Austin news

• Arrest warrant issued for suspected organizer in July 2023 street takeover

  15-04-2024 23:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An arrest warrant was issued for the suspected organizer for a July 2023 street takeover on Monday.On July 29, 2023, the Austin Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety responded to the events, which ended at the intersection of South Lamar Boulevard and Barton Springs Road. Three people were taken to the hospital after the street takeover, according to police. Crash sends 3 to hospital while DPS troopers respond to car meet"In street takeovers, intersections
  
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• Why do some Austin neighborhoods have black asphalt on sidewalks?

  15-04-2024 23:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Just off Menchaca Road in south Austin lies the Canterbury Trails neighborhood. Throughout the community is a smattering of black asphalt covering portions of the sidewalks.A spokesperson for the Austin Transportation and Public Works Department told KXAN those asphalt coverings offer a temporary, structurally-sound reprieve for sidewalks in need of repair. Each year, the city regularly responds to hundreds of requests made via 3-1-1 for the service before longer-term solutions
  
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• $1.1M project could pay homeless artists to paint murals in downtown library garage

  15-04-2024 22:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A pilot program could pay people experiencing homelessness to create art murals in Austin.
  The art program, which would pay people experiencing homelessness for same-day work to paint murals, is up for consideration at this week's city council meeting. RELATED: How many people are homeless in Austin? City commits to more transparencyAustin council members will consider a roughly $1.1 million contract Thursday with local art nonprofit Raasin in the Sun for a pilot project pa
  
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• LIVE Horns Report: Texas men's hoops busy in the transfer portal, Orange-White spring game coming up Saturday

  15-04-2024 22:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team was busy in the transfer portal last week, and that's the main topic of discussion in this week's Horns Report with Roger Wallace and Billy Gates.Head coach Rodney Terry landed three recruits Sunday, including one of the most sought-after guards available in Arkansas' Tramon Mark. Texas also snagged two players from Indiana State, Julian Larry and Jayson Kent, fresh off an appearance in the NIT championship game and the most success
  
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• Horns Report: Texas men's hoops busy in the transfer portal, Orange-White spring game coming up Saturday

  15-04-2024 22:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team was busy in the transfer portal last week, and that's the main topic of discussion in this week's Horns Report with Roger Wallace and Billy Gates.Head coach Rodney Terry landed three recruits Sunday, including one of the most sought-after guards available in Arkansas' Tramon Mark. Texas also snagged two players from Indiana State, Julian Larry and Jayson Kent, fresh off an appearance in the NIT championship game and the most success
  
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• PHOTOS: Re-experience the spectacle of the total solar eclipse across Central Texas

  15-04-2024 22:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's now been a week since the total solar eclipse dazzled audiences across North America, including right here in Central Texas. What impact did the solar eclipse have on temperatures?KXAN received hundreds of photos from viewers across the region sharing their view. Here are some of our favorite photos from the day.Total solar eclipseTotal solar eclipse over Kingsland, Texas, on April 8, 2024. (Courtesy Dale Murphy)The Morris family riding on horseback below a total solar
  
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• It's the last day to claim a piece of the $100 million Verizon class-action settlement

  15-04-2024 21:22 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Eligible Verizon customers — current and former — have just a couple hours left to claim a piece of the $100 million class action settlement fund.
  Affected users to get up to $100 each if they file a valid claim by April 15.
  The lawsuit alleges Verizon customers were hit with an administrative charge as part of a "deceptive scheme." Verizon denies any wrongdoing, but has agreed to the payout.
  All Verizon customers in the U.S. who “received postpaid wireless or
  
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• ‘Rust’ weapons supervisor gets 18 months in prison for fatal on-set shooting

  15-04-2024 21:21 via kxan.com
  
  SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A movie weapons supervisor was sentenced to 18 months in prison in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer by Alec Baldwin on the set of the Western film “Rust,” at a sentencing hearing Monday in a New Mexico state court.Movie armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted in March by a jury on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and has been held for more than a month at a county jail on the outskirt
  
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• Walmart apologizes for Uvalde shirt amid backlash

  15-04-2024 21:13 via kxan.com
  
  UVALDE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Walmart has issued an apology for selling a Uvalde-themed shirt after hundreds voiced their displeasure on social media."Where the heck is Uvalde Texas" T-shirt on the rack of a Walmart store (Photo: Brett Cross)
  Brett Cross, the father of 10-year-old Uziyah Garcia who was killed in the Robb Elementary School shooting in 2022, shared a photo of the shirt on X.The shirt features the state of Texas, with the text "Where the heck is Uvalde, Texas?"Cross shared
  
