Austin news

• Marble Falls store selling eclipse-branded items as celestial event gets closer

  27-03-2024 23:53 via kxan.com
  
  MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) -- One store in Marble Falls is hoping to capitalize on the eclipse by making a whole series of eclipse-branded merchandise.Kim Collins, owner of The Market Place, said with an event of this magnitude, people should make sure they're ready.The store has T-shirts, mugs, stickers and eclipse candles as part of the store's preparations for the cosmic event, which happens in less than two weeks.The Market Place in Marble Falls is hoping to capitalize on the eclipse by maki
  
  Read more

• 'We're still here': Native Americans push for native studies elective in Texas high schools

  27-03-2024 23:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Native American advocates are hoping the Texas State Board of Education approves a new "American Indian/Native Studies" elective for Texas high schoolers -- but they are running out of time to get it into classrooms by next school year."I had two sons that went through public schools, and I saw the lack of content that they were taught in school," Comanche Nation Elder Hawana Townsley said. "We are still here, and that's what we're asking for this course to communicate and to
  
  Read more

• Urban Land Institute: Parking decks create human interaction 'voids'

  27-03-2024 23:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Austin District Council released its report on Austin's downtown parking on March 20, which recommends that city leadership reduce "new parking construction across the entire downtown geography." Austin City Council OKs eliminating minimum parking requirements"As new buildings rise above the city’s streetscape, levels and levels of parking decking are layered into the building’s foundation, creating a meaningful void in activation
  
  Read more

• WATCH: Hail blankets the ground like snow in parts of Central Texas

  27-03-2024 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Winter weather in the spring? Not so much.As scattered storms moved into the Central Texas area Wednesday afternoon, KXAN viewers sent in photos and videos of what looked like snow on the ground — only it wasn't snow. It was hail.Hail came down near Hamilton Pool Road on Wednesday after scattered storm moved into Central Texas Wednesday afternoon | Courtesy Carrie TurlingtonHail came down near Hamilton Pool Road on Wednesday after scattered storm moved into Central Texas W
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• 2024 Mentoring Award given to Georgetown Assistant City Manager

  27-03-2024 23:05 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — The Texas City Management Association (TCMA) has awarded the 2024 Mentoring Award to Georgetown Assistant City Manager Laurie Brewer.In a recent statement, City Manager David Morgan accredited much of the city's success to Brewer's impact on others.
  "Laurie is the type of local government leader we all strive to be," Morgan said.
  According to TCMA, the mentoring award “recognizes a city management professional who has made significant contributions in
  
  Read more

• Austin Public Library cards now available without fees to city's extraterritorial jurisdictions

  27-03-2024 22:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin expanded its library access to residents of the Austin Limited Purpose and Extraterritorial Jurisdictions, according to a memo.The memo, sent Monday, explained there would no longer be a non‐resident library card fee for the residents within the jurisdictions.“Many residents of these areas have Austin mailing addresses and live in close proximity to Austin Public Library branches,” the memo said.An amendment was made to the fee and fine
  
  Read more

• Texas universities required to punish antisemitic rhetoric in free speech policies

  27-03-2024 22:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- On Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced an executive order to address antisemitism on college campuses in the state.
  Texas colleges and universities are now required to review their free speech policies to establish appropriate punishments for antisemitic rhetoric on campuses.
  "Antisemitism is never acceptable in Texas, and we will do everything we can to fight it," said Abbott in a press release.The executive order requires all higher education institutions do the following:R
  
  Read more

• Women in law enforcement speak at criminal justice conference in San Marcos

  27-03-2024 21:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On this last week of Women's History Month, local female trailblazers in law enforcement got together to speak at the 2024 Women in Criminal Justice Conference on Wednesday in San Marcos.Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez, Interim Austin Police Chief Robin Henderson and University of Texas Police Chief Eve Stephens participated in a panel discussion to share their knowledge and inspire the next generation of women in law enforcement.Women in law enforcement came together on W
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Round Rock opens 'Tool Depot' for residents to borrow tools from

  27-03-2024 21:32 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Round Rock residents can now borrow tools, such as lawn mowers, chainsaws and ladders, from the city's new "Tool Depot."The Tool Depot builds from the city's mobile Tool Lending Center, a trailer that organizations can reserve for large projects. Instead, the depot lets individuals rent specific tools for a 48-hour period.Other available tools include:
  Fence staining kitsHedge trimmersLeaf blowers
  PolesawsPower washersSeed/feed spreadersTillersWeed trimmersRelate
  
