Austin news

• Federal jury convicts Fredericksburg doctor of $70M in fraudulent Medicare claims

  25-05-2024 21:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A federal jury convicted a Fredericksburg doctor Friday related to more than $70 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare.According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), 61-year-old David M. Young, M.D., was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and three counts of false statements relating to health care matters. Records show he faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.The DOJ said Young submitted medically unnecessary claims for orthotic
  
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• Where you'll pay the most for gas this Memorial Day weekend

  25-05-2024 20:18 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Memorial Day weekend is here, which means you may be hitting the roads (or maybe the lake) before embarking on your long weekend.
  Regardless of where you're going (AAA expects 38.4 million drivers to hit the roads this weekend), a stop at the gas station is likely in your future. You could find yourself paying a hefty price at the pump, depending on where you're traveling.
  Since May 16, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has declined across most states. The nati
  
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• George Floyd Justice in Policing Act reintroduced to Congress

  25-05-2024 20:09 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) reintroduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act on Thursday, a bill that would create federal police reform. Speaking to a crowd that included family members of those affected by police violence, Jackson Lee called the legislation “critical.”“Far too many lives have been lost or forever changed due to unacceptable incidents of police brutality throughout our nation,” Jackson Lee said. “We cannot allow a
  
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• Want to dodge Memorial Day crowds? You may want to avoid these destinations

  25-05-2024 20:06 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – If you're considering a last-minute getaway during the Memorial Day weekend to relax away from crowds, there are a few cities you may want to leave for another trip.This holiday weekend AAA expects some 43.8 million people to travel at least 50 miles away from home, a number that would be second only to 2005's record 44 million who hit the roads, open ocean, rails and skies.Travel booking site Skyscanner says short-duration trips were the largest segment, with 42% of trips last
  
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• Where is America's best pizza? Lawmakers slice into an old debate

  25-05-2024 20:05 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) - One of the country’s most contentious debates made its way up to Capitol Hill on Wednesday: What’s the pizza capital of the U.S.?The answer depends on who you ask.Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D) stirred up the conversation when she held an event on the House steps to declare New Haven, Conn., the best spot for a slice. The Congresswoman handed out boxes of the famed Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria, a pride and joy of New Haven since 1925, before delivering remarks on the H
  
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• Early McDonald's menu shows incredibly cheap prices. Have they kept up with inflation?

  25-05-2024 20:03 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – When McDonald's first started flinging patties back in the 1940s, you could feed a family for under $1. But you could do a lot with a dollar back then. Amid complaints that McDonald's has grown too expensive, we calculated what the prices on early McDonald's menus from 70 years ago would be today, adjusted for inflation.
  For starters, your options were more limited back in the day. One menu, which McDonald's told Nexstar dates back to the mid-to-late 1950s, shows only nine
  
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• Austin steakhouse ranked among 101 best in the world

  25-05-2024 18:28 via kxan.com
  
  (KDVR/NEXSTAR) — If you're looking for the best place on Earth to find a delicious t-bone steak or a juicy filet mignon, you may not have to travel as far as you think.World's Best Steaks released a list of the top 101 best steaks based on the meat quality, selection and other restaurant-related aspects.From each continent, steak ambassadors - that's right, people who try out steaks - decide on the final list. After testing out the taste, terroir, character, marbling, cut and preparat
  
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• Nearly 1.9 million cases of water impacted by FDA recall

  25-05-2024 18:23 via kxan.com
  
  TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says a bottled water producer is recalling thousands of cases shipped nationwide due to multiple issues.
  On May 23, the FDA announced that Natural Waters of Viti Limited is voluntarily recalling more than 78,000 cases of "Fiji Natural Artesian Water" due to manganese and three bacterial genera. The water was sent to the state of Washington before distribution nationally to customers through online retailers like Amazon.com, according to a co
  
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• Nearly 1.9 million bottles of water impacted by FDA recall pose 'no health or safety risk': company

  25-05-2024 18:23 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: This story has been updated to clarify that the recall was initiated in March and classified by the FDA last week, and to add in comment from the company.TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined thousands of cases of bottled water affected by a March recall are "not likely to cause adverse health consequences" in a new update.
  In March, the FDA announced Natural Waters of Viti Limited was voluntarily recalling more than 78,000 cases of "Fiji Natural Ar
  
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• Nearly 1.9 million bottles of water impacted by FDA recall

