Austin news

• Elgin parents sue CPS employees, Ascension Health: 'These agents literally lied'

  03-05-2024 23:49 via kxan.com
  
  ELGIN, Texas (KXAN) — Two parents are suing Ascension Health, a doctor and several then-agents of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) after their child's misdiagnosed health condition led to a 2015 custody battle.Attorneys Stephanie Proffitt and Aaron W. Rapier represent the family in the case."Most of the time, if a parent questions their authority, if a parent questions the diagnosis, if a parent has the data to ask for a second opinion, the parent becomes targe
  
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• Austin Police honoring fallen officers at memorial event

  03-05-2024 23:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is honoring all 29 police officers who died in the line of duty at its Biannual Austin Police Memorial Event on Friday, the agency said in a news release.In addition, APD is inducting SPO Jorge Pastore on its memorial wall, and a ribbon with his name will be added to the Honor Guard's memorial flag, the release said. ‘Rest easy brother, we’ll take it from here’: Crowds, law enforcement honor fallen Austin Police Officer Jorge Pastor
  
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• WATCH: ATV crashes into Connecticut police cruiser attempting to block pedestrians from harm

  03-05-2024 23:33 via kxan.com
  
  Warning: Video contains graphic footage.NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – An ATV driver suffered serious injuries after crashing into a police cruiser in New Haven, Connecticut, on Sunday, police officials said.Police said officers were patrolling the city's East Rock Park around 3:40 p.m., following reports of ATV riders using Farnam Drive to access the park — a road that's been only open to pedestrian traffic since 2020.
  The officers had been part of a team assigned to dirt bike/ATV detail
  
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• Does Texas' maternal Medicaid extension improve access to healthcare?

  03-05-2024 22:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Out of every 100,000 births in Texas, 28.1 result in the mother’s death. Now, the state is providing new moms with up to a year of Medicaid coverage in an effort to bring its maternal mortality rate down.
  Nakeenya Wilson almost became part of the statistic. At age 35, Wilson said she faced multiple severe complications when giving birth to her second child. “I had an opportunity to survive what could have been a really abysmal outcome for me and my
  
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• Despite protests, UT divestment from weapons unlikely

  03-05-2024 22:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Recent demands by college protestors ask college administrations to "divest from death" by ending contracts with companies supplying the Israel Defense Force's (IDF) war in Gaza.Divestment is the opposite of investment; to divest means to sell off shares in a company. For example, the U.S. Congress passed a law that requires TikTok's parent company to divest from the app.The student group Palestinian Solidarity Committee (PSC), which organized recent protests at the Univers
  
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• Disney World to host exhibit of George W. Bush paintings

  03-05-2024 21:43 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) -- Former President George W. Bush's paintings are going to Disney World. EPCOT, one of the theme parks at Disney's resort in Orlando, Fla., announced Wednesday that it will soon be home to a special exhibit of Bush's artwork."Portraits of Courage: A Commander's Tribute to America's Warriors" will feature more than 60 paintings from Bush of "service members and veterans who have served our nation with honor since 9/11, and whom the president has come to know personally since
  
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• Tornado spins up behind drivers on way out of Jones County

  03-05-2024 21:38 via kxan.com
  
  JONES COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) - Motorists along Highway 277 made their way south Thursday evening with dark clouds, hail and a tornado close behind. Around 7:30 p.m., a funnel touched down just west of Hawley. This is less than an hour after a confirmed touchdown west of Anson. Motorists packed along the highway and access roads headed for Abilene, hoping to stay ahead of the storm. Hawley Truck Driver Wilson Mesquita said he was ready to clock out for the night when he saw the clouds beginnin
  
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• 'Oh my gosh. There's people': Storm chaser rescues family live on YouTube during West Texas tornado

  03-05-2024 21:38 via kxan.com
  
  JONES COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — A family of four was rescued live on social media after a storm chaser followed a tornado right to their home, which had just been destroyed in Hawley.
  Freddy McKinney had just chased the tornado-warned storm into Jones County when he was able to get footage of a large tornado dropping down.HOW TO HELP: Hawley tornado victims in need of supplies"This is an insane intercept. . . just dropped," McKinney is heard saying in the video, which was originally live
  
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• GALLERY: Tornado destroys multiple homes in Jones County

  03-05-2024 21:35 via kxan.com
  
  JONES COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) - A tornado touched down in Jones County overnight, destroying multiple homes.
  Most of the damage was sustained by the Hodges and Hawley communities off of CR 605 and CR 458. HOW TO HELP: Hawley tornado victims in need of suppliesAt least 6 homes have been heavily damaged, but there is debris scattered all across the area, and multiple homes have their roofs blown off or have been leveled completely.
  At least one family - a father, mother and two children - were i
  
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• Traffic Alert: Southbound lanes reopen on MoPac after crash

  03-05-2024 21:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Traffic was down on MoPac Expressway in south Austin due to a crash Friday, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.Around 2 p.m. Friday, TxDOT said all southbound lanes on MoPac at Barton Skyway are closed.It wasn't immediately clear what caused the crash or if there were any injuries. Drivers are urged to avoid the area or seek an alternate route.
  