  Read more

• Round Rock opens 'Tool Depot' for residents to borrow tools

  27-03-2024 21:32 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Round Rock residents can now borrow tools, such as lawn mowers, chainsaws and ladders, from the city's new "Tool Depot."The Tool Depot builds from the city's mobile Tool Lending Center, a trailer that organizations can reserve for large projects. Instead, the depot lets individuals rent specific tools for a 48-hour period.Other available tools include:
  Fence staining kitsHedge trimmersLeaf blowers
  PolesawsPower washersSeed/feed spreadersTillersWeed trimmersRelate
  
  Read more

• Road now clear after 4-vehicle crash near Austin airport

  27-03-2024 20:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Officials responded to a crash involving four vehicles near the Austin airport, where one person was transported with non-serious injuries, Austin-Travis County EMS said on social media Wednesday.Around 2:24 p.m., medics responded to the area 1600-1826 East State Highway 71 and U.S. 183 for the crash. According to the post, two of the vehicles rolled over during the collision.Four people were evaluated by medics and shortly after 3 p.m., medics said one person was transport
  
  Read more

• ATCEMS responding to 4-vehicle crash near Austin airport

  27-03-2024 20:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Officials are responding to a crash involving four vehicles near the Austin airport, Austin-Travis County EMS said on social media Wednesday.Around 2:24 p.m., medics responded to the area 1600-1826 East State Highway 71 and U.S. 183 for the crash. According to the post, two of the vehicles rolled over during the collision.Four people are currently being evaluated by medics.Austin-Bergstrom International Airport also confirmed the crash on social media, saying drivers should
  
  Read more

• Georgetown breaks ground on new parking garage bringing 300+ spaces downtown

  27-03-2024 19:46 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- The City of Georgetown broke ground Tuesday on a new parking garage that is set to bring more than 300 new parking spaces to the downtown area.
  The city said the garage was recommended in the 2015 Downtown Parking Study and that it addressed the need for downtown parking in a convenient location. It would also help reduce the number of visitors parking on neighborhood streets.
  “We’re thrilled to be breaking ground on this much-needed parking garage for dow
  
  Read more

• Food trucks inspections, permitting may change under new city resolution

  27-03-2024 19:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a meeting on March 21, the Austin City Council voted to ask the City Manager's Office to "explore options" to change the city's rules around the inspection of food trucks, potentially removing a rule that would require operators to move their food truck. Austin City Council picks T.C. Broadnax to be next city managerCurrently, the city code requires food truck owners to drive their trucks to an inspection location. This rule is required by state law in order to demonstra
  
  Read more

• APD identifies 88-year-old in fatal crash

  27-03-2024 19:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department identified a man who died following a three-vehicle crash March 17.According to APD, officers responded to the crash at approximately 2 p.m. in the 900 block of South Interstate Highway 35 Service Road SB.APD said one of the drivers, later identified as 88-year-old Joe Ildefonso Garcia, was taken to the hospital where he later died. MAP: Where have Austin’s fatal crashes occurred in 2024?Police said all of the other people involved in the
  
  Read more

• Kroger to close Austin delivery center, lay off workers

  27-03-2024 19:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) --About a year after opening in Austin, The Kroger Co. will be closing its delivery facility and laying off workers.Kroger said on its website that it will close its Austin, San Antonio and South Florida delivery facilities on May 25. The grocery company wanted to break into the Austin market with its food delivery model instead of traditional retail stores. It had 90 ZIP codes on its delivery route, reaching areas such as Round Rock, Pflugerville, Bee Cave, Hutt
  
  Read more

• AFD battling fire at northwest Austin dental office, possible explosion reported

  27-03-2024 18:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Fire Department said crews were responding to a fire shortly after noon Wednesday at a dental office in a commercial strip on West Parmer Lane.
  The department also said there were reports of pressurized gas containers involved, with a possible explosion.
  AFD battling fire at dental office on West Parmer Lane, possible explosion reported (AFD photo)AFD battling fire at dental office on West Parmer Lane, possible explosion reported (AFD photo)AFD battling fire at dental
  