  25-05-2024 18:23 via kxan.com
  
  TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says a bottled water producer is recalling thousands of cases shipped nationwide due to multiple issues.
  On May 23, the FDA announced that Natural Waters of Viti Limited is voluntarily recalling more than 78,000 cases of "Fiji Natural Artesian Water" due to manganese and three bacterial genera. The water was sent to the state of Washington before distribution nationally to customers through online retailers like Amazon.com, according to a co
  
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• Friday's preholiday travel breaks the record for the most airline travelers screened at US airports

  25-05-2024 18:19 via kxan.com
  
  ATLANTA (AP) — A record was broken ahead of the Memorial Day weekend for the number of airline travelers screened at U.S. airports, the Transportation Security Administration said Saturday.More than 2.9 million travelers were screened at U.S. airports on Friday, surpassing a previous record set last year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, according to the transportation security agency. “Officers have set a new record for most travelers screened in a single day!” the TSA tweeted
  
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• Why is the sparkle emoji often used to represent AI? ✨

  25-05-2024 17:00 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Have you noticed this? As more and more technology companies roll out their own AI products and services, there's one thing that's been pretty common among many of the competitors: they all use the sparkle emoji in relation to the use of artificial intelligence.
  But why? These are the 10 worst U.S. cities for bed bugs, says new rankingCurrently, you can see a sparkle emoji beside "AI Overview" Google suggestions, which appear at the top of results whenever you perform a google
  
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• Nude beaches: Texas has 2 of the U.S.' best, new report says

  25-05-2024 16:44 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Did you know there's not just one but many Texas nudist beaches? While rules and vibes will vary, the Lone Star State has several options for those wanting to feel "free" by the water.Travel site Hotels.com recently released its 12 Best Nudist Beaches in the U.S., and two spots right here in Texas made the cut. This Texas city is the 3rd worst for bed bug infestations in the U.S.While the Haulover Beach Park in Miami Beach, Florida, claimed the title of "best" overall — w
  
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• ATCEMS medics celebrated during annual awards ceremony

  25-05-2024 15:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County EMS closed out National EMS Week by celebrating medics during its annual awards ceremony at Austin City Hall on Friday.EMS personnel were recognized for their accomplishments over the last year, and dozens of awards were presented to those who ATCEMS said went above and beyond the call of duty."24 hours a day, 365, long shifts. They do it in cold weather. They do it in hot weather. They do it in rainy weather. They are just phenomenal at what they do,"
  
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• You can get paid $2,500 to watch upcoming summer movies at the theater

  25-05-2024 15:29 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (WPIX) — As the weather gets warmer, one company wants to pay a lucky moviegoer $2,500 to cool off and go to the movies.  CableTV.com is hiring a "chief of cinema" to watch five upcoming summer movie releases at their local movie theater. "Did you know that only 7% of Americans prefer watching movies at a theater? Why, though? How do the comfort of home, cheaper snacks, and a pause button for pee breaks beat escaping into a well-told story that plays out on a toweri
  
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• Tech workers quit jobs to run Cybertruck-powered coffee shop 

  25-05-2024 15:27 via kxan.com
  
  (KRON) - When a Tesla Cybertruck is spotted on the road, people will stop and take a look at the controversial vehicle. The pickup truck — whatever your feelings of it — will usually turn heads.Now, imagine seeing coffee being served out of a Cybertruck.That's what you'll see every Sunday at the Cupertino Farmers' Market in California, where husband and wife Ming Wood and Mabel Yeung set up their business Moonwake Coffee Roasters. The espresso machines, water heating and a variety of
  
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• Sweltering heat this weekend, some rain ahead

  25-05-2024 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Heat Advisory will be in effect from 1 to 7 p.m. for eight counties in Central Texas. The advisory is for maximum heat index readings this afternoon as high as 108° to 112° ... with the potential of higher numbers in Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, and Lee Counties.Tornado WatchA tornado watch is in effect for the northern Hill Country counties of Lampasas and San Saba until 9 p.m. tonight.Heat index readings this afternoon could get as high as 112° and higherA He
  
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• Sweltering 90s this holiday weekend

  25-05-2024 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Heat Advisory will be in effect from 1 to 7 p.m. for eight counties in Central Texas. The advisory is for maximum heat index readings this afternoon as high as 108° to 112° ... with the potential of higher numbers in Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, and Lee Counties.Heat index readings this afternoon could get as high as 112° and higherYesterday's maximum heat index readings topped out at 116° at La Grange. Other high numbers Saturday afternoon:
  111°Austin-
  
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• Nearing triple digits today