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• Traffic Alert: Southbound lanes closed on MoPac in south Austin due to crash

  03-05-2024 21:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Traffic is currently shut down on MoPac Expressway in south Austin due to a crash, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.Around 2 p.m. Friday, TxDOT said all southbound lanes on MoPac at Barton Skyway are closed.It wasn't immediately clear what caused the crash or if there were any injuries. Drivers are urged to avoid the area or seek an alternate route.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
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• Henry Cuellar accused of accepting $600K in bribes, according to indictment

  03-05-2024 21:22 via kxan.com
  
  BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An indictment accusing U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, of accepting bribes from foreign entities was unsealed Friday.The indictment accuses Cuellar, 68, and his wife, 67-year-old Imelda Cuellar, of participating in two schemes involving bribery, unlawful foreign influence and money laundering, the Department of Justice announced.The husband and wife made their initial appearance in court Friday morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo i
  
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• Randy Travis releases first new song since 2013 stroke inhibited his speech, singing voice

  03-05-2024 21:19 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Country artist Randy Travis released a new song Friday — nearly 11 years after a stroke left him largely unable to speak or sing.Travis had teased the release of “Where That Came From” earlier this week, previewing a snippet of the song along with a video featuring footage from what appeared to be the recording process. In it, Travis could be seen observing the studio musicians, though not actively singing.“Eleven years ago I never thought I would be abl
  
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• Blue Hole announces start of swimming season

  03-05-2024 20:40 via kxan.com
  
  WIMBERLEY, Texas (KXAN) -- One of the Hill Country's most popular swimming holes announced it's open for the year's swim season.
  Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley said in an announcement the park officially opened for swimming on Wednesday, May 1.Blue Hole awarded ‘Travelers’ Choice’ by Tripadvisor for third year in a rowA reservation is required to swim in the park. You can buy tickets for any day and time slot online.Adult (Ages 13 - 59): $12Youth (Ages 4 - 12): $8Senior (
  
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• Stretchable electronic skin for robots developed by UT researchers

  03-05-2024 20:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A first-ever stretchable electronic skin was developed by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin.
  According to UT, the skin could give robots the same softness and touch sensitivity that humans have.
  In a press release, the university said existing e-skin technology loses sensing accuracy as the material stretches.
  "Much like human skin has to stretch and bend to accommodate our movements, so too does e-skin," said Nanshu Lu, a professor in the Cockrell School of
  
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• How to get $25 concert tickets this month

  03-05-2024 19:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- If you've been eyeing purchasing concert tickets, next week might be a good opportunity to snag them for a lower price than usual.
  Live Nation will offer $25 tickets for its "Concert Week" May 8-14.
  The entertainment company's website says more than 5,000 shows will have tickets marked down by up to 75% off during the week.
  Several artists are listed on the website as having upcoming shows, including the likes of Alanis Morissette, 21 Savage, Cage the Elephant, P!NK, and Vampire
  
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• Downtown overdose spike likely from fentanyl-laced crack cocaine, APD says

  03-05-2024 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Detectives with the Austin Police Department seized crack cocaine that tested positive for fentanyl, and the agency now believes the spike in overdoses downtown are a result of people taking fentanyl-laced crack, APD said in a statement.As of Thursday, ATCEMS responded to more than 70 overdoses in Austin, and nine people died. More information will be available once toxicology reports are complete, both APD and ATCEMS said.Private security guards who work downtown said the overd
  
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• Illegal dam reporting on the rise in Central TX, state agencies say

  03-05-2024 18:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, TX (KXAN) -- After the demolition of a dam state agencies deemed illegal along the James River, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Equality (TCEQ) both say that the number of reports of illegal dams and impoundments is on the rise."Central Texas, the Texas Hill Country, and north Texas are all areas where the TCEQ has seen an increase in complaints and permit," said a representative with the TCEQ over e-mail. They said this is because
  
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• NBC: DOJ expected to announce indictment of Rep. Henry Cuellar