  Read more

• New affordable housing apartment complex opens in southwest Austin

  27-03-2024 18:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) celebrated the grand opening of The Markson, a complex with 330 units to house mixed-income families, on Tuesday.
  The Markson is located at 5313 Vega Avenue. More than half of the units will be reserved for residents earning 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) in Austin, according to a press release from the NPR Group.
  "Here on Southwest Parkway, there's a tremendous amount of commercial and residential space going in," Pre
  
  Read more

• Murder warrant reveals more details in east Austin deadly shooting

  27-03-2024 18:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A murder warrant on Monday revealed more details about a deadly shooting, including the name of the suspect, that happened in east Austin last week.That suspect was identified as Isidro Sanchez Navarrette, 46, according to the warrant.Isidro Sanchez Navarrette (Austin Police Department Photo)Around 11:17 p.m. March 19, Austin Police officers responded to a report of a shooting at the Fort Branch at Truman’s Landing Apartments on Techni Center Drive. When officers arrived o
  
  Read more

• Austin received $4M to reduce waste in landfills, redistribute furniture to homeless

  27-03-2024 18:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday it's giving the City of Austin $4 million to build a new reuse warehouse, where Austinites can drop off things like furniture and building supplies to get recirculated back into the community. The grant, called the Solid Waste Infrastructure Grant, is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and aims to improve Austin’s recycling systems. “Through this grant, Austin will be able
  
  Read more

• New Beyoncé album may include song with Willie Nelson

  27-03-2024 18:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Beyoncé released the list of songs that will appear on her new album "Act II: Cowboy Carter," and fans are buzzing ahead of its release Friday over the possibility of one track featuring a collaboration with another legendary Texas musician.
  The Houston native posted what looked like a vintage concert poster on her social media accounts Wednesday. It included a song called "Smoke Hour" with the words Willie Nelson under it, prompting many to wonder if he'll join her
  
  Read more

• Austin actor Glen Powell to be inducted into Texas Film Hall of Fame

  27-03-2024 17:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Actor and Austinite Glen Powell has earned a spot in the Texas Film Hall of Fame, an honor that will be celebrated later this year, the Austin Film Society (AFS) announced Wednesday.
  Powell will be inducted at the Paramount Theatre on May 15 as part of the Netflix premiere of one of his movies — "Hit Man".PHOTOS: Celebrities seen at SXSW 2024 in AustinPowell produced and co-wrote the film alongside another Austin icon, director Richard Linklater. Inspired by the true
  
  Read more

• Travis County approves 100% property tax exemption for eligible child care providers

  27-03-2024 16:32 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Travis County commissioners unanimously approved a 100% property tax exemption for qualifying child care providers, starting in the 2024 tax year.
  This comes after Texas voters last year approved Proposition 2, a constitutional amendment allowing municipalities and counties to provide a property tax exemption for qualifying child care centers.   Childcare property tax exemption will relieve pressure, experts say more needs to be doneIt also comes ahead of when
  
  Read more

• LIVE: ATCEMS: Pedestrian hit in downtown Austin

  27-03-2024 16:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A pedestrian was hit by a vehicle in downtown Austin Wednesday morning, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.First responders arrived at the scene near Interstate 35 and Cesar Chavez Street at approximately 10:10 a.m.ATCEMS said to expect traffic delays in the area and to avoid the area if possible.According to the Texas Department of Transportation, all lanes of Southbound I-35 at Cesar Chavez Street were closed due to the crash, and traffic was being diverted to the fron
  
  Read more

• ATCEMS: Pedestrian hit in downtown Austin

  27-03-2024 16:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A pedestrian was hit by a vehicle in downtown Austin Wednesday morning, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.First responders arrived at the scene near Interstate 35 and Cesar Chavez Street at approximately 10:10 a.m.ATCEMS said to expect traffic delays in the area and to avoid the area if possible.According to the Texas Department of Transportation, all lanes of Southbound I-35 at Cesar Chavez Street were closed due to the crash, and traffic was being diverted to the fron
  
  Read more

• Search enters third week for missing South Texas university student

  27-03-2024 15:41 via kxan.com
  
  CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A search for a missing Texas A&M Corpus Christi student is entering its third week, prompting local, state and federal officials to solve the case.Caleb Harris, 21, was reported missing on March 4 near his apartment complex, located on the 1900 block of Ennis Joslin Road in Corpus Christi.Harris' family reported Caleb missing after his roommates were able to find him.
  Two days after Harris went missing, the Corpus Christi Police Department issued
  