  25-05-2024 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Heat Advisory will be in effect from 1 to 7 p.m. for six counties in Central Texas.Some heat index readings in Fayette and Lee Cos. will top 112°Yesterday's maximum heat index readings topped out at 116° at La Grange. Other high values:
  111°Austin-Bergstrom and San Marcos
  108°Cameron and Taylor
  107°Camp Mabry
  104°LlanoTriple-digit heat index readings today for most areasSummer outlook: Will Central Texas lakes fill with rain?Summer outlook: How a f
  
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• Excessive Heat Warning for six counties

  25-05-2024 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —
  Dangerous heat will continue to build across Central Texas through the remainder of the holiday weekend. Afternoon heat index values could be as high as 115! Be sure to drink plenty of water, take breaks and never leave kids or pets in a parked vehicle! We may begin to see some slightly cooler temperatures and some chances for rain beginning on Monday, and those chances may continue into next weekend. Summer outlook: Will Central Texas lakes fill with rain?Summer outlook: H
  
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• Early-morning severe weather

  25-05-2024 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for San Saba County until 6 a.m. Sunday. Thunderstorm over McCulloch County is moving east 50 mph.Dangerous heat will continue to build across Central Texas through the remainder of the holiday weekend. Afternoon heat index values could be as high as 115! Be sure to drink plenty of water, take breaks and never leave kids or pets in a parked vehicle! We may begin to see some slightly cooler temperatures and some chances for rain beg
  
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• H-E-B's future Manor store could open next year

  25-05-2024 14:20 via kxan.com
  
  MANOR, Texas (Austin Business Journal) — Preliminary plans for H-E-B at Manor Crossing have been filed, providing some new details about the grocery store coming to the small city northeast of downtown Austin. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: H-E-B buys land in Manor as part of future retail hubOn May 21, H-E-B submitted a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for its more than 100,000-square-foot store at Manor Crossing, which will be located at the northwest corner of
  
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• 'I'm lucky to be alive': Temple man survives after car is crushed by gas station canopy

  25-05-2024 13:28 via kxan.com
  
  TEMPLE, Texas (FOX 44) — Cleanup in Bell County is underway after severe storms ripped through the area.
  In Temple, streets are lined with debris, trees were uprooted and power lines are down. One man is lucky to be alive after his car was crushed by a gas station canopy. RELATED: Hundreds of homes damaged, dozens of people injured after two tornadoes hit TempleJoey Allen stopped at an Exxon gas station to avoid possible hail damage to his car. Instead, his car was crushed by the gas stati
  
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• 'Seinfeld' star Michael Richards reveals battle with prostate cancer

  25-05-2024 13:24 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – “Seinfeld” actor Michael Richards has revealed that he underwent surgery to remove his prostate after being diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer in 2018, the actor told People in an exclusive interview."It had to be contained quickly," he told People. "I had to go for the full surgery. If I hadn't, I probably would have been dead in about eight months."Richards added that his son, who was 9 at the time, was on his mind when he ultimately decided to fight his cance
  
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• 'I'm truly sorry': Suspect in deadly Chiefs rally shooting apologizes from jail

  25-05-2024 13:24 via kxan.com
  
  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) -- One of three men charged with murder in connection with the shooting at the end of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl parade and rally earlier this year is talking publicly for the first time.In an exclusive interview with Nexstar's WDAF, 18-year-old Dominic Miller detailed what happened on Feb. 14 from his perspective.
  Miller faces four felonies in the shootout, including second-degree murder. Jackson County prosecutors allege his bullet killed local radio DJ Lisa Lop
  
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• Airbnb 'anti-party system' in effect over Memorial Day, Fourth of July

  25-05-2024 13:23 via kxan.com
  
  (KTLA) - With Memorial Day weekend in just a few days, followed by the Fourth of July in the not-so-distant future, Airbnb has announced its “anti-party system” is in effect for both weekends.  According to the homestay rental company, the system is implemented to reduce the risk of disruptive parties and promote responsible travel.  “We have measures in place to help identify and prevent reservations that are potentially higher risk for safety and property damage inc
  
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• Daughter, son-in-law of Missouri politician among 3 killed in Haiti

  25-05-2024 13:20 via kxan.com
  
  MISSOURI (KTVI) - Missouri State Rep. Ben Baker says his daughter and son-in-law were both killed in Haiti in a gang attack.
  Baker (R-Neosho) says his daughter and son-in-law, Natalie and Davy Lloyd, were attacked by gangs and killed. They were both full-time missionaries in Haiti."My heart is broken in a thousand pieces. I’ve never felt this kind of pain," said Baker in a Facebook post Friday morning on the situation. He continued: "They went to Heaven together."
  Police check motorcyclist
  
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• Tulsi Gabbard in Central Texas for Memorial Day fitness event raising money for military families

