Austin news

• Missing 28-year-old found dead, Austin Police investigating

  29-03-2024 23:36 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — A 28-year-old man is dead after he was previously reported missing, the Pflugerville Police Department said on Friday.A CLEAR Alert was issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety earlier Friday afternoon for that man, who was identified as Darren Latvala.Around 11 a.m. Thursday, officials said Latvala was last seen in the 400 block of Willow Wood Lane in Pflugerville, according to DPS.According to PPD, the Austin Police Department will investigate the inci
  
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• CLEAR Alert: Officials looking for 28-year-old man last seen in Pflugerville

  29-03-2024 23:36 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — The Pflugerville Police Department is looking for a 28-year-old man, who officials believe may be in danger.Around 11 a.m. Thursday, officials said Darren Latvala was last seen in the 400 block of Willow Wood Lane in Pflugerville, according to a notice from the Texas Department of Public Safety.Officials are searching for a 28-year-old man last seen in Pflugerville on Thursday { Courtesy Texas Department of Public SafetyLatvala is described as a white man, 6 fe
  
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• Full Interview: State Senator Brandon Creighton talks DEI ban

  29-03-2024 23:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas’ ban on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in state colleges and universities went into effect on the first of the year.State Sen. Brandon Creighton is warning institutions that there are consequences for failing to comply. In a letter last week, Creighton requested that university leaders report their compliance efforts at a May hearing of the Senate Committee on Education. Nexstar Capitol reporter Ryan Chandler sat down with Creighton to
  
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• Dell cut 13,000 jobs last year; what this means for Austin's workforce

  29-03-2024 23:10 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Government filings show that Dell Technologies reduced its employee count by 13,000 worldwide in 2023. This mass reduction comes after a year with thousands of layoffs for Austin's third-largest employer.According to Dell's annual report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as of February 2024, the company had 120,000 employees.That same report from the previous year showed that Dell had 133,000 employees globally in February 2023.In a statement, Dell
  
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• Neugebauer breaks Texas Relays decathlon record, wins third consecutive meet title

  29-03-2024 22:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas senior Leo Neugebauer broke his Texas Relays record and claimed his third consecutive meet championship in the decathlon Thursday at Mike A. Myers Stadium.He posted the third-best decathlon score in NCAA history, racking up 8,708 points to win the event by more than 1,000 points. Washington State's Lee Walburn scored 7,694 points to finish in second place. PREVIOUSLY: Texas’ Leo Neugebauer crushing Texas Relays decathlon field after 1st dayNeugebauer was pacing
  
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• Are Peeps indestructible?

  29-03-2024 21:13 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Another year's Easter is upon us and so too, are debates about Easter's signature candy: Peeps. Introduced in 1953, Peeps are the polarizing Easter candy that people still remain split on.But whether you love them or hate them, there's a lot to appreciate about the marshmallow confections — including a pervasive rumor that Peeps are indestructible.
  A tongue-in-cheek 1999 study at Emory University set out to prove or disprove the myth. There are entire Reddit thr
  
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• Williamson County says no cascarones allowed to parks on Easter weekend

  29-03-2024 20:39 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- As a way to help keep Williamson County parks clean, the county said confetti eggs, also known as cascarones, are not allowed at parks this Easter weekend.In addition to helping keep the parks clean, the county said this is also a way to keep wildlife safe. Travis County parks prepare for busy Easter weekendAccording to Williamson County, cascarones can be "mistaken as food by animals and are not environmentally friendly."Travis County is also preparing its par
  
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• Williamson County says no cascarones allowed in parks on Easter weekend

  29-03-2024 20:39 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- As a way to help keep Williamson County parks clean, the county said confetti eggs, also known as cascarones, are not allowed at parks this Easter weekend.In addition to helping keep the parks clean, the county said this is also a way to keep wildlife safe. Travis County parks prepare for busy Easter weekendAccording to Williamson County, cascarones can be "mistaken as food by animals and are not environmentally friendly."Travis County is also preparing its par
  
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• Concrete truck driver arrested, admitted to consuming cocaine before fatal bus crash

  29-03-2024 19:47 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The concrete truck driver involved in the fatal Hays CISD school bus crash admitted to smoking marijuana and consuming cocaine within 24 hours of the crash, according to court documents.The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed to KXAN on Friday that Jerry Hernandez, 42, was arrested on a warrant for criminally negligent homicide. Additionally, he was also arrested on an unrelated warrant for a bond violation out of Hays County, according to DPS. Both w
  