  Read more

• Animal experts share how solar eclipse can affect pets and wildlife

  27-03-2024 15:39 via kxan.com
  
  WACO, Texas (FOX 44) — Monday marks two weeks until the Total Solar Eclipse.As we prepare for four minutes of total darkness we wanted to know where it leaves pets and animals.Cameron Park Zoo staff say they're going to do research to see how the animals react."Are our animals going to show behaviors that are different on a typical day during an eclipse? Are they going to think that night time is approaching right around the middle of the day? Are they going to be caught off guard, surpris
  
  Read more

• Constable explains 'concerning' conduct after delivering eviction papers at 1 a.m.

  27-03-2024 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  BURNET COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Hally Kilburn was awakened during the early morning hours last August by bright lights and someone at her home.
  "It scared the bejesus out of me. Somebody banging on my house at one o'clock in the morning," Kilburn said.
  Kilburn opened her front door after turning her cell phone on to record and found the person banging on her home to be a Burnet County Constable.
  The constable was there to serve eviction papers, according to Kilburn. And although he was well
  
  Read more

• Bee Cave City Council votes for disaster declaration for solar eclipse; LTISD cancels school

  27-03-2024 11:56 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Bee Cave City Council voted for a disaster declaration for April 8, the date of the solar eclipse, in a city council meeting on Tuesday, March 26. Lake Travis Independent School District also canceled school for the event.
  The disaster declaration allows the mayor authority over their jurisdiction to request state funding if needed during the eclipse.“We don’t want to cause alarm, but this is an important move to ensure we can use all the tools we have
  
  Read more

• Strong storms move into Austin metro area

  27-03-2024 11:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A quick-hitting storm system is resulting in shower and thunderstorm development this afternoon in the Hill Country and Austin metro area. Small hail covered the ground on Hamilton Pool Road and hail was also reported in Bee Cave.A brief severe storm remains possible, with hail up to the size of quarters and gusty winds. Dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning means you should stay indoors if in the vicinity of the storms.Broken line of storms pushing east through our area Wednesday
  
  Read more

• Storms bring hail and rain, but will end tonight

  27-03-2024 11:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A quick-hitting storm system is resulting in shower and thunderstorm development this afternoon in the Hill Country and Austin metro area. Small hail covered the ground on Hamilton Pool Road and hail was also reported in Bee Cave.
  Only one severe storm was reported with hail 1" in diameter near Hamilton Pool.
  A brief severe storm remains possible into the early evening, but most lingering storms will only contain pea to dime size hail. Dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning means y
  
  Read more

• Showers, storms end tonight, great weather follows

  27-03-2024 11:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A quick-hitting storm system Wednesday afternoon resulted in numerous showers and thunderstorms moving from the Hill Country across the Austin metro area and into our eastern counties. Small hail covered the ground on Hamilton Pool Road was also reported in Bee Cave, south Austin, Hays, and Caldwell counties.Only one severe storm was reported with hail 1" in diameter near Hamilton Pool. The storms were ending quickly Wednesday evening with only a few isolated showers lingering.
  
  Read more

• Scattered storms possible this afternoon

  27-03-2024 11:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A quick-hitting storm system will push the West Texas dryline closer to us today, triggering spotty to scattered storms in parts of our area this afternoon.A few spot of light rain are possible this morning but there is higher confidence is more meaningful storms and showers later today. It's likely storms begin bubbling up near the Hill Country early this afternoon before pushing east into the Austin-metro and eastern counties 3PM-8PM.There is a low risk of strong to severe sto
  
  Read more

• Scattered storms move into Austin metro area

  27-03-2024 11:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A quick-hitting storm system is resulting in shower and thunderstorm development this afternoon in the Hill Country and Austin metro area.A brief severe storm is possible, with hail up to the size of quarters and gusty winds. Dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning means you should stay indoors if in the vicinity of the storms.Broken line of storms pushing east through our area Wednesday afternoonThere is a low risk of strong to severe storms with most of the area in a Level 1 out o
  
  Read more

• Silver Alert discontinued for 66-year-old Austin man

  27-03-2024 04:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A Silver Alert that was issued for a 66-year-old Austin man earlier this week was discontinued.
  APD said Tuesday law enforcement was searching for the man. The alert was discontinued early Thursday morning after he was found.
  