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• Austin airport to host open house on key expansions this month

  15-04-2024 20:46 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Monday, April 15, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Members of the public can learn more about the multi-year expansion plans for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at a community open house later this month.The event will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Montopolis Recreation and Community Center, located at 1200 Montopolis Drive. Airport staff will be available on site to chat about upcoming
  
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• Air Force's 1st female fighter pilot is a UT alum, and she's this year's commencement speaker

  15-04-2024 20:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The United States Air Force's first female fighter pilot went to the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated in 1990. Now, 34 years later, she's been selected as the university's keynote speaker for its 141st Spring Commencement.
  Retired Maj. Gen. Jeannie M. Leavitt, an aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics alumna, grew up in St. Louis and came to UT because she wanted to study aerospace engineering, UT said in a release.
  Leavitt dedicated 31 years of servic
  
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• Austin airport one of 4 nationwide to receive new runway safety technology

  15-04-2024 20:10 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Monday, April 15, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is one of four airports nationwide to receive new technology to help enhance runway safety, the Federal Aviation Administration announced Monday.AUS, the Indianapolis International Airport, the Nashville International Airport and Dallas Love Field are the recipients of the new airfield surveillance systems, the FAA said. The focus of the ne
  
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• 'It's heartbreaking': Tesla employees in Austin blindsided by layoffs

  15-04-2024 20:02 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Monday, April 15, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some Tesla employees in Austin are now left without a job.Tesla plans to lay off 10% of workforce after dismal quarterly sales, multiple news outlets reportAccording to our media partners at the Austin Business Journal, the company is laying off more than 10% of its workforce globally.
  Tesla CEO Elon Musk detailed the plans in a memo sent to employees.
  Musk’s memo said th
  
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• 'It's heartbreaking': Tesla employee in Austin blindsided by layoffs

  15-04-2024 20:02 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Monday, April 15, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some Tesla employees in Austin are now left without a job.Tesla plans to lay off 10% of workforce after dismal quarterly sales, multiple news outlets reportAccording to our media partners at the Austin Business Journal, the company is laying off more than 10% of its workforce globally.
  Tesla CEO Elon Musk detailed the plans in a memo sent to employees.
  Musk’s memo said th
  
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• First vote to happen on Austin transgender protections measure

  15-04-2024 19:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An effort to extend some protections to transgender Austinites and their ability to seek gender-affirming medical care will receive its first vote Monday evening.
  The City of Austin's LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission is set to consider a resolution during its meeting, which will also include a town hall about an LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center and a discussion about the potential need for one.The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the city's Permitting and Development Center
  
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• Austin OKs nearly $23M contract to build new bridge over Lady Bird Lake

  15-04-2024 19:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin City Council approved Thursday a nearly $23 million contract to build a new bridge across Lady Bird Lake near the Longhorn Dam.The now-approved construction contract is with Jay-Reese Contractors Inc., with a $20.7 million baseline amount along with an additional $2 million in contingencies. The project will create a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge across Lady Bird Lake, near the Longhorn Dam in east Austin. RELATED: $4.1M federal grant to help fund new bridge across La
  
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• Austin eyeing nearly $23M contract to build new bridge over Lady Bird Lake

  15-04-2024 19:34 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Monday, April 15, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin City Council could approve Thursday a nearly $23 million contract to build a new bridge across Lady Bird Lake near the Longhorn Dam.Council will weigh in on a construction contract with Jay-Reese Contractors Inc., with a $20.7 million baseline amount along with an additional $2 million in contingencies. The project will create a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge across Lady B
  
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• New Uvalde police chief announces plan to overhaul department

  15-04-2024 19:33 via kxan.com
  
  UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) -- The City of Uvalde's newly appointed Police Chief Homer Degado unveiled a plan Monday to overhaul the police department.
  Delgado, directed by the City Council and City Manager, unveiled the "Guardian Initiative," which, according to a release from the city, is a "comprehensive plan to overhaul the policies, practices, and procedures of the Uvalde Police Department to enhance community trust and safety while modernizing the city’s police force."The release furth
  
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• $1 million lawsuit filed against concrete pump truck driver, company after deadly bus crash

  15-04-2024 19:31 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) – A mother of a child involved in the deadly Hays CISD bus crash on March 22 – where a concrete pump truck veered into oncoming traffic, struck the bus and caused it to roll – has filed a lawsuit against the driver, Jerry Hernandez, who admitted in a police report he had used cocaine within 24 hours of the crash, his company, FJM Concrete Pumping, LLC, and the owner of the company. The crash resulted in the death of a 5-year-old boy on the bus and a U
  
