Austin news

• Police still searching for suspects in Old Settlers Park shooting

  19-06-2024 23:41 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- Round Rock police are still looking for the suspect or suspects tied to the deadly Round Rock Juneteenth festival shooting that left two women dead and 14 others injured."Our ultimate goal is to find who did this and make sure that the families get justice," Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said over the weekend.
  Old Settlers Park shooting suspect descriptionIn a press conference Sunday, Banks said police believe the subject is “armed and dangerous&
  
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• Texas Ethics Commission will require influencers to disclose when they’re paid for political advertisement

  19-06-2024 23:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — Texas’ top campaign finance watchdog voted Tuesday to require social media figures to disclose when they are paid for political advertisement, nearly a year after The Texas Tribune reported that influencers were being quietly paid to defend impeached Attorney General Ken Paxton.In a 7-0 vote, the Texas Ethics Commission gave final approval to the changes, which were first proposed in March.Last summer, the Tribune reported on a new company
  
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• Higher food prices possible from Mexico-Texas water dispute

  19-06-2024 23:22 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The Texas delegation renewed its push this week to force Mexico to honor a water treaty from the 1940s.“U.S. and particularly Texas based agriculture are deprived of the water they need in order to grow their crops and earn a living,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). “We’re trying to get the attention of the Mexican government.”The 1944 treaty with the United States required Mexico provide 350,000 acre-feet of water to the United States.
  
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• Advocates call for Travis County to implement a plan for counsel at first appearance

  19-06-2024 22:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A group of advocates gathered at the Travis County Administration Building on Tuesday afternoon, demanding legal representation for pre-trial detainees at their first court appearance in Travis County.Travis County said it supports the idea of this prospect – which is called “counsel at first appearance” or CAFA – but so far, staffing, infrastructure and procedural challenges have hindered its implementation. Travis County test runs counsel at first
  
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• APD investigating murder-suicide in north Austin

  19-06-2024 22:09 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Wednesday, June 19, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said it was investigating a homicide in north Austin Wednesday.According to police, officers responded to a call at approximately 1 a.m. in the 10600 block of Macmora Road after a caller stated, “My wife is in the bedroom. I’m outside.”When officers arrived, a woman, later identified as 58-year-old Suzanne Bailey, was found insid
  
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• Central Texas film industry continues to grow, production studios under construction

  19-06-2024 21:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- From San Marcos to Bastrop, production studios are in the works across Central Texas.
  It comes at a time when the Golden-Globe nominated series, "1932," plans to use Austin as its base for production while filming throughout the state.
  A spokesperson for California-based production company 101 Studios earlier this month confirmed to the Austin Business Journal that the Paramount Plus show would be shooting at ATX Film Studios.Taylor Sheridan’s ‘1923’ could inj
  
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• Yes, it is too late to get flood insurance for Tropical Storm Alberto

  19-06-2024 20:16 via kxan.com
  
  HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Sandbags, check. Windows boarded, check, Gutters cleared, check. But do you have flood insurance?
  With the threat of a potential tropical storm looming over the Valley and a flood watch issued for all counties, it is important to protect your assets.
  ValleyCentral spoke to an expert to find out if residents still have time to ensure their assets before this week's anticipated rainfall.Over 800 power outages reported across Hidalgo, Cameron countiesDerek B
  
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• Tropical tracker: Timeline of storms in the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

  19-06-2024 19:22 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows the latest from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Each year, the Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.This year is expected to be very active, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting an 85% chance of an above-average season.NOAA is forecasting 17-25 named storms, 8-13 of which are predicted to become hurricanes. Of those, 4-7 are projected to become major hurricanes of
  
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• Tropical Storm Alberto bringing deluge to South Texas border

  19-06-2024 19:22 via kxan.com
  
  McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) -- Tropical Storm Alberto became the first named storm of the 2024 hurricane season on Wednesday as the system, located off the coast of Mexico, was bringing much-needed rain to the South Texas border and prompting some coastal flooding threats.Searching for migrants takes deputy into desolate, dangerous ranchlands of South Texas
  The core area of Tropical Storm Alberto on Wednesday morning remained over 300 miles southeast of Brownsville, Texas, in the Gulf of Mexi
  
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• Another lagoon project is headed to the Austin area — can developers make this one work?

