Austin news

• ATCEMS: 1 seriously injured after motorcycle crashes into pole on South Lamar

  11-04-2024 23:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person suffered serious injuries after a motorcycle crashed into a pole on South Lamar Boulevard on Thursday, Austin-Travis County EMS said on social media.Around 4 p.m., medics responded to the crash in the 700 block of South Lamar Boulevard for the crash. Medics said the motorcyclist was thrown from the bike, and the motorcycle was "on fire briefly."The person was taken to Dell Seton with serious injuries. Medics are no longer on the scene.No other details were released Th
  
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• ACLU sues Travis County over allegedly denying right to legal counsel

  11-04-2024 22:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County now faces a class action lawsuit for allegedly denying people the right to legal counsel.The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas (ACLU), the ACLU Criminal Law Reform Project and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP filed the lawsuit on behalf of people jailed without lawyers in Travis County.Texas ACLU finds most schools in state still have discriminatory dress codesIn a press release, the ACLU said the county requires people who are arrested to attend their fir
  
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• Lot size, light rail: Austin City Council seeks input on significant land code changes

  11-04-2024 21:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Nearly 200 people signed up to speak Thursday at the City of Austin's first public hearing for several significant land development code (LDC) changes that could be coming your way.
  Of those people, nearly 60 indicated they were against the proposals, more than 110 signed up to speak in support and several others indicated they were neutral.
  If you missed it, you still have two open-house opportunities to learn about the proposals and ask questions:Wednesday, April 17: In-person
  
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• Warrant: Woman accused of drugging, robbing men in downtown Austin, steals thousands

  11-04-2024 21:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A woman with multiple active warrants was suspected of posing as a rideshare driver and drugging men near Austin’s downtown entertainment district before robbing them, according to Travis County court documents.An arrest warrant affidavit claimed 41-year-old Destini Cionne Robinson, on at least two occasions in 2023, stole the phones and wallets of unsuspecting passengers and spent thousands of dollars.In one incident, the affidavit said a man got into what he believe
  
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• Mosquito season is almost here: What to expect for 2024

  11-04-2024 20:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As temperatures continue warming as we go through spring, and rounds of rain and thunderstorms bring us beneficial water, we're also met with more mosquitos.KXAN Meteorologist Nick Bannin spoke with Wizzie Brown, an Entomologist at Texas A&M AgriLife, about the increasing activity from the more than 70 species of mosquitos that live here in Texas.KXAN Meteorologist Nick Bannin: Wizzie, we're getting out of winter now into spring, what have mosquitoes been doing up until this
  
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• Central Texas woman saves kittens from severe thunderstorm

  11-04-2024 20:19 via kxan.com
  
  BURNET COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A new litter of kittens is feeling extra love this week after a Central Texas woman helped rescue and care for them during Tuesday's torrential storms.Laura Silveria lives just west of Burnet off State Hwy. 29 and said a stray cat she's helped care for near her home gave birth to a litter of kittens on Easter Sunday. The stray was caring for her kittens near Silveria's back porch up until Tuesday's storm.On Tuesday morning, Silveria said her service dog, Blue,
  
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• APD makes arrest in deadly north Austin apartment complex shooting

  11-04-2024 20:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said an arrest was made in a deadly shooting at a north Austin apartment complex.Police previously said Francisco Muntufa Miranda, 21, died following the shooting at the Avalon Palms complex, located at 9300 Northgate Boulevard, on Jan. 8. Police look for leads after deadly north Austin shootingAPD said it will hold a press conference Thursday afternoon with updates on the case. The press conference will be streamed in this story and on KXAN's F
  
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• APD: Arrest made in deadly north Austin apartment complex shooting

  11-04-2024 20:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said an arrest was made in a deadly shooting at a north Austin apartment complex.Police previously said Francisco Muntufa Miranda, 21, died following the shooting at the Avalon Palms complex, located at 9300 Northgate Boulevard, on Jan. 8. Police look for leads after deadly north Austin shootingAPD said it will hold a press conference Thursday afternoon with updates on the case. The press conference will be streamed in this story and on KXAN's F
  
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• 13-year-old arrested in deadly north Austin apartment complex shooting

  11-04-2024 20:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said a 13-year-old was arrested and charged with murder in connection with a deadly shooting at a north Austin apartment complex.Police previously said Francisco Muntufa Miranda, 21, died following the shooting at the Avalon Palms complex, located at 9300 Northgate Blvd., on Jan. 8. Police look for leads after deadly north Austin shootingOn March 25, investigators obtained a "residential search warrant," which was in the area of Loyola Lane and
  
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• Steiner Ranch residents vie over pickleball court proposal

  11-04-2024 19:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two groups of Steiner Ranch residents are at odds over the proposed introduction of pickleball courts within the homeowners association community.On April 4, a group of residents created a petition that advocated for converting one tennis court at the Bella Mar Community Center into four semi-permanent pickleball courts. The petition alluded to a recent meeting between the HOA board and the tennis committee, which included conversations on the proposed initiative. Central T
  