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• Tesla plans to lay off 10% of workforce after dismal quarterly sales, multiple news outlets report

  15-04-2024 18:07 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Monday, April 15, 2024.DETROIT (AP) — After reporting dismal first-quarter sales, Tesla is planning to lay off about a tenth of its workforce as it tries to cut costs, multiple media outlets reported Monday. Tesla’s economic impact on Central Texas is growing exponentiallyCEO Elon Musk detailed the plans in a memo sent to employees. The layoffs could affect about 14,000 of the 140,473 workers employed by the A
  
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• Oak season underway: How the pollen impacts people, cars

  15-04-2024 17:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Perhaps the second most dreaded pollen during the year, just behind cedar season, is the oak season.Oak tree pollen is extremely allergenic and, unfortunately, its season is long. Central Texans will deal with the oak pollen from February through May but it could last into mid-June. And, as many of you know, the city, more, the region, is teeming with oak trees.
  The oak season can be debilitating for many
  From personal experience, the trees do a wonderful job of providing shade
  
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• Austin bike ride set to raise money for multiple sclerosis

  15-04-2024 16:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An estimated 6,500 bike riders will hit the streets in Texas on Saturday, April 27th as part of an effort to raise money for a cure for multiple sclerosis.The 150-mile ride from the Texas Capitol to La Grange, and then onto College Station is part of a nationwide series of rides. More than 50,000 riders from 5,000 teams are fundraising across the country as part of the MS 150 ride.Among them is Austin's Sarah Reed. Doctors diagnosed Reed with MS when she was 25 after first exper
  
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• White House announces millions in funding for Samsung's semiconductor plant in Taylor

  15-04-2024 15:12 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Monday, April 15, 2024.
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) — Millions of federal dollars are being added to an over $40 billion investment from Samsung into its chip manufacturing plant in Taylor, Texas, according to an announcement from the White House.The announcement said over $40 billion in investment from Samsung will be unleashed, $40 million in CHIPS funding will be leveraged to "train and develop the local workforce,
  
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• White House announces billions in funding for Samsung's semiconductor plant in Taylor

  15-04-2024 15:12 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Monday, April 15, 2024.
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) — Samsung will receive up to $6.4 billion in federal funding for its chip manufacturing plant in Taylor, Texas, part of Congress' $52 billion CHIPS and Science Act meant to bolster American semiconductor manufacturing.The announcement said over $40 billion in investment from Samsung will be unleashed, $40 million in CHIPS funding will be leveraged to "train and devel
  
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• Round Rock updates plan to prepare for future hazards

  15-04-2024 13:59 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- The City of Round Rock experienced a multitude of disasters in the past five years, including a global pandemic, an EF-2 tornado, and a hail storm that resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.
  City staffing is reflecting on these disasters as it updates its hazard mitigation plan. It's a plan updated every five years designed to "minimize or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from known hazards through effective mitigation," accordin
  
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• Warm, humid week with intermittent rain

  15-04-2024 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A warm and humid week ahead with periods of wet weather at times.Today will feature more clouds than sun, warm temperatures (80s) and muggy to humid conditions. A few spots of drizzle/light rain/mist are possible, but no meaningful rain is expected.A cold front will sweep through the area tonight bringing a broken line of showers and storms early Tuesday morning. Although there will be a few factors working against these storms from developing, there is potential a few storms de
  
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• Unseasonable warmth and increasing rain chances

  15-04-2024 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Cloudy skies and warmer-than-normal temperatures will continue across Central Texas through Tuesday morning. A couple of rain showers are possible, but mainly over the Hill Country.
  An strong upper-level low is headed into Colorado. The low will continue to send moisture from the Pacific in the mid- and upper-levels while the Gulf flow transports moisture into Central Texas at the surface.A Pacific cold front will move into the area early Tuesday. This front could bring a few mo
  
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• A little rain tonight/tomorrow with more late in the week and weekend

  15-04-2024 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- There won't be much sun today as moisture at all levels will lead to the cloudy sky. Most high temperatures will peak in the low to mid 80s.
  An upper-level low is over northeastern Utah this afternoon. It will move into Colorado during the day. The low will continue to send moisture from the Pacific in the mid- and upper-levels while the Gulf flow transports moisture at the surface.A Pacific cold front will move into the area during the night through tomorrow morning. Based on o
  
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• Austin kite fest flies high at Zilker Park

