Austin news

• Concrete pump truck driver in school bus crash deemed ‘imminent hazard’

  02-04-2024 23:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Federal transportation authorities say the driver of the concrete pump truck involved in a fatal crash with a school bus full of pre-K children on March 22 was prohibited from driving a commercial vehicle because of multiple failed drug tests, and they have disqualified him from further commercial driving, according to a March 29 order.“This finding means that based upon your present state of unacceptable safety compliance, your operation of any commercial motor vehic
  
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• Texas poultry facility to destroy 1.6 million hens after positive bird flu test

  02-04-2024 23:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A West Texas poultry facility "received official notice" of a positive test for highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller confirmed in a release Tuesday.The Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. poultry facility in Farwell will need to destroy 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets at that facility, which is approximately 3.6% of the company's total flock, due to U.S. Department of Agriculture poultry infections guidance. Pull
  
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• Affidavit provides more details on south Austin roadway shooting

  02-04-2024 23:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An affidavit provided more details on what led to a south Austin roadway shooting that left two people injured, including a child, back in January.The shooting happened in the 1300 block of West Ben White Boulevard, according to police. That's near Menchaca Road.A woman driving a blue Kia was driving from the Sunset Valley area eastbound on Ben White Boulevard. Then, a dark grey Volkswagen cut off the Kia, which made the woman upset, according to a witness who was in the Kia, co
  
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• Sources: At least 20 UT employees to lose jobs linked to DEI

  02-04-2024 22:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)—Several sources have confirmed with KXAN that at least 20 employees from the University of Texas at Austin, who worked within the realm of diversity, equity and inclusion, have been terminated.In an email to the campus on Tuesday, UT President Jay Hartzell said the university has "eliminated" its positions and programs under the Division of Campus and and Community Engagement (DCCE). This is due to Senate Bill 17, "which prohibits many activities around diversity, equity, and
  
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• Sources: At least 20 UT employees linked to DEI to lose their jobs

  02-04-2024 22:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)—Several sources have confirmed with KXAN that at least 20 employees from the University of Texas at Austin, who worked within the realm of diversity, equity and inclusion, have been terminated.In an email to the campus on Tuesday, UT President Jay Hartzell said the university has "eliminated" its positions and programs under the Division of Campus and and Community Engagement (DCCE). This is due to Senate Bill 17, "which prohibits many activities around diversity, equity, and
  
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• Cell service, traffic, rental cars: Central Texas leaders give heads up before eclipse

  02-04-2024 22:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Roughly a week before thousands and thousands of visitors are expected to head to Central Texas to view the total eclipse, Austin and Travis County leaders are warning the public about possible impacts.
  "This is really a once in a lifetime event for Central Texas. Our community has a chance to really view something spectacular and we want everyone to do that safety, to prioritize their well being and to know how to prepare," Mayor Kirk Watson said.Which Austin roadways could see
  
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• Comedian Joe Flaherty has died after an illness, daughter says

  02-04-2024 22:25 via kxan.com
  
  TORONTO (AP) — Comedian Joe Flaherty, a founding member of the Canadian sketch series “SCTV,” has died. He was 82.His daughter Gudrun said Tuesday that Flaherty died Monday following a brief illness.Flaherty, who was born in Pittsburgh, spent seven years at The Second City in Chicago before moving north of the border to help establish the theater’s Toronto outpost.He went on to star alongside John Candy and Catherine O’Hara in "SCTV,″ about a fictional TV stat
  
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• Travis County DA office warns of callers impersonating its representatives

  02-04-2024 19:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Travis County District Attorney's Office is warning residents about callers impersonating its representatives.
  The office said it has received complaints from two people who reported a phone call from someone pretending to be a TCDA staff member and threatening them with legal action if money was not paid immediately. In one case, the victim paid $1,200 to a Bitcoin account, according to the office.
  The office said in a release that it is believed these calls started on Frid
  
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• Panhandle Wildfires Investigative Committee to host hearings in Pampa, hear testimony

  02-04-2024 18:24 via kxan.com
  
  PAMPA, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) - An investigative committee formed to study the recent weeks-long outbreak of devastating wildfires across the Texas Panhandle will meet during the first week of April in Pampa, according to the Texas State House of Representatives, to hear testimony from the public about the causes and response to the wildfires.
  The published public meeting notices described that the hearings will be held from Tuesday to Thursday at the MK Brown Civic Center in Pampa, beginning at 8 a.
  