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• Fashion meets science at UT exhibit celebrating sustainable style

  11-04-2024 19:23 via kxan.com
  
  Gail Chovan, Assistant Professor of Instruction, helped design the exhibit alongside Dr. Jessica Ciarla. (Credit: Eric Henrikson/KXAN)
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- From lumpy blue sweaters to cerulean military jackets, the fashion industry is interwoven in our lives in a million ways. A new exhibit at the University of Texas aims to highlight this connection and the impact fashion has on our planet."The exhibit 'Particles of Color' where science meets fashion is our first exhibit on our fourth floor," said
  
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• Road closures planned for Longhorn Run, ABC Kite Fest in Austin

  11-04-2024 18:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Springtime festivities are fully underway in Austin, with thousands poised to gather this weekend to bask in the ABC Kite Fest or participate in the Longhorn Run's 5K and 10K races.The Longhorn Run kicks off Saturday morning, with the 10K race beginning at 8 a.m. and the 5K starting at 8:15 a.m. The annual event traverses across the University of Texas at Austin's 40 acres, with this year's festivities a sold-out ordeal.10K races will line up at 21st Street to begin the rac
  
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• 'We always want to move faster': What's the latest on heat and air conditioning projects at Austin ISD

  11-04-2024 17:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Toni Aucutt remembers the text she got from her daughter, a sophomore at Bowie High School, one school day in January.
  "She said, 'I can't feel my feet. My feet are so cold I can't feel them,'" Aucutt said.BACKGROUND: Thousands of air conditioning issues at Austin ISD schools in 2021-2022A few days after students came back to class from the winter break, the temperatures outside dropped to the teens. A spokesperson for Austin ISD confirmed to KXAN some schools were having issues
  
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• O.J. Simpson has died, family says

  11-04-2024 16:42 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — O.J. Simpson has died, his family announced on social media Thursday morning. He was 76.
  "On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer," a post on X attributed to his family reads. "He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren."Additional details were not immediately available.
  Developing
  
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• O.J. Simpson, ex-NFL star acquitted in 'trial of the century,' dies: family

  11-04-2024 16:42 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — O.J. Simpson has died, his family announced on social media Thursday morning. He was 76.
  "On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer," a post on X attributed to his family reads. "He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren."Additional details were not immediately available.Simpson, who stood trial for the double-murder of his ex-wife and her friend in the 1990s, was reportedly in Las Vegas at the time of his passing, accordin
  
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• Developers have big plans to revitalize Taylor's historic downtown with hotels, restaurants and more

  11-04-2024 16:28 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (ABJ) — More than 50 years ago, the barbecue places, pharmacies and department stores along Main Street in Taylor were bustling with railroad engineers, plumbers and migrant workers. Much has changed since, and many of those buildings have sat empty and in disrepair.Over the last several years, however, there are signs that the street is primed to bustle again, with new restaurants, breweries and coffee shops aiming to serve the Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. fac
  
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• WCSO: Leander carjacking leads to pursuit

  11-04-2024 15:16 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a call regarding a robbery involving a vehicle theft in Leander early Wednesday.According to WCSO, the caller said his car was stolen by two men with guns near the 700 block of Baker Lane.WCSO said deputies found the vehicle on US-183, and it was moving quickly. WCSO said a short pursuit ensued, but deputies briefly lost sight of the vehicle. It was later found wrecked near US-183 and FM 2243.Ac
  
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• APD: Man dies 15 days after northeast Austin crash

  11-04-2024 14:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man died at the hospital 15 days after a two-vehicle crash in northeast Austin, according to the Austin Police Department.APD said at approximately 7:30 a.m. March 15, officers responded to a crash at the intersection of East Parmer Lane and Harris Branch Parkway.Police said 67-year-old George Luckett, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles, was taken to the hospital, but later died on March 30 as a result of his injuries.According to APD, everyone involved in the inc
  
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• First update from attorneys in case of accused Austin spree shooter, Shane James

  11-04-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – During the first pre-trial hearing for a man accused of a December shooting spree that spanned Austin and San Antonio, his attorneys provided an update on the status of the case, which is in its discovery phase.Shane James, 35, was not at the 147th District Court of Travis County Thursday morning. His attorney, Russ Hunt, Jr. arrived around 10 a.m. and had a brief conversation with Judge Cliff Brown. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: What we know about the suspect in the shooting spr
  
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• Accused Austin spree shooter, Shane James, scheduled for pre-trial hearing Thursday

  11-04-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The first pre-trial hearing for Shane James, 35, was scheduled for Thursday morning in the 147th District Court of Travis County.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: What we know about the suspect in Tuesday’s shooting spree in Austin, San AntonioAccording to the 147th District Court, James' attorneys, Russ Hunt, Jr. and Michael Thomas Watson are expected to provide Judge Cliff Brown with an update on the status of their case since the crimes James is accused of committing over fo
  
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• Defense submits plea offer for accused 'serial killer' Raul Meza

