Austin news

• Man faces capital murder charge in connection with 2023 homicide investigation

  21-03-2024 23:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin man was arrested March 14 and charged in connection with a homicide investigation from December 2023, according to Travis County court documents filed Monday.An arrest affidavit showed 21-year-old Johnathan Matthew Silguero faced one count of capital murder by terror threat. PAST COVERAGE | APD: Man dies after being attacked, beaten in north AustinKXAN searched for attorney information for Silguero, but none was found. This story will be updated if an attorney is
  
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• Sarkisian, Dicker the Kicker highlight Longhorns at COTA's NASCAR race

  21-03-2024 23:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns football program will have a big presence at Circuit of the Americas when NASCAR rumbles into town for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix.Head coach Steve Sarkisian, fresh off taking the Longhorns to the Big 12 Conference title, College Football Playoff and No. 3 national ranking last season, will be the honorary starter for the NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday. He'll wave the green flag as the drivers roll over the starting line at 2:30 p.m. Sarkisian feel
  
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• ATCEMS welcomes 13 new cadets in Texas Capitol graduation ceremony

  21-03-2024 22:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, Austin-Travis County EMS will hold a ceremony for Cadet Class 0124 to be sworn in at the Texas Capitol inside the Extension Auditorium.Cadet Class 0124 is made up of 13 cadets, six of which are "direct hire" clinical specialists and seven are medics.ATCEMS Assistant Chief Heather Phillips said academy graduation was a huge milestone marking the completion of the first major step in their careers.
  “We’re so excited to have the ability for our Ca
  
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• Drexel's defense impresses Longhorns the most ahead of March Madness matchup

  21-03-2024 22:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — He's not a doctor, but if you need a note to miss work Friday afternoon, Texas women's basketball head coach Vic Schaefer has you covered."If you need an excuse, I'm glad to write it," he said during Thursday's media availability. "I'm really excited for our players to be able to play in this great event, the greatest sporting event I believe in college athletics. I've got a feeling we're going to have a lot of folks missing work tomorrow." MEN'S TOURNAMENT: Longhorns arriv
  
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• Austin City Council approves $87M purchase of land on East Riverside

  21-03-2024 22:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Thursday, Austin City Council approved the purchase of more than 100 acres of land off of East Riverside and Montopolis, home to the former Tokyo Electron Campus.
  Mayor Kirk Watson said he hopes the City of Austin can build at least 1,100 housing units there right on the proposed light rail line.
  Council Member José Velásquez, who oversees the district this property is in, said he hopes it provides "more opportunity for housing in an area that has been ravaged by d
  
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• Lighting company laying off over 100 workers as it closes its San Marcos outpost

  21-03-2024 22:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (ABJ) — A lighting manufacturer plans to close its outpost in San Marcos as part of a plan to reportedly shift local operations to Mexico and Pennsylvania.Signify North America Corp. — a subsidiary of Netherlands-based Signify N.V. — notified the Texas Workforce Commission on March 6 in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, or WARN, notice that it will permanently close its facility at 1611 Clovis Barker Road in the city south of Austin.It will result in t
  
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• Former APD officer sentenced in 2020 sexual assault case

  21-03-2024 21:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A former Austin Police Department officer was sentenced March 13 in connection to an April 2020 sexual assault case.According to Travis County court records, 38-year-old Walter Dodds was charged with unlawful restraint with the exposure to serious bodily injury — a third-degree felony. Dodds pleaded guilty to the charge prior to sentencing, according to records.Dodds was previously charged with sexual assault and official oppression, according to county records. PAST COVER
  
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• Police identify person hit, killed in early March crash on North Lamar

  21-03-2024 19:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department identified the person who was killed in an auto-pedestrian crash on North Lamar Boulevard earlier this month.1 dead in auto-pedestrian crash on North LamarAPD responded to the crash, which involved a pickup truck and a pedestrian, shortly before 10:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2 in the 9800 block of North Lamar Boulevard.
  The person who died was identified as Jose Hernandez Patlan, 40. He was pronounced dead on the scene.MAP: Where have Austin’
  
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• 4 Texas agencies detail how they're already using artificial intelligence

  21-03-2024 19:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Four Texas agencies detailed how they're currently using artificial intelligence tools in their operations and what they may plan to do with it in the future. They shared this information Thursday during the second meeting of the state's newly-created AI advisory council, which is tasked in part with taking stock of what state agencies are doing with the rapidly-developing technology.
  The seven-member panel heard from people working with the Texas Department of Information
  
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• How many perfect brackets remain in the NCAA Men's tournament, according to ESPN?