  25-05-2024 05:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former Hawaii Congresswoman and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard is in Central Texas this weekend gearing up for a fitness event to help raise money for military families.Monday's event hits close to home for Gabbard — she's a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and served in three different war zones."And unfortunately, lost brothers and sisters of mine who served in those war zones, and so Memorial Day is a special time for us to just pause and honor tho
  
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• City of Austin announces schedule changes for Memorial Day

  25-05-2024 04:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Several City of Austin departments will be closed or have altered schedules on Monday, May 27, for Memorial Day.Normal business hours for all city departments will resume Tuesday. Anyone with questions about city services can call 311 or 512-974-2000.Austin Resource RecoveryCurbside collections for trash and recycling will follow regular schedules. Customers can check their collection schedule online or using the Austin Recycles app. The Recycle and Reuse Drop-Off Cent
  
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• Parks and Wildlife Commission approves new rules aimed at protecting mountain lions

  25-05-2024 04:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission is taking steps to protect mountain lions in the state, approving new rules related to hunting and trapping the animals.Current rules don't require checks of traps set for mountain lions, leading to concerns that animals are left to die slowly and inhumanely.The new rules ban live mountain lions from being kept in a trap or snare for more than 36 hours. The commission also voted to ban 'canned hunts' — when animals are bred just
  
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• Almost $900K in grants awarded to park projects in Hays, Travis counties

  25-05-2024 04:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Almost $900,000 in grants has been awarded to various park projects in Hays and Travis counties by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.The TPWC approved the grants, along with 12 others across the state, Thursday. Statewide, more than $4.5 million is being awarded.The National Recreational Trails Fund is used for construction, renovation and acquisition of recreational trails. The grants are funded from a portion of the federal gas tax.The following projects received fu
  
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• Austin entrepreneur discusses challenges women face starting, growing a business

  25-05-2024 01:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's not easy opening a business, especially if you're a woman. According to a report, women entrepreneurs in Austin face a lot of different challenges.
  Last July, Mayor Kirk Watson formed the Mayor's Task Force for Austin Women Entrepreneurs.Report: Women entrepreneurs want more resources, support in AustinThe goal was to figure out how to make Austin a great place for women to launch and build businesses.Access to capital
  The group released its report that detailed the obstacl
  
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• Texas Game Wardens urge boater safety for holiday weekend

  25-05-2024 01:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As temperatures rise in Austin, things are heating up on the lakes, as more and more people hit the water for the holiday weekend."We are just getting ready for a really big weekend," said Chris Dickens, who was putting his boat in on Lake Austin. "It is going to be really, really crowded so I will keep that in mind when I am doing water sports and stuff. We will probably try to get far away from the congested area."The Loop 360 boat ramp is a popular place for boaters to p
  
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• Thousands gather for GOP convention amid party divisions

  25-05-2024 00:29 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO (Nexstar) -- More than 6,700 of Texas' most active Republicans are gathered in San Antonio for the Republican Party of Texas' state convention. On the to-do list: establish the official party platform, elect a new chair in a hotly-contested race and organize for the general election.Abolishing property taxes, establishing a state border force, preserving the ban on gambling and funding private school for families are among the top priorities approved by delegates.Many delegates are a
  
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• Employee used city credit card to buy John Wick movie, then altered receipts, audit finds

  25-05-2024 00:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An investigation by the Office of the City Auditor has found a City of Austin employee falsely reported a personal purchase as a city business transaction, then altered receipts to cover it up.In a report released Friday, the auditor's office said it received an allegation against Transportation and Public Works Superintendent Michael Collier in August 2023. The allegation was that Collier used a city-issued credit card for a personal expense and created a false item descri
  
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• City employee altered receipts to cover up a personal purchase on a city credit card, audit finds

  25-05-2024 00:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An investigation by the Office of the City Auditor has found a City of Austin employee falsely reported a personal purchase as a city business transaction, then altered receipts to cover it up.In a report released Friday, the auditor's office said it received an allegation against Transportation and Public Works Superintendent Michael Collier in August 2023. The allegation was that Collier used a city-issued credit card for a personal expense and created a false item descri
  
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• Austin Animal Center reduces animal intake hours due to 'critical capacity' issues

  25-05-2024 00:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Animal Center is restricting intake hours to help alleviate capacity issues, with the center currently operating at "critical capacity."As of May 20, 654 cats and dogs were onsite at the animal shelter, according to a city memo, a 15% increase just since May 8. In addition, before the shelter opened on May 20, "there were area residents with animals lined up outside the building requesting intake," Jason Garza, deputy chief animal services officer, said in the me
  
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