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• Affidavit: Concrete truck driver charged, admits to consuming cocaine before fatal bus crash

  29-03-2024 19:47 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The concrete truck driver involved in the fatal Hays CISD school bus crash admitted to smoking marijuana and consuming cocaine within 24 hours of the crash, according to court documents.An affidavit showed 42-year-old Jerry Hernandez faces charges of criminally negligent homicide in connection with the incident. Sgt. Deon Cockrell with the Texas Department of Public Safety couldn't confirm whether Hernandez was in custody as of Friday afternoon.  Hays CI
  
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• Affidavit: Concrete truck driver admits to consuming cocaine before fatal school bus crash

  29-03-2024 19:47 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The concrete truck driver involved in the fatal Hays CISD school bus crash admitted to smoking marijuana and consuming cocaine within 24 hours of the crash, according to court documents.An affidavit showed 42-year-old Jerry Hernandez faces charges of criminally negligent homicide in connection with the incident. Sgt. Deon Cockrell with the Texas Department of Public Safety couldn't confirm whether Hernandez was in custody as of Friday afternoon.  Hays CI
  
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• Austin ISD gears up with glasses for the total solar eclipse

  29-03-2024 18:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We are just over a week away from the total solar eclipse in Central Texas and many communities are gearing up for a busy day.While the Hill Country is expected to be flooded with tens of thousands of visitors, many people will be enjoying the views from Austin, as well. Eclipse timing: When to view April solar eclipse in your Central Texas citySome of those viewers will be Austin Independent School District students.Several school districts canceled classes on April 8 due
  
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• Eclipse timing: When to view April solar eclipse in your Central Texas city

  29-03-2024 18:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The highly anticipated April 8 total solar eclipse is right around the corner, and you may be thinking about when and how you want to experience this rare event.
  We wanted to provide details on eclipse timing in your town so you can plan your day and have the best viewing experience.RELATED: How much of the sun will be covered in your city during April’s solar eclipse?Using data from eclipse2024.org, we broke down when and how long the eclipse will occur for different
  
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• Authorities search for missing Texas woman last seen in Austin

  29-03-2024 17:58 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Friday, March 29, 2024.BELL COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) — The Bell County Sheriff's Department is asking for help finding a missing woman believed to be endangered.Erin Claire Bertran, also known as Kyle, was reported missing on Thursday. Bertran lives in the Belton/Temple area, and was last seen driving a dark blue/purple 2005 Toyota 4Runner, with a partial License Plate of "G096".The sheriff's department said she was l
  
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• Am I in the total or partial eclipse zone in Texas?

  29-03-2024 16:59 via kxan.com
  
  SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR/NEXSTAR) – With just under two weeks until eclipse day, many people are wondering if they will have to travel to see the total eclipse of the sun or if they are already in the path of totality.It can be confusing since the total eclipse line cuts directly through the middle of many states.(Credit: Christopher Adams) Will you get a clear view of the 2024 eclipse? See the cloudiness mapIn the state of Texas, this map will show the percentage of totality that you can see,
  
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• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launches investigation into Boeing parts supplier, requests DEI documents

  29-03-2024 16:35 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Friday, March 29, 2024.AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said he's looking into a company that supplies parts to Boeing, and part of his investigation includes whether its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) commitments factored into safety issues.
  Paxton announced Thursday he sent a "request to examine" letter to Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., which has a facility in Texas and makes the fus
  
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• Deer crashes through Lockhart bank window, escapes with help from police

  29-03-2024 14:37 via kxan.com
  
  LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) — The people who work at a bank in downtown Lockhart are used to customers stopping by to deposit their bucks, but that took on a whole new meaning Thursday.
  A deer jumped through a window at the First Lockhart National Bank located at 120 West San Antonio Street and made a big mess inside.
  Randy Till, the bank's executive vice president and CEO, said employees heard a loud crash when the deer crashed into the community room. No one was fortunately in the room at the
  
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• Austin Pets Alive! receives contract extension for new Pet Resource Center

