb threat was reported in western Travis County Tuesday afternoon.APD responded to the scene near the 4800 block of Republic of Texas Boulevard. That road is near the Travis Country neighborhood close to Southwest Parkway and Mission Oaks Boulevard.A man notified a delivery driver that he found what "appeared to be a bomb in the area." Then, the delivery driver then called 911 and police responded to the scene, APD Cpl.
  
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• Tiger Woods-backed mini golf business tees up possible expansion to Cedar Park

  12-03-2024 20:07 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (Austin Business Journal) -- An entertainment business featuring miniature golf courses designed by Tiger Woods is eyeing a project in Cedar Park as part of an aggressive Texas growth plan.Florida-based PopStroke on March 7 presented plans to the Cedar Park City Council to build a 14,000-square-foot restaurant and bar and two 18-hole synthetic turf miniature golf courses at 817 C-Bar Ranch Trail. The company is seeking a 3-acre special use permit, a request that will
  
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• When will the Frank Erwin Center be fully demolished?

  12-03-2024 19:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Demolition work on the Frank Erwin Center at the University of Texas at Austin is on track to finish this year, UT officials confirmed to KXAN Tuesday.The demolition process began in September, just months after the UT System Board of Regents approved the $25 million demolition project in May 2023.Frank Erwin Center demolition progress (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)Frank Erwin Center demolition progress (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)Frank Erwin Center demolition progress (KXAN Ph
  
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• U.S. Congress members introduce national high-speed rail proposal

  12-03-2024 19:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new congressional bill introduced this month calls for billions of dollars of investments into high-speed rail access across the United States.U.S. Representatives Seth Moulton (D-Massachusetts) and Suzan DelBene (D-Washington) introduced March 8 H.R.7600, dubbed the American High-Speed Rail Act. The bill proposes a $205 billion investment into high-speed rail operations, with the hopes of creating at least 2.6 million American jobs over the course of a five-year period.A
  
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• Adult taken to hospital by STAR Flight after golf cart drives off 20-foot cliff

  12-03-2024 18:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An adult was taken to the hospital by STAR Flight after a golf cart drove off a 20-foot "cliff," according to Austin-Travis County EMS.
  ATCEMS posted on X shortly after noon that it responded to a rescue near the 12600 block of River Bend after a call of a "reported golf cart off an ~20ft "cliff" with at least 1 person on the cart."According to the X thread, Lake Travis Fire was able to reach the person, and ATCEMS clarified there was no high-angle rescue component, as it s
  
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• San Marcos warns of service interruptions due to eclipse visitors

  12-03-2024 17:58 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — With the total solar eclipse happening in less than a month, city leaders are putting out an early warning about how an influx of visitors to San Marcos could worsen traffic, interrupt service connections and create some supply shortages.
  The city put out a news release Tuesday laying out how it's getting ready for the eclipse on April 8. San Marcos lies outside the path of totality, but people will still be able to see a "ring of fire" there when the moon almost
  
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• LIVE: San Marcos warns of service interruptions due to eclipse visitors

  12-03-2024 17:58 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — With the total solar eclipse happening in less than a month, city leaders are putting out an early warning about how an influx of visitors to San Marcos could worsen traffic, interrupt service connections and create some supply shortages.
  The city put out a news release Tuesday laying out how it's getting ready for the eclipse on April 8. San Marcos lies outside the path of totality, but people will still be able to see a "ring of fire" there when the moon almost
  
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• Austin eyes $193M loan request for covered highway project

  12-03-2024 17:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With Interstate 35 expansion efforts in the works near downtown, Austin City Council is eyeing a nearly $200 million state loan request to support highway coverings through the city's "Cap and Stitch" program."Our Future 35" is the city initiative behind the cap and stitch program, which seeks to cover sunken portions of the expanded I-35 with deck plazas. Those caps can house greenspace, small buildings, art displays and other community amenities.
  On March 21, Austin City
  
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• Dripping Springs announces landscape requirements for residential, commercial projects to preserve trees, water

  12-03-2024 17:01 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) — The Dripping Springs City Council approved an ordinance enforcing landscape requirements to “maintain a cohesive and visually appealing appearance throughout the city and mitigate the impacts of development.”The move, approved at last week's city council meeting, will impose landscape restrictions on both residential and commercial projects to preserve trees and water throughout the city.
  “We've asked our community, through a comprehensive
  