  11-04-2024 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Raul Meza, a convicted 1980s murderer currently facing two additional murder charges in the 2019 death of Gloria Lofton and the 2023 death of Jesse Fraga, was in court Thursday.
  Prosecutors told the judge they had received a plea offer for 50 years from Meza's defense and were now in the early stages of reviewing that offer.KXAN will speak with the attorneys at the hearing and update this article with more information once we learn it. The next hearing will take place June 4.TIM
  
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• Case for suspected 'serial killer' Raul Meza continues with Thursday court hearing

  11-04-2024 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Raul Meza, a convicted 1980s murderer currently facing two additional murder charges the 2019 death of Gloria Lofton and the 2023 death of Jesse Fraga, has a court hearing Thursday.TIMELINE: What we know of Raul Meza’s criminal historyMeza killed 8-year-old Kendra Page in south Austin in 1982. In May of last year, police arrested him in the death of 80-year-old Fraga. When Meza called police to turn himself in, the department said he implicated himself in Lofton's murder a
  
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• Long lines at AUS post-eclipse; airport expects to break a top record

  11-04-2024 12:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Many people were stuck in long lines at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport on Wednesday, which prompted people to post to social media to vent their frustrations or reach out to local media for answers.AUS said in a statement it was "experiencing a high volume of departing passenger traffic, resulting in unusually long ticket counter lines that are extending onto the terminal curbside."Some passengers reached out to KXAN saying passengers from Southwest flights were stuc
  
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• Long lines at AUS, airport expects to break a top record

  11-04-2024 12:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Many people were stuck in long lines at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport on Wednesday, which prompted people to post to social media to vent their frustrations or reach out to local media for answers.AUS said in a statement it was "experiencing a high volume of departing passenger traffic, resulting in unusually long ticket counter lines that are extending onto the terminal curbside."Some passengers reached out to KXAN saying passengers from Southwest flights were stuc
  
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• 1 seriously injured after vehicle-pedestrian crash on South Lamar

  11-04-2024 04:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person is seriously injured after a vehicle-pedestrian crash happened on South Lamar, Austin-Travis County EMS said on social media Wednesday.Around 8:58 p.m., medics responded to the 2200 block of South Lamar for the crash.One person was taken to St. David's South with "critical life-threatening injuries," medics said.Drivers should expect extended closures and should avoid the area, medics said.No further information was available Wednesday.
  
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• 1 killed after vehicle-pedestrian crash on South Lamar

  11-04-2024 04:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person is dead after a vehicle-pedestrian crash happened on South Lamar Boulevard Wednesday night. MAP: Where have Austin’s fatal crashes occurred in 2024?Austin-Travis County EMS said online medics responded to the 2200 block of South Lamar Boulevard just before 9 p.m. after receiving reports of a crash involving a pedestrian. Medics took one person to St. David's South Austin Medical Center with "critical life-threatening injuries."On Thursday, the Austin Police Depa
  
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• Austin Fire Department responding to 'heavy fire' in east Austin home

  11-04-2024 04:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Fire Department is responding to a structure fire in an east Austin home with "heavy fire through the roof," the agency said on social media Wednesday.Around 9:06 p.m., AFD responded to the fire in the 4600 block of Craigwood Drive. The agency said multiple people called and reported the "whole house on fire."Crews arrived on the scene and saw the fire through the roof, and AFD said "crews will go interior" to fight the fire, and then additional crews will "protect ex
  
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• Austin Fire Department investigating fire in east Austin home

  11-04-2024 04:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The cause of a structure fire remains under investigation after "heavy fire through the roof" was reported in an east Austin home on Wednesday, the Austin Fire Department told KXAN.Around 9:04 p.m., AFD responded to the fire after multiple callers reported the whole house was on fire in the 4600 block of Craigwood Drive, AFD Operations Public Information Officer Rachael Lewis told KXAN.The Austin Fire Department is investigating the cause of a fire in an east Austin home | Court
  
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• Central Texans now making repairs after hail storms

  11-04-2024 03:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Broken windows, dented cars and damaged roofs are just some of the damage left behind after Tuesday night's hail storms.While the hail storms have ended, the damage has been done. Now many Central Texans are left cleaning up."It was the most intense hail storm I have ever seen," said a man living in Marble Falls.KXAN viewers sent in videos and pictures of hail, some small, others the size of a baseball.Tennis-size hail fell in Marble FallsHail that fell in Marble Falls, Tex
  
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• Texas Eclipse Fest organizers address rumors and complaints

  11-04-2024 00:25 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows coverage from the day the Texas Eclipse Festival was canceled.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Organizers of the Texas Eclipse Festival in Burnet County drew criticism and praise from attendees during the event, and after its cancellation a day early Monday due to severe weather."TEXAS ECLIPSE WAS HELL ON EARTH. DISCO DONNIE YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF," said Reddit user "Final_Meat" in a post on the subreddit r/TexasEclipse.That subreddit, made to discuss the Tex
  
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