  29-03-2024 14:17 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Friday, March 29, 2024.HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — On Tuesday, the Hays County Commissioners’ Court approved a three-month contract extension with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) related to the development of a new Pet Resource Center.“The center would aim to provide programs focused on public safety, animal safety and lifesaving, pet owner resources for happy and healthier pets, and community education for sa
  
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• Georgetown ISD receives $462k to expand drone program

  29-03-2024 13:46 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Friday, March 29, 2024.GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — On Thursday, Georgetown ISD announced it received a $462,209 grant that will fund the expansion of the district’s drone program, which launched in 2020.The grant was from the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a part of the Blue Skies Ahead project, according to the district.“It’s no secret that public scho
  
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• Lots of clouds, breezy, warm Easter weekend

  29-03-2024 12:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Breezy, mostly cloudy conditions will continue this evening. How El Niño could impact the weather for the eclipseA mostly cloudy sky is forecast overnight through Sunday. Highs will climb back to the upper 70s to low 80s tomorrow.Easter Sunday sunrise is at 7:20. The sky will be mostly cloudy to overcast. There could be some fog around but there won't be any rain. Most temperatures will be in the low to mid 60s.A dry, though mostly cloudy, EasterEaster Egg Hunts and any o
  
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• Breezy and warm for Easter weekend

  29-03-2024 12:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Good Friday will start with sunshine before scattered clouds arrive. Most highs today will be in the upper 70s to a few low 80s.
  Today's normal high is 77°South winds will increase during the morning into the afternoon. Speed up to 15 to 20 mph will be accompanied by some gusts as high as 25 to 30 mph.
  Strong warm gusty windsHow El Niño could impact the weather for the eclipseA mostly cloudy sky is forecast overnight through Sunday. Highs will climb back to the upper
  
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• Affidavit reveals more details in deadly east Travis County shooting

  29-03-2024 11:44 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- A murder affidavit revealed more details after a man was accused of shooting and killing his father last week.Around 9:36 p.m. Sunday, the Travis County Sheriff's Office responded to 9301 Hog Eye Road for a report of a disturbance, which then escalated to "multiple shots" being fired, according to court records.When deputies arrived on the scene, they found Duan Davis, 61, with "multiple gunshot wounds lying on the ground near the bus stop in Community First Villag
  
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• Jacob's Well, Barton Springs and other endangered 'sacred springs' highlight of kite exhibit

  29-03-2024 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Jacob's Well was once one of the most prestigious water holes in Central Texas. Drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors, the spring-fed pool is a bright spot in the Hill Country. In recent years, droughts and increased population have crippled the spring. In 2023, it stopped flowing for the sixth time since the summer of 2000.It is just one of the springs featured in a new art exhibit on display at St. Edward's University this month. The Sacred Springs Kite Exhibition was crea
  
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• World champion Texas Rangers start season with walk-off win

  29-03-2024 05:24 via kxan.com
  
  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jonah Heim ended the season opener for the World Series champion Texas Rangers with a 10th-inning RBI single, after not finishing a play on a disputed foul tip that had given the Chicago Cubs the lead.
  Heim made up for his miscue with a two-out liner that lifted Texas to a 4-3 win Thursday night after the Rangers unfurled the franchise’s first World Series championship banner before the dramatic victory.“The big thing is, he put it behind him and got tha
  
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• Concerns rise over trash in creeks during discussion of Austin's 'Environmental Investment Plan'

  29-03-2024 03:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Work is underway to figure out where Austin falls short in it's environmental goals.The city is currently working to find out where leaders need to invest time and money to meet these goals though.On Wednesday, the city's joint sustainability committee met to talk about the Environmental Investment Plan, which aims to address climate change, sustainability of City operations, and community resiliency.Some of the topics brought up included preserving green space, investing i
  
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• Texas baseball doomed by big inning in 14-6 loss to No. 23 Kansas State

  29-03-2024 03:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — No. 23 Kansas State scored eight runs in the second inning to take a 14-6 win over Texas in a Big 12 Conference baseball series opener Thursday in Manhattan.The Longhorns (15-11, 4-3 Big 12) had a 3-0 lead through 1 1/2 innings thanks to home runs by Jalin Flores and Dee Kennedy, but when the bottom of the second came, the wheels fell off. The Wildcats scored eight runs on five hits and Texas pitchers issued five walks in the frame.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sp
  
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• Travis County jury acquits man accused of shooting, killing man in north Austin

