Austin news

• How often does Austin hit 100°? Here's a breakdown by date, month, year and decade

  27-06-2024 23:50 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows the latest from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin officially hit 100° for the first time in 2024 on Thursday, June 27. While that's almost three weeks later than 2023, it's still earlier than average.Complete temperature records for Camp Mabry — Austin's official reporting site — date back to 1898. Since then, Austin reached 100° a total of 1,970 times. Temperatures, rain, severe storms: Tracking Austin&rsquo
  
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• Hays County SWAT arrests man on multiple charges in Wimberley

  27-06-2024 22:50 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- One person was arrested on multiple charges after a SWAT situation in Wimberley on Thursday morning, according to the Hays County Sheriff's Office.Around 3 a.m., the Hays County SWAT Team "conducted a warrant service" in the 4000 block of Ledgerock Road, HCSO said in a news release.The SWAT team apprehended Raymond Banda, 52. The apprehension was "carefully planned" while ensuring the safety of everyone involved, the release said.Raymond Banda, 52 | Courtesy Hays Cou
  
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• Price of Texas State Parks Pass to increase to $95 Sept. 1

  27-06-2024 22:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Sept. 1, the price of a Texas State Parks Pass is set to increase from $70 to $95, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This is the second time the price has increased since the program was instituted in 2004.“When the Texas State Parks Pass debuted in 2004, it cost $60. The price went up to $70 in 2011. In the 13 years since we have made many improvements to our parks. This price increase will help fund more improvements as well as ongoing mainten
  
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• Baylor Scott & White, Blue Cross and Blue Shield reach temporary contract extension

  27-06-2024 22:37 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS (KXAN) — Baylor Scott & White and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas announced a three-month contract extension Thursday, extending provider and facility contract services to Oct. 1.
  Prior to the short-term extension, the existing contract between the two entities had been set to expire Monday. Following this latest update, any hospitals, providers or facilities under Baylor Scott & White will stay in network for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas members.Earlier this year,
  
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• Austin Energy will give EV owners money to adjust summer charging

  27-06-2024 22:15 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is from June 21, 2023, and covers electric vehicle charging tips during the summer months.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Energy is offering new incentives to customers with electric vehicle chargers to help manage energy use this summer.Austin Energy launched its Power Partner EV program, a voluntary enrollment opportunity for customers with EV chargers to make adjustments to their energy to reduce community grid output during the peak summer months. Similar to its P
  
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• Levitation music festival announces 2024 lineup

  27-06-2024 21:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An Austin-based music festival announced its 2024 lineup, including some well-known names like Soccer Mommy, Dry Cleaning, Slowdive, Illuminati Hotties, Arc De Soleil, Ringo Deathstarr, and more.
  Levitation is a Halloween weekend, four-day music festival that was created with the mission of being a "hub for the psych rock scene" and has expanded to also include metal, electronic music, punk, and "all manner of independent and underground music," according to its website.The fest
  
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• Upcoming Supreme Court decision may impact camping bans nationwide

  27-06-2024 21:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — A pending decision by the Supreme Court regarding laws regulating camping on public property may impact efforts by cities nationwide to regulate public camping.The case, Grants Pass v. Johnson, originates from three public-camping ordinances passed by the City of Grants Pass in Oregon, which the city said aims to protect public health and safety by addressing the growing issue of encampments.The central question presented to the court is whether the potential civil and c
  
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• How the Supreme Court's ruling on a homelessness case could affect Austin's camping ban

  27-06-2024 21:36 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nexstar) — A Supreme Court Case originating in Grants Pass, Oregon could have major implications for Austin's camping ban.
  The Supreme Court is scheduled to announce its decision on Friday for Grants Pass v. Johnson, a case that challenges the constitutionality of arresting or ticketing homeless individuals for camping outdoors when they have no safe alternative, arguing it is cruel and unusual punishment, thereby violating the Eighth Amendment.
  The case began when Gloria
  
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• Cities can enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outdoors, Supreme Court says

  27-06-2024 21:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The Supreme Court decided on Friday that cities can enforce bans on people experiencing homelessness sleeping outdoors, as cities nationwide effort to regulate public camping.
  In a 6-3 decision, the high court reversed a ruling by a San Francisco-based appeals court that found outdoor sleeping bans amount to cruel and unusual punishment.The case, Grants Pass v. Johnson, originates from three public camping ordinances passed by the City of Grants Pass in Oregon, which the
  