  Read more

• APD searching for 66-year-old last seen in south Austin

  27-03-2024 04:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is searching for an elderly man who was last seen Tuesday afternoon in south Austin.Douglas Wendall, 66, was last seen walking around 12:50 p.m. in the 3200 block of Slaughter Lane, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.Austin Police are searching for a 66-year-old last seen in south Austin Tuesday | Courtesy Texas Department of Public SafetyWendell is described as a white man, 5 feet 7, 190 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was
  
  Read more

• Affidavit: Man facing murder charge after weekend shooting near southeast Austin apartment

  27-03-2024 04:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A 23-year-old man faces a murder charge following a shooting at a southeast Austin apartment complex that left one person dead Saturday night, according to court documents obtained by KXAN.
  Austin Police Department officers responded to a shots fired call around 9:40 p.m. at The Patton West apartments at 2207 Wickersham Lane, which is near East Riverside Drive. APD public information officer Jeremy Fisher said there were multiple callers. Previous coverage: 1 dead after shooting
  
  Read more

• Georgetown bank makes donation to pay off school meal debt at 4 schools

  27-03-2024 02:07 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- Georgetown Independent School District recently received a $1,138 donation from A+ Federal Credit Union in Georgetown to pay off lunch balances.
  The donation covered the balance for students at four campuses across the district.
  “We know that banking on each other and building stronger communities benefits everyone,” said Eric R. Kase, A+ FCU President/CEO. “By paying off the deficit meal balances for students in a partner district, we hope to ease a
  
  Read more

• Rangers expect World Series MVP Corey Seager and All-Star 3B Josh Jung ready for opening day

  27-03-2024 01:52 via kxan.com
  
  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — World Series MVP Corey Seager and All-Star third baseman Josh Jung are expected to be in the lineup for the Texas Rangers on opening day Thursday, even after both played in only one Cactus League game before the team broke camp from Arizona.Seager, who had surgery for a left sports hernia repair on Jan. 30, and Jung (left calf) both played six more innings Monday night in an exhibition game in their home ballpark against Boston. Two days after both got hits in
  
  Read more

• Police oversight, officer protections key arguments in hearing about lawsuit against City

  27-03-2024 01:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Association (APA) wants a seat at the table at a hearing for a lawsuit related to the Austin Police Oversight Act, which voters passed in May 2023.
  In court Tuesday, attorneys representing the APA aimed to make the case of why the union should be involved in the hearing.Advocacy Group Equity Action filed the lawsuit against the City of Austin. The APA is not listed on the lawsuit. Equity Action wants the City to enforce all provisions of the Austin Police Overs
  
  Read more

• A look into the future of space, Gov. Abbott launches Texas Space Commission

  27-03-2024 00:56 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KXAN) -- Texas is taking a new step to secure its future in space exploration and development. Gov. Greg Abbott and other leaders officially launched the Texas Space Commission Tuesday from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston."With the Texas Space Commission, our great state will have a group that is responsible for dreaming and achieving the next generation of human exploration in space," Abbott said. "Texas is the launchpad for Mars, innovating the technology that will colonize hum
  
  Read more

• Williamson County sheriff says deputies won't enforce immigration law

  27-03-2024 00:40 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — As the fate of Senate Bill 4 remains uncertain, the Williamson County sheriff says deputies will not enforce the law if it does go into effect.SB4 would allow Texas peace officers to arrest people suspected of illegally crossing the border. Last week, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the Lone Star State could enforce the law.Hours later, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay on the law, pausing its enforcement as judges consider its vi
  
  Read more

• Austin City Council picks T.C. Broadnax to be next city manager

  27-03-2024 00:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After deliberations behind closed doors Tuesday, Austin City Council intends to move forward with T.C. Broadnax as its next city manager, according to a city council message board post from Mayor Kirk Watson.
  City council members still need to vote next Thursday, April 4, to direct its search firm to negotiate a contract with Broadnax, according to the post.
  "This posting will also be for potential passage of an ordinance to employ T.C. Broadnax as Austin City Manager," the mayo
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!