  03-05-2024 17:55 via kxan.com
  
  HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Department of Justice is expected to indict U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, on Friday, according to an NBC News report.In January 2022, Cuellar's home and office were raided in Laredo as investigators were looking into Azerbaijan and a group of U.S. businessmen who have ties to the country, law enforcement said at the time. According to NBC, in April, Cuellar's lawyer said he was not the target of the federal investigation.
  "It wasn't immediate
  
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• LIVE: Biden to award Opal Lee, 'Grandmother of Juneteenth,' with highest civilian honor

  03-05-2024 17:23 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (KXAN) — President Joe Biden is set to award a Texas woman known by many as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth" with the highest civilian honor in the country.
  The White House announced Opal Lee from Marshall, Texas, is one of 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom this year. The 97-year-old activist who pushed for Juneteenth to become a federally-recognized holiday will receive this honor during a ceremony Friday.
  Other honorees include Oscar-winning actress Michelle Ye
  
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• Biden to award Opal Lee, 'Grandmother of Juneteenth,' with highest civilian honor

  03-05-2024 17:23 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (KXAN) — President Joe Biden is set to award a Texas woman known by many as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth" with the highest civilian honor in the country.
  The White House announced Opal Lee from Marshall, Texas, is one of 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom this year. The 97-year-old activist who pushed for Juneteenth to become a federally-recognized holiday will receive this honor during a ceremony Friday.
  Other honorees include Oscar-winning actress Michelle Ye
  
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• Report: Women entrepreneurs want more resources, support in Austin

  03-05-2024 17:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- There a variety of challenges that women entrepreneurs in Austin face when starting and growing their business.
  Areas that need improvement are things like access to capital, broader professional networks and more business resources.
  The Mayor's Task Force for Austin Women Entrepreneurs is tackling those challenges.
  What is the task force?Mayor Kirk Watson formed the group last summer in an effort to address obstacles women-owned businesses deal with.The goal was to figure out h
  
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• Deputies search for suspect in deadly shooting in southeast Travis County

  03-05-2024 16:41 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Deputies are investigating a shooting that killed a man early Friday morning in southeast Travis County and asking the public to help identify a suspect.The Travis County Sheriff's Office shared the homicide happened at a business located in the 5600 block of South U.S. 183, which is close to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Deputies said they initially responded to a call there at about 12:25 a.m. for reports about a "disturbance involving a gun," acco
  
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• Deputies investigate deadly shooting in southeast Travis County

  03-05-2024 16:41 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Deputies are investigating a shooting that killed a man early Friday morning in southeast Travis County.
  The Travis County Sheriff's Office shared the homicide happened at a business located in the 5600 block of South U.S. 183, which is close to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Deputies said they initially responded to a call there at about 12:25 a.m. for reports about a "disturbance involving a gun," according to a news release.
  Deputies said they foun
  
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• May is national Stop The Bleed month, how you can save a life

  03-05-2024 16:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- This month, EMS and surgeons nationwide are stressing what bystanders can do during an emergency that could keep someone from bleeding to death.“I cannot emphasize strongly enough how important that is,” said Dr. Kenji Inaba. “Literally, the amount of time between when an injury occurs and the EMS system arrives is variable but it's definitely enough time for somebody to bleed to death.”Dr. Inaba, a surgeon and head of the Stop The Bleed program, said the
  
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• Air Canada's new route between Montreal and Austin launches at AUS

  03-05-2024 16:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- People flying out of Austin and looking for a new international destination now have a new option.
  Air Canada's new non-stop service between Austin and Montréal, Canada officially launched Friday. The new route was announced last October.Previous coverage: Another new international route coming to Austin in 2024The airline will operate flights between Austin and Montréal 4 days a week, according to a release from the Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Th
  
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• Rural neighbors wary of Williamson County road project

  03-05-2024 15:09 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Residents in Weir, Walburg and Granger have teamed up to keep an eye on a portion of East Wilco Highway set to be built in the near future.The members call themselves Preserve Wilco Now! and had their first-ever meeting last month.Tamela Baker has lived in her Granger home for 25 years and went to the group's April meeting.
  She said there were 150-175 people in attendance all wanting to know more about the Corridor K portion of the East Wilco Highway.&ldqu
  
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• No injuries or damage after rockslide on Loop 360 near Pennybacker Bridge overnight