  15-04-2024 12:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — ABC Home and Commercial Services hosted the 96th Kite Fest on Sunday where crowds of all ages flying kites filled Zilker Park.President of ABC Home and Commercial Services Bobby Jenkins illustrated the event was one like none other held in Austin."All the other events that happen around town cost lots of money," Jenkins said. "This is that free event where we can all come and all be together."That sentiment was echoed by Michael McKinley, a kite-flier who has been at the ev
  
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• Texas men's hoops lands three transfers including Arkansas' Tramon Mark

  15-04-2024 05:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It was quite a Sunday for the Texas Longhorns men's basketball team.Head coach Rodney Terry reeled in three transfer commitments with the big fish — Arkansas guard Tramon Mark — and two Indiana State Sycamores on Sunday.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersMark leaves the Razorbacks after John Calipari is set to take over the program following Eric Muss
  
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• As weather warms, officials encourage safety on waterways

  15-04-2024 04:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Over the weekend, the Austin-Travis County EMS conducted three water rescues. One of those people died on the scene, according to ATCEMS.Lake Travis Fire Rescue said they conduct water rescues in Lake Travis every year. Communications Director Rachel Neutzler said she anticipates water rescue calls to increase as the weather warms.  APD: Body found in Lady Bird Lake, investigation underway“The one thing we see over and over when we do these rescues is people not
  
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• Austin FC fails to generate a shot on goal in 1-0 road loss to St. Louis

  15-04-2024 03:54 via kxan.com
  
  ST. LOUIS (AP) — João Klauss scored early in the second half and Roman Bürki made it stand up to lead St. Louis City to a 1-0 victory over Austin FC on Sunday.Klauss used assists from Rasmus Alm and rookie defender Tomas Totland in the 57th minute to score his second goal of the season. Totland has two assists in eight career starts this season.VERDE LIGHTS: It's back for another season! Tune in at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays on CW Austin throughout the season.St. Louis City (
  
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• Peak severe weather season is almost here in Central Texas

  15-04-2024 03:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Last week had our first outbreak of more widespread severe weather here in Central Texas for 2024. The typical peak of severe weather season arrives in just over two weeks as we head into the month of May.May severe weatherMay is a lot of things: Typically our most active month for severe weather, one of our most active months for flash flooding and usually our wettest month of the year.The risk for almost all modes of severe weather peaks for us in May, but by far the most freq
  
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• No. 1 Texas sweeps another Big 12 series, takes out No. 24 Baylor

  15-04-2024 03:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Top-ranked Texas softball made it six consecutive wins with a 9-5 victory over No. 24 Baylor at McCombs Field to complete a series sweep.On Friday in Waco, the Longhorns run-ruled the Bears in six innings 14-1 and picked up a Saturday win in Austin 9-6. BASEBALL: Texas explodes in 9th to steal Sunday win, claim series on the road in HoustonOn Sunday, sophomore catcher Reese Atwood belted her 13th home run of the year in the fourth to cap a 3-for-3 game at the plate. She hit
  
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• Texas explodes in 9th to steal Sunday win, claim series on the road in Houston

  15-04-2024 02:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas hammered three home runs and scored eight runs in the ninth to turn what looked to be a series loss into a win with a 13-8 victory over Houston on Sunday at Schroeder Park.After the Cougars took an 8-5 lead into the final inning thanks to an Ace Reese solo home run in the eighth, the Longhorns' offense roared to life. After Jared Thomas scored on a throwing error, Peyton Powell tied the game with a 2-run home run to spark the huge inning. Jalin Flores followed with a
  
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• Chase Elliott ends 42-race winless streak with overtime win in NASCAR Cup race in Texas

  15-04-2024 02:04 via kxan.com
  
  FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Chase Elliott pulled ahead and cleared Ross Chastain on the first lap after the second restart in overtime Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway, ending a 42-race winless streak for NASCAR's most popular driver.The race ended on the 16th caution after Elliott had taken the white flag for the 276th lap in a race scheduled for 267 laps. Chastain got bumped from behind by defending race winner William Byron, who finished third and was just behind Brad Keselowski when th
  
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• Scottie Scheffler unstoppable and wins another Masters green jacket

  15-04-2024 01:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler had no doubts about this Masters, and neither did anyone watching. He pulled ahead with magnificent shots Sunday around the turn and poured it on along the back nine at Augusta National for a 4-under 68 to claim his second green jacket in three years.
  Scheffler is simply unstoppable at the moment, and he had help from a faltering cast of contenders to make it look easier than it was.
  Much like Tiger Woods he made the outcome look inevitable with sublim
  
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