  21-03-2024 19:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's March, and you know what that means — time for some madness!This year, more than 22 million NCAA Men's Tournament brackets were made on ESPN. But how many perfect brackets remain?The first game was brutal for brackets: about 42% were busted by Michigan State's win over Mississippi State. About 12.8 million brackets remain intact.With 63 games in total, how long does it usually take for all brackets to bust?According to the NCAA, an Ohio man correctly predicted th
  
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• APD investigating crash that left 19-year-old dead

  21-03-2024 19:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Police are investigating a northwest Austin crash that left a 19-year-old dead last month.
  According to the Austin Police Department, the crash happened on Feb. 25 around 4:15 p.m. in the 12300 block of Technology Boulevard. APD said the crash involved a pickup truck and an SUV.MAP: Where have Austin’s fatal crashes occurred in 2024?The driver of the pickup truck, identified by police as Braden Norman, 19, was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
  Police
  
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• Nearly 170 new doctors join Austin's healthcare workforce, addressing physician shortage

  21-03-2024 17:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More physicians are joining Austin's healthcare workforce.
  The University of Texas' Dell Medical School announced the results of match day, which is when fourth-year medical students find out where they will spend the next part of their medical training as resident physicians.
  In a release by Dell Med, it said a total of 168 incoming physicians will continue their training in residency and fellowship programs sponsored in partnership by Dell Med and Ascension Seton.
  "These
  
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• JetBlue to discontinue Austin nonstop to Florida in May

  21-03-2024 16:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — JetBlue Airways will discontinue its nonstop route between Austin and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in May.An airline statement to KXAN said the flight would end May 1. Nonstop service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport will continue to both New York JFK and Boston.Fort Lauderdale is also served by Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines.The route cancellation is part of a wider cut back by the airline, less than a month after it announced it would no longer pursue a me
  
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• Dripping Springs council approves disaster declaration for total solar eclipse

  21-03-2024 16:39 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) -- Ahead of next month's total solar eclipse that will cast a shadow on much of Central Texas, the Dripping Springs City Council at its regular meeting Tuesday approved a disaster declaration for the April 8 eclipse.
  The city said in a release the declaration is part of "comprehensive preparations to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors during this extraordinary celestial event." Travis County issues disaster declaration ahead of total solar e
  
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• SWAT responding to incident in south Austin neighborhood

  21-03-2024 15:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Police Department officers and its SWAT team are responding to a neighborhood in south Austin after receiving what APD called a "gun urgent call."
  APD posted on social media that officers are responding to the incident in the 2100 block of Amur Drive and SWAT was on the way.
  Police made a reverse 911 call to alert neighbors to shelter in place, according to the post. Others are asked to avoid the area.
  This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
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• Police: Man in custody after pointing assault-style rifle at neighbor in south Austin

  21-03-2024 15:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Police arrested a man who they said pointed an assault-style rifle at his neighbor during a dispute Thursday morning and led to a SWAT response in south Austin.
  The Austin Police Department posted on social media at 9:33 a.m. that officers and the SWAT team were responding to what APD said was an "urgent gun call" in the 2100 block of Amur Drive.
  Police said they got the initial call at about 8:10 a.m. for a report of a man wearing body armor, brandishing an assault-style rifle
  
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• Person in custody after SWAT response in south Austin neighborhood

  21-03-2024 15:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A person was taken into custody following a SWAT call in a south Austin neighborhood Thursday morning.
  The Austin Police Department posted on social media at 9:33 a.m. that APD officers and the SWAT team were responding to what APD said was an "urgent gun call" in the 2100 block of Amur Drive.
  In an update at 10:43 a.m., police said a person was taken into custody. APD is planning a press briefing later to provide more information, and we'll update this story as more details are
  
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• LIVE: Person in custody after SWAT response in south Austin neighborhood

  21-03-2024 15:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A person was taken into custody following a SWAT call in a south Austin neighborhood Thursday morning.
  The Austin Police Department posted on social media at 9:33 a.m. that APD officers and the SWAT team were responding to what APD said was an "urgent gun call" in the 2100 block of Amur Drive.
  In an update at 10:43 a.m., police said a person was taken into custody. APD is planning a press briefing later to provide more information, and we'll update this story as more details are
  
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• Rep. Tom Oliverson to make 'major announcement' about Texas House Speaker race

  21-03-2024 15:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Texas Republican lawmaker is set to make a "major announcement" Thursday morning about the race for the House Speaker, sparking speculation about who could vie for the lower chamber's top leadership position if Dade Phelan loses his upcoming primary runoff.
  Reporters who regularly cover the Texas Capitol received a message that Texas Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, would make a "major announcement regarding the Texas House Speaker's race" at 10 a.m. in Austin. Oliverson, a
  