  03-05-2024 14:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin police said no one was injured and there wasn't any reported damage after a rockslide on Loop 360 overnight, though the roadway was shut down for several hours while crews cleared the area.
  Rocks started falling around 10:40 p.m. and the roadway was closed until shortly after 2 a.m.Rockslide on Loop 360 near Pennybacker Bridge overnight May 3, 2024 (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)Rockslide on Loop 360 near Pennybacker Bridge overnight May 3, 2024 (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)Rockslide
  
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• As 2024 Heart Ball returns to Austin, local doctor shares his remarkable story

  03-05-2024 13:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the 2024 Heart Ball returns to Austin on Saturday, a local doctor talked about his own health story after he endured a stroke. KXAN's Britt Moreno interviewed him Thursday.Dr. Michael Petersen, Chief Medical Officer at Aetna-CVS, talked about his remarkable story while being on the other side of medical care.Read the full transcription of the interview below or watch in the video player above. Some responses have been edited for clarity.Britt Moreno: I'm so excited to welcome
  
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• Nearly 2,200 people have been arrested during college campus protests

  03-05-2024 13:08 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Police have arrested nearly 2,200 people during pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses across the United States in recent weeks, sometimes using riot gear, tactical vehicles and flash-bang devices to clear tent encampments and occupied buildings. One officer accidentally discharged his gun inside a Columbia University administration building while clearing out protesters camped inside, authorities said.No one was injured by the officer's mistake late Tuesday inside
  
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• Lago Vista council sets hearing to talk possible mayor dismissal, city manager employee complaint

  03-05-2024 05:03 via kxan.com
  
  LAGO VISTA, Texas (KXAN) — All eyes are on the mayor and city manager of Lago Vista after both were part of the agenda items at Thursday’s city council meeting.One of the agenda items was regarding a formal complaint against Mayor Kevin Sullivan and the other a complaint about City Manager Tracie Hlavinka from an employee.In the city manager’s complaint, the council will have a third party investigate the employee complaint and the city manager’s response.Not a lot of det
  
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• Heavy rains near Houston close schools and flood roadways as officials urge residents to evacuate

  03-05-2024 04:40 via kxan.com
  
  Mandatory evacuation orders were issued near Houston on Thursday for some residents following heavy rains in Texas that stranded motorists, flooded streets and closed schools as officials warned that conditions in some hard-hit areas could worsen."This is a life-threatening situation,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the top elected official in the nation's third-largest county.Storms over the past month in southeast Texas and parts of Louisiana have dumped more than 2 feet (61 cent
  
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• Cameron Yoe's Flemings claims 4th 400 crown, Griffin wins 110 hurdles for Lago Vista at UIL meet

  03-05-2024 04:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Lago Vista junior Swayde Griffin sped to the 4A boys state title in the 110-meter hurdles during the UIL track and field championships Thursday at Mike A. Myers Stadium.Griffin edged Kingsville King's Jasiah Rivera at the line to win gold in 13.75 seconds. Rivera finished in 13.84, followed by Stafford's Bradley Lowman at 13.90. Griffin, a cornerback on the Vikings' football team, holds Division I offers from Texas Tech, Minnesota and Arizona State on the gridiron. Lake Tra
  
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• Texas restaurant food, supply costs impacted by unrest in Middle East

  03-05-2024 03:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- Issues in the Middle East are expected to impact restaurants right here in Texas.
  According to the Texas Restaurant Association, it has to do with ongoing conflict around the Red Sea that's leading to shipping delays.
  The TRA said higher costs for goods could hit restaurants in the next few months as a result.
  Conflict in the Red SeaYemen's Houthi rebels started attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea back in October.RELATED COVERAGE: Ship comes under attack off coast of Yeme
  
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• 'Chicks dig the long ball, right?': Longhorns face No. 14 Cowboys while on homer hot streak

  03-05-2024 02:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With all the ups and downs Texas has faced this season, they're still in prime position to make a run at the Big 12 baseball regular season championship, and the home stretch begins Friday.Texas hosts No. 14 Oklahoma State for a pivotal 3-game series with the Longhorns a game behind the Cowboys and West Virginia for second place in the conference. A series win would certainly give Texas a much-needed boost to their spot in the RPI and NCAA tournament resume, and head coach
  
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• UT’s Jay Hartzell praised by some state leaders as other university presidents take heat over protests

  03-05-2024 01:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — The call for state police to help wrangle protesters came from the university’s own president, Jay Hartzell.Across campus, many had assumed that Gov. Greg Abbott deployed the intense show of force on April 24, as he’d been vocal about his opposition to the pro-Palestinian protests elsewhere. 79 arrested on UT campus during Monday protest, sheriff’s office saysBut Hartzell told a state senator he called for backup because he was unwilling to let th
  
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