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• City of Austin tries to address food availability, equality with plan

  02-04-2024 17:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin completed the first draft of its food plan for Austin and Travis County.
  According to the city, a food plan "sets clear goals and strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food system and provides a coordinating structure for all food-related initiatives."In June 2021, the Austin City Council passed a resolution directing the development of a five-year food plan.
  The Travis County Commissioners Court voted to formally join the proc
  
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• Bill Nye 'the Science Guy' will be in Fredericksburg for the total eclipse

  02-04-2024 17:42 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video explains what to expect if it's cloudy in Central Texas for the total solar eclipse.FREDERICKSBURG, Texas (KXAN) -- One of the world's most recognizable "science guys" is heading to the Hill Country for the April 8 total solar eclipse.
  Bill Nye “the Science Guy” will be in Fredericksburg at the Planetary Society's Eclipse-O-Rama 2024, a two-day camping festival April 7 and 8 to watch the rare astrological phenomenon. It'll feature music, science, lodgin
  
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• Increased traffic and visitors for solar eclipse could strain local blood supply

  02-04-2024 16:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- There is a call for blood donations ahead of the April 8 Solar Eclipse.“We've been working with hospitals, and they are requesting an additional 200 donations ahead of the eclipse to be prepared for any higher incidences of traumas,” said Nick Canedo, the Vice President of Community Engagement for We are Blood.The blood bank is the exclusive provider of the Central Texas community’s blood supply.“Eight different hospitals are concerned about ramping up th
  
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• ACC trustees approve free tuition pilot program, votes not to increase tuition rates

  02-04-2024 16:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Community College Board of Trustees on Monday approved two measures it says will keep college affordable.The board approved a proposal to offer free tuition for high school graduates and GED completers starting with the high school class of 2024. A release about the decision said the approval for the ACC Free Tuition pilot program — also known as the College Affordability Plan — came after months of discussion. Eight voted for the program and one abst
  
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• LIVE: Eclipse offers views of every planet in solar system... if weather cooperates

  02-04-2024 14:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The total solar eclipse on April 8 is a truly rare celestial event. It's the first solar eclipse to pass over Central Texas in several hundred years, millions are expected to travel for it and it will offer a rare midday look at every planet in our solar system."All of the naked eye planets are there," said Lara Eakins with the University of Texas Department of Astronomy. The eclipse will block out all of the sun's light during totality, making the night sky visible for anyone w
  
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• Eclipse offers views of every planet in solar system... if weather cooperates

  02-04-2024 14:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The total solar eclipse on April 8 is a truly rare celestial event. It's the first solar eclipse to pass over Central Texas in several hundred years, millions are expected to travel for it and it will offer a rare midday look at every planet in our solar system."All of the naked eye planets are there," said Lara Eakins with the University of Texas Department of Astronomy. The eclipse will block out all of the sun's light during totality, making the night sky visible for anyone w
  
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• Comprehensive map shows how Texans voted in the 2024 Republican presidential primary

  02-04-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above features analysis from Election Night, March 5, 2024.This story features results from the 2024 Republican presidential primary in Texas. Click here to see results from the Democratic presidential primary.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former President Donald Trump overwhelmingly won Texas' Republican presidential primary on March 5, defeating former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, as well as several other candidates who appeared on the ballot.Trump received more than three
  
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• Comprehensive map shows how Texans voted in the 2024 Democratic presidential primary

  02-04-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above features analysis from Election Night, March 5, 2024.This story features results from the 2024 Democratic presidential primary in Texas. Click here to see results from the Republican presidential primary.AUSTIN (KXAN) — President Joe Biden overwhelmingly won Texas' Democratic presidential primary on March 5, easily defeating seven other candidates who appeared on the ballot.Biden received more than 80% of all votes cast in Texas, as well as a majority in ever
  
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• Over 427,000 Kia SUVs recalled because they might roll away while parked

  02-04-2024 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Kia is recalling more than 427,000 of its Telluride SUVs due to a defect that may cause the cars to roll away while they're parked.According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft of certain 2020-2024 Tellurides may not be fully engaged. Over time, this can lead to “unintended vehicle movement” while the cars are in park — increasing potential crash risks.Kia America d
  
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• LIVE: Eclipse weather forecast: Where might clouds break

  02-04-2024 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We're less than 24 hours from the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse and we continue to try and fine tune the forecast.
  As things look now our forecast is still relatively cloudy, but not completely cloudy. Chances for some spotty sprinkles or light rain tick up as we get closer to 2 p.m. on Monday.Eclipse plannerLow stratus in the morning will attempt to break apart a little bit for the afternoon, all while a lot of high clouds stream in overhead.
  Some holes without the low clouds a
  
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• Eclipse weather forecast: Where might clouds break

  02-04-2024 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We're less than 24 hours from the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse and we continue to try and fine tune the forecast.
  As things look now our forecast is still relatively cloudy, but not completely cloudy. Chances for some spotty sprinkles or light rain tick up as we get closer to 2 p.m. on Monday.Eclipse plannerLow stratus in the morning will attempt to break apart a little bit for the afternoon, all while a lot of high clouds stream in overhead.
  Some holes without the low clouds a
  
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• Sunshine ahead of a pair of Pacific storms