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• LIVE: Austin athlete to watch: Swimmer Lizzi Smith hopes to bring spotlight to Paralympics

  27-06-2024 19:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Lizzi Smith, a three-time Paralympian medalist, is an athlete to watch in Paris. The 28-year-old Austinite first has to qualify at the U.S. Swimming Trials in Minneapolis, Minnesota this week.Qualifying shouldn't be a challenge for Smith — she is used to the world stage. The swimmer made her Paralympics debut in the 2016 Rio games and earned silver as part of the 4×100-meter freestyle relay as well as bronze in the 4×100 medley relay. However, it was the 1
  
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• Austin athlete to watch: Swimmer Lizzi Smith hopes to bring spotlight to Paralympics

  27-06-2024 19:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Lizzi Smith, a three-time Paralympian medalist, is an athlete to watch in Paris. The 28-year-old Austinite first has to qualify at the U.S. Swimming Trials in Minneapolis, Minnesota this week.Qualifying shouldn't be a challenge for Smith — she is used to the world stage. The swimmer made her Paralympics debut in the 2016 Rio games and earned silver as part of the 4×100-meter freestyle relay as well as bronze in the 4×100 medley relay. However, it was the 1
  
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• VIDEO: Texas crash test explores how electric vehicles interact with guardrails

  27-06-2024 19:08 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS (KXAN) -- An electric vehicle crash test conducted by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) last week highlighted the need for enhanced roadway safety infrastructure.TTI said in a release the June 18 experiment was the first-of-its-kind-crash test to be done in Texas, using a Tesla Model 3 vehicle as the central subject of the test. In the experiment, the nearly 4,000-pound electric vehicle hit a thrie beam guardrail system at a 25-degree angle while traveling 62 miles per hour,
  
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• Texas crash test explores how electric vehicles interact with guardrails

  27-06-2024 19:08 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS (KXAN) -- An electric vehicle crash test conducted by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) last week highlighted the need for enhanced roadway safety infrastructure.TTI said in a release the June 18 experiment was the first-of-its-kind-crash test to be done in Texas, using a Tesla Model 3 vehicle as the central subject of the test. In the experiment, the nearly 4,000-pound electric vehicle hit a thrie beam guardrail system at a 25-degree angle while traveling 62 miles per hour,
  
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• Supreme Court to rule on Texas case concerning free speech, social media

  27-06-2024 18:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision before the end of the month in a case where tech industry groups, under NetChoice, challenged a Texas law that limits social media platforms from censoring users based on their viewpoints, highlighting significant First Amendment concerns.The lawsuit, filed by NetChoice, arose after Governor Greg Abbott enacted a law that aims to prevent large social media platforms from censoring users based on their viewpoints, known as
  
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• Supreme Court throws out Texas case concerning free speech, social media

  27-06-2024 18:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The U.S. Supreme Court is punting two Texas and Florida cases about content moderation requirements on social media back to the lower courts, after unanimously ruling Monday that lower courts hadn’t properly evaluated the issue before.The case stems from tech industry groups, under NetChoice, that challenged a Texas law limiting social media platforms from censoring users based on their viewpoints, highlighting significant First Amendment concerns.The lawsuit, file
  
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• LCRA awards more than $1M in latest round of grants for community projects in Texas

  27-06-2024 18:18 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Thursday, June 27, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Lower Colorado River Authority has awarded more than $1 million in its latest round of community project grants.The grants are awarded twice a year to projects across the LCRA's wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. In the latest round, $1,001,774 was awarded to 44 projects, including fire departments, libraries, chambers of commerce and com
  
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• Criminal appeals court denies DA's attempt to reverse Daniel Perry pardon

  27-06-2024 18:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has denied Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza's attempt to reverse the pardon of Daniel Perry, who was convicted of murder in 2020 for shooting and killing a Black Lives Matter protester in 2020, according to online court records.Governor Greg Abbott pardoned Perry in May of this year. A jury found Perry guilty of murder in April 2023.
  Earlier this month, Garza filed a writ of mandamus asking the Court of Criminal Appeals to reverse what
  