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• Rep. Tom Oliverson announces candidacy for Texas House Speaker

  21-03-2024 15:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Texas Republican lawmaker announced he's running to become the next House Speaker, setting up an early fight for the lower chamber's top leadership position if Dade Phelan loses his upcoming primary runoff.
  Reporters who regularly cover the Texas Capitol received a message that Texas Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, would make a "major announcement regarding the Texas House Speaker's race" at 10 a.m. in Austin. Oliverson, an anesthesiologist, represents House District 130 i
  
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• LIVE: Rep. Tom Oliverson to make 'major announcement' about Texas House Speaker race

  21-03-2024 15:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Texas Republican lawmaker is set to make a "major announcement" Thursday morning about the race for the House Speaker, sparking speculation about who could vie for the lower chamber's top leadership position if Dade Phelan loses his upcoming primary runoff.
  Reporters who regularly cover the Texas Capitol received a message that Texas Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, would make a "major announcement regarding the Texas House Speaker's race" at 10 a.m. in Austin. Oliverson, a
  
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• Williamson County DA says more prosecutors needed to address pandemic backlog, growing number of felony cases

  21-03-2024 14:31 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Williamson County District Attorney says he's askedcounty leaders for $275,000 to keep several prosecutors on full-time. He says they're crucial to addressing a backlog of criminal cases and a caseload that's also growing in severity.Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick said county commissioners were given a proposal earlier this month that outlined why his office should be given funds needed to retain 3 prosecutor roles.He said those attorne
  
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• Texas clouds and the eclipse. Here are the odds of sun on April 8

  21-03-2024 13:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's a question a lot of you have been asking us as we approach the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8. "Will clouds cover the rare phenomenon?" While it's too early to forecast the weather that day, we can look back at climatology to figure out the areas most likely to be cloud-free on the day.
  KXAN Meteorologist Nick Bannin spoke with Brian Brettschneider, a Climate Scientist at the National Weather Service in Anchorage, Alaska who gathered data on climatology in Texas in early Ap
  
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• Car crashes into north Austin elementary school overnight; School remains open Thursday

  21-03-2024 13:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A car crashed into the front of T.A. Brown Elementary School in North Austin overnight, according to school officials.
  The Austin Independent School District sent an email out Thursday morning saying that while the building will need significant repairs, the campus is "structurally sound" and will remain open to serve students and families.
  Car crashes into T.A. Brown Elementary overnight March 21, 2024 (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)Car crashes into T.A. Brown Elementary overnight Mar
  
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• Car crashes into north Austin elementary school overnight; Driver identified as staff member

  21-03-2024 13:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A staff member crashed a car into the front of T.A. Brown Elementary School in North Austin overnight, according to school officials.
  The Austin Independent School District sent an email out Thursday morning saying that while the building will need significant repairs, the campus is "structurally sound" and will remain open to serve students and families.
  T.A. Brown is located on Guadalupe Street near the intersection of North Lamar Boulevard and West Anderson Lane.
  AISD Chief o
  
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• 'Organized criminal enterprise' busted in Austin tied to fraudulent paper tags, inspections

  21-03-2024 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An "organized criminal enterprise" accused of cranking out fraudulent vehicle inspections and paper license plates in Austin was recently busted, according to authorities — just as the state prepares to put the brakes on this years-long problem.Fraudulent temporary tags are often used to mask criminal activity — from avoiding tolls to turning vehicles into "ghost cars," allowing criminals to avoid detection and hide in plain sight.CATCH UP: KXAN investigates pap
  
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• Rodent's brain provides UT researchers understanding of love and relationships

  21-03-2024 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A small furry rodent could be key to understanding how we are changed by love. Researchers with the University of Texas are studying prairie voles to discover how coupling influences our brain and protects us from stress."I don't think folks appreciate just the extent to which this strange little fuzzy creature has shaped has shaped our understanding of human love," said Steven Phelps, a professor at UT Austin's Department of Integrative Biology.Phelps' recent paper published in
  
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• Travis County to hold 6th Expunction Expo to help residents clear old criminal records

  21-03-2024 04:13 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Travis County announced it would hold its 6th Travis County Expunction Expo on April 27.Community members are now able to apply and prequalify for the expo, according to the county. Applications are open until April 5 and are available in both English and Español."The online portal to apply for the Expunction Expo is open for individuals with prior arrests in Travis County. These cases may include instances in which someone was never charged or indicted
  