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• Dripping Springs announces landscape requirements for residential, commercial projects

  12-03-2024 17:01 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) — The Dripping Springs City Council approved an ordinance enforcing landscape requirements to “maintain a cohesive and visually appealing appearance throughout the city and mitigate the impacts of development.”The move, approved at last week's city council meeting, will impose landscape restrictions on both residential and commercial projects. “By establishing comprehensive guidelines for landscape design and management and by regulatin
  
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• Texas sues Biden administration over finalized methane rule

  12-03-2024 16:45 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — The state of Texas on Friday sued the Biden administration over an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule restricting methane emissions finalized earlier Friday morning.The lawsuit was requested in late January by the Texas Railroad Commission, the state’s primary oil and gas regulator, while the rule was still being finalized. In a request to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), the commission asked for legal action on the rule. Paxton responded Friday with a lega
  
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• Bands pull out of SXSW over U.S. Army sponsorship, Gaza war 

  12-03-2024 16:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (The Hill) -- Multiple bands and musicians scheduled to perform at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival are pulling out because of the U.S. Army’s “super sponsorship” of the event, and America’s ongoing support of Israel’s war on Hamas. The Belfast, Ireland-based rap trio Kneecap — the most recent departure — called the relationship “depraved” in light of the war in Gaza. “We cannot in good conscience attend an arts f
  
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• Doctor featured at SXSW talks Valley Fever, possible link between case increase and climate change

  12-03-2024 15:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Valley Fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, is a respiratory fungal infection that is known to live in the soil in the southwestern United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The infection has been spreading, and some experts say it's because of warming temperatures thanks to climate change.This was the focus at the South by Southwest panel "Will Fungi Be the Last of Us?" The panel of infectious disease experts from industry, government, and ac
  
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• How an Austin woman's kindness doesn't go to waste

  12-03-2024 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  We asked you to tell us about inspiring women in your life. We went through hundreds of nominations in our Remarkable Women contest. Now, we’re sharing our finalists’ stories.AUSTIN (KXAN) — What was supposed to be a small family pet for 78-year-old Carol Rabun grew into something much bigger than expected.“We got a micro, mini pig nine years ago. Turns out not to be a micro, mini but 250 pounds," she said.Rabun knew she couldn’t afford to keep up wit
  
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• First Warning: Severe storms possible Thursday

  12-03-2024 11:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Our weather pattern turns more active beginning Thursday and continuing into the weekend. This is your First Warning for the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms with a large hail, strong wind gusts and a chance of tornadoes particularly on Thursday.
  Storm set-upDisturbances off the low lend to our rain/storms chancesA cut-off upper level low will dive south through Nevada and Utah to the southwestern U.S. ushering in southwesterly winds and a series of disturbances tha
  
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• Wet weather pattern likely and beginning soon

  12-03-2024 11:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With high in the 80s, much warmer than normal temperatures returned to Central Texas Wednesday afternoon.The outlook for the end of the week includes a stalling low pressure system over the southwestern U.S., a dryline set up to our west and a cold front arriving on Friday. This will result in daily rain chances Thursday through Sunday.
  It is important to note that there will be dry periods between rounds of showers and thunderstorms so outdoor activities should not be a washout
  
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• Two more dry days before the rain and storms arrive

  12-03-2024 11:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We're noticing higher humidity today thanks to the south winds that are gusting into the low 20s. Expect gusty winds over the next several days.The clouds will win out over the sun this afternoon. Daytime maximum will warm to the upper half of the 70s at most locations.Another day with highs above normalWednesday will be a few degrees warmer with some highs reaching the low 80s. The pre-sunrise forecast calls for an overcast sky, some light drizzle, and periods of dense fog espe
  
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• Storm to stall, multiple days with rain chances result

  12-03-2024 11:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A weather pattern change is underway that will result in rain chances over multiple days as we head into the weekend.In the meantime, warm southerly wind will keep skies partly to mostly cloudy and temperatures above normal.Wednesday will bring high temperatures reaching the low 80s. The early morning forecast calls for an overcast sky, some light drizzle, and periods of fog especially in our eastern counties.Gray and foggy to start WednesdayThe outlook for the end of the week i
  
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• Daily rain chances late week into weekend