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• Richard 'Kinky' Friedman dies at 79

  27-06-2024 17:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Richard Samet “Kinky” Friedman, a musician, writer and University of Texas at Austin alumni, has died, according to a post made on his official X page. Friedman was 79 years old.Kinky Friedman performs onstage at the Ivanhoe Theater on January 21, 1978. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
  “Kinky Friedman stepped on a rainbow at his beloved Echo Hill surrounded by family & friends. Kinkster endured tremendous pain & unthinkable loss in recent y
  
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• Austin to kick off construction on Lady Bird Lake 'wishbone' bridge Monday

  27-06-2024 17:31 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is from April 18, 2024, when Austin City Council approved a nearly $23 million contract to build a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over Lady Bird Lake.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin will begin construction Monday on its new wishbone pedestrian bridge crossing Lady Bird Lake, the city's Capital Delivery Services division announced.Back in April, Austin City Council approved a nearly $23 million contract to construct the new bridge across Lady Bird Lake,
  
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• Austin to kick off construction o Lady Bird Lake 'wishbone' bridge Monday

  27-06-2024 17:31 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is from April 18, 2024, when Austin City Council approved a nearly $23 million contract to build a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over Lady Bird Lake.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin will begin construction Monday on its new wishbone pedestrian bridge crossing Lady Bird Lake, the city's Capital Delivery Services division announced.Back in April, Austin City Council approved a nearly $23 million contract to construct the new bridge across Lady Bird Lake,
  
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• Network disruption stops some customers from making calls at Austin airport

  27-06-2024 16:02 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Thursday, June 27, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — A network disruption prevented customers who have AT&T or T-Mobile from making calls, using their cell network or pulling up mobile boarding passes at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
  The airport posted an alert on X Thursday morning that its teams are "in touch with the carriers and working to resolve this issue as soon as possible."Around 2:10 p.m.
  
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• Network disruption stops AT&T, T-Mobile customers from making calls at Austin airport

  27-06-2024 16:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A network disruption is preventing customers who have AT&T or T-Mobile from making calls, using their cell network or pulling up mobile boarding passes at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
  The airport posted an alert on X Thursday morning that its teams are "in touch with the carriers and working to resolve this issue as soon as possible."For the time being, passengers are advised to either print or take a screenshot of their mobile boarding pass before they a
  
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• Fiber cut blamed for cell service disruption at Austin airport

  27-06-2024 16:02 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Thursday, June 27, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — A cut fiber is blamed for disrupting service Thursday for some passengers trying to use their cell phones at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
  A spokesperson for AT&T said in a statement Thursday afternoon that service to the airport area is back online after an apparent "act of vandalism."
  "We've restored service to affected customers in the Austin-B
  
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• Movie theater to reopen in Taylor as revitalization streak continues

  27-06-2024 15:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (ABJ) — Taylor's effort to revitalize its downtown ahead of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.'s factory opening took another step this week as the city's economic development agency approved up to $70,000 in grants to expand an existing business and revitalize a long-shuttered theater.The Taylor Economic Development Corp. approved the payments upon receipt of work that will help expand Jeff's Resurrections LLC, which for more than 30 years has restored old and classic cars and
  
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• Justice Department to provide assistance to Uvalde PD under reform initiative

  27-06-2024 15:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) said it would aid the Uvalde Police Department (UPD) through the COPS Office Collaborative Reform Initiative’s Critical Response program.The COPS Office said it would provide technical assistance services and opportunities to UPD’s training, leadership and community partnerships.“The goal of this technical assistance is to enhance UPD’s stra
  
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• Round Rock expands on-demand transit service

  27-06-2024 15:38 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Starting July 1 the City of Round Rock's on-demand transit ride system will expand to its entire city limits after a successful pilot program in 2023. Despite the expansion, some residents are concerned they may still be left out.According to the City of Round Rock, the service area for its Round Rock Rides Program will extend the on-demand ride-sharing program to the rest of the city.Previously, the program only served a portion of town to test how often it woul
  
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• Watch Live: Trump and Biden to face off in presidential debate rematch