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• City of Austin faces tough cuts when ARPA dollars run out, including homelessness services

  21-03-2024 02:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Alfredo Reyes Jr. is one of the many people the City of Austin has helped off the streets and into rapid rehousing over the past couple of years. But the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars that helped put him there, will eventually run out.
  "We're trying to get on our feet. We're actually trying to get work, we're trying to do something to better ourselves. We're doing that and the money runs out, we're back on the street. We have no other options," Reyes said.
  According to
  
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• 'Crisis point': Austin Animal Center asking for fosters, adopters due to overcrowding

  21-03-2024 02:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Animal Center (AAC) said it has reached a crisis point and asked for help finding fosters and adopters due to overcrowding.As of Wednesday morning, AAC said it was housing 299 medium-to-large dogs, which was 27 more than its capacity limit. Austin’s animal shelter launches new foster programChief Animal Services Officer Don Bland said the shelter was trying to get as many dogs into foster and adoptive homes as possible to avoid issuing euthanasia notices."Curre
  
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• 'Crisis': Austin Animal Center asking for fosters, adopters due to overcrowding

  21-03-2024 02:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Animal Center (AAC) said it has reached a crisis point and asked for help finding fosters and adopters due to overcrowding.As of Wednesday morning, AAC said it was housing 299 medium-to-large dogs, which was 27 more than its capacity limit. Austin’s animal shelter launches new foster programChief Animal Services Officer Don Bland said the shelter was trying to get as many dogs into foster and adoptive homes as possible to avoid issuing euthanasia notices."Curre
  
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• Trial date set for former Williamson County sheriff, county prosecutor

  21-03-2024 01:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The trial date for a former Williamson County sheriff and a former county prosecutor was set for August 13.Former Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody and Jason Nassour, a former prosecutor with the county, were charged with tampering with evidence related to the in-custody death of Javier Ambler back in 2019. RELATED: Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody indicted, arrested on felony tampering with evidence charge in Javier Ambler death caseThe incident was captured by
  
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• ATCEMS responds to deceased person call near MoPac, US 183

  21-03-2024 00:52 via kxan.com
  
  If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Crisis counselors are available 24/7.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Multiple first responders are at the scene of a "critical incident" at North MoPac Expressway near the U.S. Highway 183 flyover Wednesday evening, Austin-Travis County EMS said on Twitter Wednesday night.According to ATCEMS, the investigation was related to a deceased person call in the 9000 block of North MoPac E
  
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• ATCEMS responds to 'critical incident' near MoPac, US 183

  21-03-2024 00:52 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Wednesday, March 20, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Multiple first responders are at the scene of a "critical incident" at North MoPac Expressway near the U.S. Highway 183 flyover Wednesday evening, Austin-Travis County EMS said on Twitter Wednesday night.ATCEMS said there is no danger to the public.Drivers should expect significant delays on the northbound side of MoPac, ATCEMS said. ATCEMS responded to the incident around 6
  
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• Shipping business CEO Angela Chao was drunk when she died in Texas Hill Country, police say

  21-03-2024 00:42 via kxan.com
  
  (AP) — Angela Chao, a shipping industry CEO and sister-in-law to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, was intoxicated when she drove into a pond and died last month in the Texas Hill Country, according to a law enforcement report released Wednesday.
  The investigation by the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office concluded that Chao's death was an “unfortunate accident” and her blood alcohol level was nearly three times the state's legal limit.
  Chao, 50, died the night of Feb.
  
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• Police say shipping business CEO Angela Chao was drunk when she died in Texas Hill Country

  21-03-2024 00:42 via kxan.com
  
  (AP) — Angela Chao, a shipping industry CEO and sister-in-law to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, was intoxicated when she drove into a pond and died last month in the Texas Hill Country, according to a law enforcement report released Wednesday.
  The investigation by the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office concluded that Chao's death was an “unfortunate accident” and her blood alcohol level was nearly three times the state's legal limit.
  Chao, 50, died the night of Feb.
  
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• Longhorns arrive in Charlotte, aiming for another deep NCAA Tournament run

  21-03-2024 00:24 via kxan.com
  
  CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (KXAN) — The 2023 Texas men's basketball team hit their stride at just the right time advancing to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. While this year's group doesn't carry the same momentum into March Madness, they know everything they want is still in front of them.No. 7 seed Texas will open up what they hope is another lengthy run in the tournament Thursday at 5:50 p.m. against No. 10 seed Colorado State at Charlotte's Spectrum Center. Horns Report: A look
  
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