  19-06-2024 18:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (ABJ) — Developers announced this month that a crystal lagoon is headed to the Austin area — and officials expressed optimism that this project will get off the ground unlike other projects throughout Texas, including one in Leander. PAST COVERAGE | Dirt has yet to turn on Leander Springs lagoon project as deadline approachesMiami-based Crystal Lagoons US Corp. on June 12 announced it has licensed its technology to Austin Real Estate Ventures LLC to build a
  
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• Hot Summer Nights 2024 returns to downtown Austin, lineup released

  19-06-2024 18:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Tuesday, Red River Cultural District released the new music artist venue lineup for Hot Summer Nights 2024."Founded in 2017, Hot Summer Nights was originally created in an effort to provide additional revenue to district members, as well as paid opportunities for musicians and artists in the traditionally slower summer months," organizers said.More than 125 acts were invited to perform at 14 music venues July 18-20. The festival is free and will take place
  
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• First tropical storm of the season, Alberto, forms in the Gulf of Mexico

  19-06-2024 17:09 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The first named tropical storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, dubbed Alberto, has formed as of Wednesday morning.The National Hurricane Center said the storm will bring as much as 15 inches of rain, coastal flooding and wind impacts to the coasts of Texas and northeastern Mexico.Tropical storm conditions are expected Wednesday along portions of the Texas coast south of San Luis Pass and along portions of the coast of northeastern Mexico, the NHC said.Tropical s
  
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• Texas producing fossil fuels at record levels amid heat wave

  19-06-2024 16:59 via kxan.com
  
  At the brink of what may be the hottest summer on record, the Texas oil and gas industry is pumping out planet-heating fuels at record levels, a new report has found.Estimates from the Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA) released Monday found the state pumped out a record 5.7 million barrels per day of crude oil in May, and it sold a record 32 billion cubic feet of gas.Those record numbers come out as much of the U.S. experiences its longest heat wave in decades, with more than 135 m
  
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• Paxton blocks Biden's Title IX rule protecting LGBTQ+ students in Texas

  19-06-2024 16:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton blocked the Biden Administration's Title IX rule protecting LGBTQ+ students from sex-based discrimination and harassment, Paxton's office announced in a Tuesday release.The rule would have protected all students and employees from all sex discrimination, including restoring and strengthening full protection from sexual violence and other sex-based harassment.
  Paxton said in the release he won a "major" victory against the Biden Administration's
  
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• Former east Austin Mexican restaurant, bakery transformed into new Assembly Hall

  19-06-2024 16:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A new community event space celebrated its grand opening recently in east Austin after a revitalization effort transformed the former 90s-era Mexican restaurant and bakery into a multipurpose venue.
  The City's Economic Development Department announced this week the grand opening of Assembly Hall on East Seventh Street near the Saltillo area.
  The new community venue is the former site for Don Limon's Mexican Restaurant and Bakery, which was built and opened in 1992.According to r
  
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• LIVE: Inside the Investigations: Round Rock ISD police radio changes

  19-06-2024 15:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Each week the in-depth reporting from the KXAN Investigates team will get a spotlight on KXAN Live.A conversation will happen Wednesday morning with investigative reporter Kelly Wiley and KXAN Live anchor Will DuPree to break down one of this week’s top stories. People can watch the live stream starting at about 9 a.m. in this story or on the KXAN News Facebook page.Inside the Investigations: Austin hospital crashThe story they’re talking about this we
  
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• Inside the Investigations: Round Rock ISD police radio changes