  27-06-2024 14:40 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Four years after clashing in a raucous debate, President Biden and former President Trump are once again set to face off on national television, with CNN veteran anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash moderating Thursday evening.The debate will start at 9 p.m. ET inside a CNN studio in Atlanta and last for 90 minutes. The broadcast will stream live in the player above.Unlike the 2020 debate in Cleveland, when a barrage of interruptions left former Fox News host Chris Wallace fightin
  
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• Watch Live: Trump and Biden to face off in 2024 presidential debate

  27-06-2024 14:40 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Four years after they clashed in a raucous debate, President Biden and former President Trump will once again face off on national television Thursday, with CNN veteran anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash moderating Thursday evening.The debate will start at 9 p.m. ET inside a CNN studio in Atlanta and last for 90 minutes. The CNN Presidential Debate broadcast will stream live in the player above.Unlike the 2020 debate in Cleveland, when a barrage of interruptions left former Fox
  
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• Watch Live: Trump and Biden face off in 2024 presidential debate

  27-06-2024 14:40 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Four years after they clashed in a raucous debate, President Biden and former President Trump will once again face off on national television Thursday, with CNN veteran anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash moderating Thursday evening.The debate will start at 9 p.m. ET inside a CNN studio in Atlanta and last for 90 minutes. The CNN Presidential Debate broadcast will stream live in the player above.Unlike the 2020 debate in Cleveland, when a barrage of interruptions left former Fox
  
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• Trump and Biden face off in 2024 presidential debate

  27-06-2024 14:40 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – President Biden stumbled several times early in Thursday night's debate in Atlanta before finding his stride, and his Republican rival, former President Trump, was quick to capitalize on the missteps.Biden's voice sounded raspy – a source told The Hill he was battling a cold – and he cleared his throat repeatedly while responding to questions from the moderators, veteran CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.In one notable moment, Biden seemed to lose his train of t
  
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• 5 things to watch in the Trump-Biden debate

  27-06-2024 12:02 via kxan.com
  
  President Biden and former President Trump will face off in Atlanta on Thursday in the first of two planned debates as both men battle for the edge in a tight and contentious race.  The history-making showdown will mark the first debate for each of the White House hopefuls since 2020, as well the first between a sitting and former president.  Here are five big things to watch:   What version of Trump shows up?  Trump’s combative nature was on full blast four y
  
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• APD investigates shooting in southeast Austin, two dead

  27-06-2024 09:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred Wednesday night in the 2300 block of South Pleasant Valley, near the intersection of Willow Hill Drive and S Pleasant Valley Road.APD said the call came in at 11:30 p.m.Austin Police said there were three victims when they arrived on scene, one person was pronounced dead on scene, another was pronounced dead at the hospital. The third person suffered non-life threatening injuries.
  APD said this was an isolate
  
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• Spurs select UConn guard to pair with Wemby, deal another pick in 1st round of NBA draft

  27-06-2024 05:59 via kxan.com
  
  The San Antonio Spurs entered the NBA draft with two picks in the top eight.They only decided to keep one of them.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/newslettersThe Spurs gave last year’s No. 1 overall pick and NBA rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama a running mate by selecting guard Stephon Castle from Connecticut with the fourth overall pick in the draft Wednesday nig
  
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• 'A new level of theft': Several cars broken into while parked at Zilker Park

  27-06-2024 04:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Some people who were trying to enjoy a day in Zilker Park on Wednesday morning left with a horrible surprise.Several cars in the parking lot by Barton Springs Pool were broken into. Vehicles could be seen with windows smashed in, and broken glass was all over the ground.Photo shows damage after several cars were broken into at Zilker Park near Barton Springs Pool. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)Photo shows damage after several cars were broken into at Zilker Park near Barton Springs Po
  
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• West Campus: Man charged with indecent exposure

  27-06-2024 04:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A registered sex offender is behind bars after an incident at a West Campus apartment complex, according to the Austin Police Department.According to an affidavit from APD, on April 28, a detective responded to a call for services at “The Standard” apartment complex across from the University of Texas campus.The arrest report states “The victim said she was studying in a second floor study room when the suspect entered the room and asked if he could sit do
  
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• Austin bar adds pool, misting fans to attract customers during slow summer months