  02-04-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Multiple days of quiet weather leading up to a pair of storms that will likely sandwich the total solar eclipse on Monday afternoon. FIRST WARNING: Solar Eclipse weather forecast for April 8Dry northwest winds will keep our weather pleasant today with sunshine, low humidity and comfortable temperatures areawide (upper 70s/low 80s).Similar weather can be expected Thursday and Friday, the only difference being a slight bump in temperatures (mid-80s).A pair of Pacific storms look t
  
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• Bright and dry weather through early Saturday

  02-04-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The only opportunity for rain this week left out of Milam County before 4 a.m. Most rain totals averaged a few hundredths up to .20". However there were a few locations with higher amounts:
  .66"LBJ Ranch near Stonewall
  .61"Johnson City
  .51"Fredericksburg (Pedernales River gauge) Updated Central Texas rain totalsThere were 17 reports of hail reported between 8:56 p.m. Monday until 2:30 this morning. Most hail reports ranged from walnut-sized to golf ball-sized but there was one r
  
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• A couple chilly mornings, great afternoons on the way

  02-04-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The only opportunity for rain until Saturday ended early Tuesday morning across Central Texas. Most rain totals averaged a few hundredths up to .20". However there were a few locations with higher amounts:
  .66"LBJ Ranch near Stonewall
  .61"Johnson City
  .51"Fredericksburg (Pedernales River gauge) Updated Central Texas rain totalsThere were 17 reports of hail reported between 8:56 p.m. Monday until 2:30 this morning. Most hail reports ranged from walnut-sized to golf ball-sized but
  
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• Houston's Blanco throws the first no-hitter in the majors this season in a 10-0 win over Toronto

  02-04-2024 05:10 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (AP) — Ronel Blanco of the Houston Astros threw the first no-hitter in the major leagues this season, blanking the Toronto Blue Jays 10-0 on Monday night.The right-hander struck out seven and walked two. He walked George Springer to start the game and again with two outs in the ninth. When Vladimir Guerrero Jr. grounded out to end it, Blanco smiled broadly before raising his arms above his head just before being mobbed by teammates.It was the 17th no-hitter in Astros history a
  
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• Mobile court helps resolve criminal charges for homeless

  02-04-2024 04:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – In its pilot program, a mobile court helped nearly 400 people experiencing homelessness check to see if they had an active court case. The Downtown Austin Community Court piloted its mobile court program from October 2023 to February 2024 to help Austin’s homeless resolve criminal charges to avoid warrants and access services. “We wanted to be able to provide the services we provided Downtown Austin Community Court in various locations around town to h
  
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• Michael Phelps' former coach named Texas Longhorns director of swimming and diving

  02-04-2024 02:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The longtime coach of the most decorated Olympian in history is now coaching at Texas.Bob Bowman, Michael Phelps' coach during his run of 23 Olympic gold medals, has spent the past nine seasons turning Arizona State into a collegiate swimming and diving power. Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte named Bowman the director of swimming and diving on Monday, and the job also includes being the head coach for the men's team.FILE - U.S. swimming star Michael Phelps, left, wal
  
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• 3 Texas Longhorns recruits playing in McDonald's High School All-American games Tuesday

  02-04-2024 01:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With two on the girls side and one on the boys, the Texas Longhorns will have quite a presence in Houston on Tuesday for the McDonald's High School All-American games.As part of Texas' No. 1-ranked recruiting class according to ESPN.com, Justice Carlton and Jordan Lee will suit up for the West squad in the girls game with Tre Johnson playing for the West team in the boys game. Horns Report: Texas women knocked out in Elite 8; have plenty of pieces returning to make another
  
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• Texas kicked retirees off Medicare benefits by mistake

  02-04-2024 01:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Texas Health and Human Services accidentally removed 350 seniors from the state's Medicare Savings Program, the agency confirmed, costing some lower income Texans as much $200 a month out of their Social Security checks.Last summer, Nexstar first reported that about 100,000 Texans were improperly removed from Medicaid coverage after the federal government rolled back COVID-era provisions meant to protect people from losing health insurance.HHSC whistleblowers on Medicaid, SNA
  
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• Texas kicked hundreds of seniors off Medicare benefits by mistake

  02-04-2024 01:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Texas Health and Human Services accidentally removed 350 seniors from the state's Medicare Savings Program, the agency confirmed, costing some lower income Texans as much $200 a month out of their Social Security checks.Last summer, Nexstar first reported that about 100,000 Texans were improperly removed from Medicaid coverage after the federal government rolled back COVID-era provisions meant to protect people from losing health insurance.HHSC whistleblowers on Medicaid, SNA
  
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• Effects of the eclipse will still be seen — even if it's cloudy

  02-04-2024 00:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Much of Central Texas will see the total solar eclipse in exactly one week, but the biggest lingering question is will the weather cooperate for all the people living in Austin and traveling here?
  Vin Taylor and his fiancée Shannon Kaestle live in the Denver area and will arrive in Austin on Sunday, a day before the eclipse. They booked their flights about five months ago and plan to stay with friends while they're visiting to catch a rare glimpse of the moon complet
  
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