  19-06-2024 15:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Each week the in-depth reporting from the KXAN Investigates team will get a spotlight on KXAN Live.A conversation will happen Wednesday morning with investigative reporter Kelly Wiley and KXAN Live anchor Will DuPree to break down one of this week’s top stories. People can watch the live stream starting at about 9 a.m. in this story or on the KXAN News Facebook page.Inside the Investigations: Austin hospital crashThe story they’re talking about this we
  
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• Austin Energy making progress on discounts for low-income customers

  19-06-2024 13:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Energy says it has enrolled 66,000 customers in its discount program for low-income customers since starting more aggressive enrollment strategies in 2022. The utility company said it's hoping to get tens of thousands more signed up by 2025.Ronnie Mendoza, Austin Energy's Customer Assistance Program manager, said the agency is on par to reach its enrollment goals for June as it closes in on 66,000 enrollments.Last July, we previously reported the agency had 53,100 ac
  
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• Eanes ISD board approves budget, includes pay increase for teachers and staff

  19-06-2024 11:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Eanes ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the budget for the 2024-25 school year at its June 18 regular meeting. It provides a 2% pay increase for teachers and staff and adjusts to declining enrollment.According to the board, the approved budget includes $189.4 million in revenue, countered by $190.6 million in expenditures, with $94.7 million "recaptured" by the State of Texas resulting in a budgeted deficit of 1.2 million.
  Another key point of the budget included a
  
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• Eanes ISD board approve budget, includes pay increase for teachers and staff

  19-06-2024 11:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Eanes ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the budget for the 2024-25 school year at its June 18 regular meeting. It provides a 2% pay increase for teachers and staff and adjust to declining enrollment of 187 students.The approved budget includes $189.4M in revenue, countered by $190.6M in expenditures, with $94.7M "recaptured" by the State of Texas resulting in a budgeted deficit of 1.2M.
  Another key point of the budget included a $2 million grant from the Eanes Educa
  
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• Local musicians get access to healthcare through event

  19-06-2024 04:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)— The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) had its third annual event connecting musicians with healthcare on Tuesday.
  The pop-up event called "HAAM Loves You" helps serve Central Texas musicians, music teachers and DJ's, providing complementary health and wellness services and products, according to a HAAM news release.Last year, HAAM along with 13 partners, provided over $123,000 in health services to members, and they are expecting to exceed that total after Tuesday'
  
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• 'Big Boy,' the 1.1 million pound train, set to tour US: See its planned stops

  19-06-2024 04:27 via kxan.com
  
  DENVER (KDVR/NEXSTAR) — Will Union Pacific's legendary "Big Boy" steam locomotive stop near you during its upcoming tours across much of the U.S.?One of the world’s largest trains will pass through a number of states this summer and fall, making stops along the way to allow viewers an up-close look at the massive, 1.1-million-pound engine.According to the Union Pacific Railroad, the train known as Big Boy No. 4010 is the world's largest operating steam locomotive.These 10 US cities h
  
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• Scottie Scheffler named to U.S. Olympic golf team

  19-06-2024 03:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Scottie Scheffler is the latest Longhorn to earn a ticket to Paris.By his No. 1 spot in the Official World Golf Rankings, Scheffler will be one of four golfers to represent the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He'll join Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark and Collin Morikawa in the Stars and Stripes on Aug 1-4 at Le Golf National outside of Paris.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newslett
  
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• Overnight patrols now operating full-time at Republic Square Park

  19-06-2024 03:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Tuesday, Republic Square Park in downtown Austin hosted its first "Summer Sunset Series" of the summer.
  "We're so excited to be here, it's a beautiful day," said Kimberly Ornelas, who worked the evening at the Goode Health tent - one of the vendors for the event.
  The park is typically busy during the day, but multiple organizations have reported issues overnight related to property crime and illegal camping.
  Now, though overnight vandalism and other crime is down at Republic
  