  29-03-2024 03:42 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- A Travis County jury acquitted a man accused of shooting and killing a man in north Austin in April 2023.Jury selection began on Monday for Stacey Donnell Easley, 52, according to the Travis County District Attorney's Office. Then, on Thursday, the jury deliberated and found Easley not guilty of murder. Austin man arrested on murder charge for north Austin shootingOn April 18, 2023, Easley was arrested after he was accused of shooting and killing Johnny Edmondson,
  
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• No. 2 Longhorns drop series opener to No. 8 Oklahoma State in Stillwater

  29-03-2024 03:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — No. 8 Oklahoma State hit three home runs and shut out No. 2 Texas 5-0 in Big 12 Conference softball action Thursday in Stillwater.The Longhorns (28-4, 8-2 Big 12) had seven hits off Cowgirls pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl but couldn't get the big hit to push any runs across. Texas had two runners in scoring position in the top of the third with one out but Kilfoyl struck out Kayden Henry and Mia Scott to escape the threat. The Longhorns were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.M
  
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• Food service industry now largest private sector employer in Texas

  29-03-2024 02:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- The Texas food service industry employees more people now than ever before.
  The sector just passed the health care industry as the largest private employer in the state, according to the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA).
  "We employ about 1.5 million Texans, so that's about 11% of the workforce," said Executive Director for the Central South Region of the Texas Restaurant Association, Madison Gessner.
  Gessner said Austin alone employs about 132,000 peoplein the food service an
  
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• Texas prepares to take on offensive juggernaut Gonzaga in Sweet 16

  29-03-2024 01:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer talked Thursday about how his team has evolved defensively this season, and they'll have to do more of that when they face one of the country's most diverse scoring teams Friday night in Gonzaga.Top-seeded Texas and the fourth-seeded Bulldogs tip off at 9 p.m. CT from Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, in the women's Sweet 16, and Schaefer said his team is "locked in" on that side of the ball. Horns Report: Longhorns power way to women&
  
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• You're about to get mail from the City of Austin proposing new land development code changes

  29-03-2024 00:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- You're about to get another purple postcard from the City of Austin proposing changes to the city's land development code (LDC). The postcards will hit mailboxes as soon as Friday.
  Every property owner in city limits and anyone with an Austin Energy bill will receive the purple postcard. In addition, roughly 40,000 mailers are going to property owners along the planned route for Project Connect, and people in that general vicinity. We'll break that down in a moment.
  First, here'
  
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• Why did the City of Austin send you a purple slip? Breaking down the proposed code changes

  29-03-2024 00:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- You likely just got another purple postcard from the City of Austin in your mailbox proposing changes to the city's land development code (LDC).
  Every property owner in city limits and anyone with an Austin Energy bill received the purple postcard. In addition, roughly 40,000 mailers went to property owners along the planned route for Project Connect, and some people in that general vicinity. We'll break that down in a moment.
  First, here's what's on it:
  HOME phase two
  After the
  
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• Teen faces attempted capital murder charge related to shooting involving Pflugerville police

  29-03-2024 00:04 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — A teen was arrested and charged with attempted capital murder among other charges following an incident involving a stolen vehicle pursuit and a shooting with Pflugerville police Sunday.According to a Travis County affidavit, 18-year-old Larry Cain Walker II faces four charges in connection with the incident. The charges included attempted capital murder, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, tampering with evidence and evading on foot.At approximately 4
  
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• Which Central Texas school buses have seatbelts?

  29-03-2024 00:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In 2017, Texas passed Senate Bill 693, which would require three-point seatbelts for each passenger on buses that transport schoolchildren, but not all buses have them.
  It is the public policy of this state to ensure the safety of all students by taking every measure possible to protect the lives and well-being of students during transportation on a bus to and from school and extracurricular activities, including the measure enacted in Section 547.701(e), Transportation Cod
  
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• Which Central Texas school buses have seat belts?

  29-03-2024 00:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In 2017, Texas passed Senate Bill 693, which would require three-point seat belts for each passenger on buses that transport schoolchildren, but not all buses have them.
  It is the public policy of this state to ensure the safety of all students by taking every measure possible to protect the lives and well-being of students during transportation on a bus to and from school and extracurricular activities, including the measure enacted in Section 547.701(e), Transportation Co
  
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