  27-06-2024 04:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- Restaurants and bars are struggling with the incredibly hot temperatures as they see less foot traffic during the summer months.
  It comes at a time when Austin-Travis County EMS paramedics responded to nearly 30 heat-related calls since Monday.ATCEMS said on its X account Wednesday morning that 28 heat-related incidents happened over the last two days.Austin EMS responds to nearly 30 heat-related calls over 2-day period'Get people in the door'The heat made some businesses
  
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• Texas man executed for 2001 abduction and killing of 18-year-old woman

  27-06-2024 02:37 via kxan.com
  
  HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) — A Texas man who admitted he kidnapped, sexually assaulted and fatally shot an 18-year-old woman in 2001 was executed Wednesday evening.
  Ramiro Gonzales, 41, was pronounced dead at 6:50 p.m. CDT following a chemical injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville for the January 2001 killing of Bridget Townsend.Gonzales was repeatedly apologetic to the victim's relatives in his last statement from the execution chamber. Just before he spoke, a spiritual adviser sa
  
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• APD identifies pedestrian killed in hit-and-run crash Monday

  27-06-2024 01:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, the Austin Police Department provided information related to a fatal crash that occurred Monday between a vehicle and a pedestrian. MAP: Where have Austin’s fatal crashes occurred in 2024?According to APD, the crash occurred in the 9200 block of Cameron Road, and officers responded to the incident around 6 a.m.APD said the driver of the vehicle left the scene after the crash without stopping or calling 911. The pedestrian, later identified as 42-yea
  
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• Alberto does little to help water levels at South Texas reservoirs

  27-06-2024 01:37 via kxan.com
  
  McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) -- Last week's tropical storm and depression brought much-needed rain to deep South Texas and slightly boosted two critical international reservoirs that supply water to the border region.But it did not deliver the expected deluge far enough to the northwest where it could have sent water surging into Mexican tributaries that feed the Rio Grande.Alberto downgraded to tropical depression after dumping inches of rain on South Texas border
  “While the recent rain
  
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• Austin airport offering new TSA PreCheck enrollment option, no appointment required

  27-06-2024 01:27 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Wednesday, June 26, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) announced Tuesday the airport was offering a new TSA PreCheck enrollment option. The airport also said no appointment was required.According to AUS, CLEAR, a secure identity platform, was now offering TSA PreCheck enrollment at its enrollment kiosks near TSA Checkpoint 1 at the Austin airport.“While travelers do n
  
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• Biden vs. Trump: What's at stake in Thursday's presidential debate

  27-06-2024 00:41 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Rarely, if ever, has one candidate in a presidential debate had so much material to use against the other.Republican Donald Trump has been convicted of 34 felony counts with serious charges in three other indictments still pending. As president, Trump nominated three of the justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade and erode abortion access in America, creating a backlash even in conservative-led states. And his sweeping second-term plans incl
  
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• Skinner, Disu win Big 12 postseason honors in Texas' final year

  27-06-2024 00:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Junior Madisen Skinner and senior Dylan Disu collected Big 12 Conference awards to help cap off a record-setting year for the Texas Longhorns as they exit for the Southeastern Conference.Texas's Madisen Skinner (6) spikes the ball past Nebraska's Andi Jackson (15) during the championship match in the NCAA Division I women's college volleyball tournament Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
  Skinner, who helped lead the Texas volleyball team to back-
  
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• Lockhart ISD providing free school supplies for 2024-2025 school year

  27-06-2024 00:04 via kxan.com
  
  LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) -- During its meeting earlier this week, the Lockhart Independent School District Board of Trustees approved its budget for the year -- which includes free school supplies for the 2024-2025 school year.Those school supplies will are for all LISD students, the district said in a news release."This budget is a testament to the school board's commitment to providing the best possible education for our students and supporting our dedicated staff," Lockhart ISD Board President
  
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• MAP: Where have Austin's fatal crashes occurred in 2024?

  27-06-2024 00:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — KXAN is keeping track of the number of traffic fatalities in Austin.As of June 24, 36 traffic fatalities have been reported thus far in 2024.Last year, 94 traffic fatalities were reported, down from a record-high 122 in 2022.The charts below will be updated as we learn new information. Scroll down for a map of where each crash occurred. If the charts or map do not appear, click here.The chart below shows how the number of traffic fatalities reported in recent year
  
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