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• San Marcos awarded nearly $900K for road improvements

  19-06-2024 02:00 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — The City of San Marcos was given more than $897,000 to improve the condition of the Thorpe Way and Springtown Lane intersection, according to a news release from the city.Construction for the intersection improvement is set to begin in 2027.The award was given through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), which is mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Highway Administration. Local funding is allocated by the Texas Department of Transporta
  
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• Austin emergency responders heading to South Texas amid tropical storm threat

  19-06-2024 01:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Fire Department has deployed 10 crew members to parts of Texas that are expected to be hit by what could become Tropical Storm Alberto, according to AFD. Texas Search and Rescue (TXSAR) crews from the Austin area are also gearing up to be called to the region.CENTRAL TEXAS IMPACTS: Heavy rain gradually arrives WednesdayTropical Storm Warnings stretch from roughly Galveston down to the Mexico/U.S. border. Several inches of rain are expected for most of the souther
  
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• Texas State Meadows Center receives $500K for water contamination, climate change

  19-06-2024 01:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Tuesday, state and community leaders presented the Texas State University Meadows Center with a $500,000 check to help fight water contamination on the Texas coast.The City of San Marcos applied for community project funding via a federal grant in 2023. This investment will give the research center resources to develop an iTool, which will immediately inform beachgoers on whether the water is safe to swim in."Coastal resilience is really important, because our world is changi
  
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• Red-hot LAFC, sizzling Bouanga come to Q2 with Austin FC searching for a result

  19-06-2024 00:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — LAFC forward Denis Bouanga made a front flip look easy in celebration after he scored a nifty goal against Orlando City to seal his club's sixth consecutive victory June 15. When he comes to Q2 Stadium on Wednesday, Austin FC hopes his creativity takes a turn."He's a guy who came here last year and had his way on our field," midfielder Ethan Finlay said. Bouanga, the league's leading shot-taker this season with 89, scored twice against Verde and Black on Oct. 7 the last tim
  
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• Texas megachurch pastor resigns after woman says he sexually abused her in the 1980s

  19-06-2024 00:39 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Tuesday, June 18 2024.DALLAS (AP) — The pastor of a Texas megachurch has resigned after a woman said he had sexually abused her on multiple occasions in the 1980s, beginning when she was 12.
  Gateway Church's board of elders said in a statement Tuesday that they'd accepted the resignation of Robert Morris, the church's senior pastor and founder. The board said it had hired a law firm to to conduct an independent revi
  
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• Superhero, villain Texas license plates to be auctioned this month

  19-06-2024 00:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — My Plates announced it is auctioning off 25 different "Heroes vs. Villains" personalized Texas license plate messages until July 17.The bidding opened Monday and offers can be placed through an auction website and the My Plates website. The license plates feature different heroes and villains from popular comic books and movies. Austin FC specialty license plates now available onlinePopular superhero names like SPYDRMN (Spiderman), CPT. MARVL (Captain Marvel) and SUPRMAN (S
  
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• Juneteenth celebration plans to honor victims of Round Rock shooting

  19-06-2024 00:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Round Rock police are still looking for the suspect or suspects connected with the deadly Juneteenth festival shooting that killed two mothers and wounded 14 others in Round Rock last weekend.Round Rock police identify victims killed in Old Settlers Park shootingA Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday plans to honor the victims and their families, and also provide mental health resources.'Not been able to sleep'Williams said the event starts in the morning and will last throughout
  
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• Juneteenth celebration honors victims of Round Rock shooting

  19-06-2024 00:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Round Rock police are still looking for the suspect or suspects connected with the deadly Juneteenth festival shooting that killed two mothers and wounded 14 others in Round Rock last weekend.Round Rock police identify victims killed in Old Settlers Park shootingA Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday honored the victims and their families and also provided mental health resources.Williams said the event starts in the morning and will last throughout the day. (Photo: KXAN)Murals h
  
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