  12-03-2024 11:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Warm and humid conditions today ahead of a turn to wetter weather Thursday into the weekend.Mainly cloudy skies this morning will give way to increasing sun this afternoon. It will end up as a bright and sunny late day with highs in the low to mid 80s.
  The outlook for the end of the week includes a stalling low pressure system over the southwestern U.S., a dryline set up to our west and a cold front arriving on Friday. This will result in daily rain chances Thursday through Sund
  
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• One killed in auto-pedestrian crash in downtown Austin overnight

  12-03-2024 08:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Police said one person died after being hit a vehicle in downtown Austin early Tuesday morning.
  A second person was also hit by the vehicle but police did not have information on their condition.
  The driver did not stay after the crash at East Seventh and Red River Streets around 1:10 a.m., police said.According to APD, East Seventh Street is closed to traffic.
  This is a breaking story. KXAN will have more details on KXAN.com and KXAN News Today beginning at 4:30 a.m
  
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• Hays County braces for influx of visitors coming to witness the total eclipse

  12-03-2024 03:41 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) –  On Monday afternoon, a few picnic tables are open at the Jester King Brewery just outside Dripping Springs, Texas. In four weeks, during the total solar eclipse, there won’t be an open seat in the house. “We're expecting somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 [people],” said co-founder Jeff Stuffings. “We think it's going to be one of the biggest days in our history.” MORE: Hays, Lake Travis cancel school April 8 for solar ecl
  
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• Man sentenced to 410 years in prison for charges including sexual abuse of multiple children

  12-03-2024 03:04 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- A Hays County judge sentenced a 44 year old man to 410 years in prison for 65 counts of continuous sexual abuse of multiple children and possession of child pornography with an intent to promote, a news release from Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins' office said.Judge Gary Steel sentenced Bo Michael Dresner to four consecutive sentences of 75 years for each count of continuous sexual abuse of a child. The stacked sentences range from 10 to 20 years
  
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• KXAN's Medical Board investigations featured on HBO show

  12-03-2024 02:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Comedian John Oliver kicked off Patient Safety Awareness Week by highlighting KXAN's ongoing "Still Practicing" investigation into doctor transparency during Sunday's episode of Last Week Tonight on Max.Watch the full Last Week Tonight episode featuring KXAN’s reporting
  The March 10 episode centered around problems with state medical boards across the country. Oliver featured two KXAN reports into the Texas Medical Board, a culture of lax punishment and a lack of transpare
  
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• John Oliver highlights patient safety, KXAN med. board reports

  12-03-2024 02:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Comedian John Oliver kicked off Patient Safety Awareness Week by highlighting KXAN's ongoing "Still Practicing" investigation into doctor transparency during Sunday's episode of Last Week Tonight on Max.Watch the full Last Week Tonight episode featuring KXAN’s reporting
  The March 10 episode centered around problems with state medical boards across the country. Oliver featured two KXAN reports into the Texas Medical Board, a culture of lax punishment and a lack of transpare
  
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• Holle drains key 3, No. 5 Texas advances to Big 12 title game 71-64 over Kansas State

  12-03-2024 00:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When the Texas Longhorns needed a bucket, senior Shay Holle delivered.Her 3-pointer with 1:13 left broke a tie and helped lift the No. 5 Longhorns to a 71-64 win over Kansas State on Monday in the Big 12 Conference women's basketball tournament semifinals in Kansas City, Missouri.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersHolle, an Austin native and Westlake graduate, ad
  
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• House Republicans move ahead with TikTok vote even as Trump voices opposition to possible ban

  12-03-2024 00:09 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — House Republicans are moving ahead with a bill that would require Chinese company ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban in the United States even as President Donald Trump is voicing opposition to the effort.House leadership has scheduled a vote on the measure for Wednesday. A Republican congressional aide not authorized to speak publicly said that’s still the plan and there has not been significant pushback to the bill from lawmakers.A vote for the bill would repres
  
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• The Lakers are planning to fix a few errors carved into the base of Kobe Bryant's statue

  12-03-2024 00:03 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers say they're planning to fix a handful of errors on the base of the statue of Kobe Bryant unveiled last month outside their arena.The names of former NBA players Jose Calderon and Von Wafer are misspelled on the base in a rendering of the box score from Bryant's 81-point game in January 2006, along with a misspelling of the phrase “Coach's Decision." There are also minor formatting mistakes in another spot on the busy base of the statue, which
  
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