Austin news

• Target store may be coming to new Liberty Hill development

  01-07-2024 23:56 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Monday, July 1, 2024.WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — One fast-growing Williamson County city may get its own Target in the coming years.The project will be located at 351 North U.S. Highway 183 in Liberty Hill, according to a June 21 filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. This is near the corner of State Highway 29 and Highway 183.The filing with TDLR is preliminary, meaning pro
  
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• APD staffing shortage continues with over 330 sworn officer vacancies

  01-07-2024 23:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department has about 330 vacant sworn officer positions, according to the department.
  This is slightly down since APD's second quarter report, which had 342 sworn officer vacancies. PREVIOUS REPORTING: APD hosts recruiting event, hopes to fill hundreds of vacanciesDuring a Public Safety Commission meeting Monday, APD Chief of Staff Jeff Greenwalt said staffing troubles continue in the department. APD has 463 vacancies among sworn, civilian and emergency co
  
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• $4M to fund new shade structures at Austin parks, pools

  01-07-2024 23:34 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Monday, July 1, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — A combined $4 million will go toward enhanced shade structures at Austin parks and pools, the city's Parks and Recreation Department confirmed Monday.The City allocated $2 million toward improvements for this fiscal year, with a matching $2 million provided by the Austin Parks Foundation. The funding will go toward new shade projects being developed alongside existing
  
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• MAP: 33 lakes across Texas are now infested with zebra mussels

  01-07-2024 23:33 via kxan.com
  
  This story is part of the KXAN Data Hub, where numbers help tell the whole story.
  We've created several data-driven stories and databases on topics including weather and climate, politics, education, sports and growth in Texas. Each story in the KXAN Data Hub is updated as new data becomes available.AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 30 lakes across Texas are infested with zebra mussels, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.The invasive species was first detected in Lake Texoma, no
  
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• Memo: Austin Animal Center shuts down intake, says shelter at 'crisis point'

  01-07-2024 22:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Animal Center is closing animal intake to the public, citing that its capacity is at a "crisis point," according to a city memo from AAC Chief Animal Services Officer Don Bland.The memo, released Monday, states the AAC will stop accepting owner-surrendered and healthy, stray animals on Tuesday, July 2. AAC will continue to take on animals through animal protection officers that are a "clear public safety risk or are experiencing life-threatening illness or injury
  
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• Austin Animal Center shuts down intake, says shelter at 'crisis point'

  01-07-2024 22:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Animal Center is closing animal intake to the public, citing that its capacity is at a "crisis point," according to a city memo from AAC Chief Animal Services Officer Don Bland.The memo, released Monday, states the AAC will stop accepting owner-surrendered and healthy, stray animals on Tuesday, July 2. AAC will continue to take on animals through animal protection officers that are a "clear public safety risk or are experiencing life-threatening illness or injury
  
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• How a $1.3M federal grant is ramping up safety at 2 Austin intersections

  01-07-2024 21:43 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Monday, July 1, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — A $1.3 million federal grant will help aid Austin transportation officials in improving traffic safety at two intersections.Austin's Vision Zero program received the $1.3 million federal funding via the Texas Department of Transportation's Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). The money will go toward installing traffic signals at two intersections across town: H
  
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• LIST: What are the current water restrictions in your city?

  01-07-2024 21:29 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows the latest from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Water restrictions vary from city to city, and each community has its own hierarchy of restrictions based upon drought contingency plans. That means Stage 2 restrictions in Austin may not be the same as those in Dripping Springs.To help keep track, KXAN has created a map and database so you can easily find the restrictions in your city. We will keep these updated as cities change drough
  
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• How an Austin grant program addresses food equity, climate solutions

  01-07-2024 21:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The City of Austin's Food and Climate Equity Grants program provides direct funding for community-led solutions that allow for transformative change in the areas of food, climate and resilience.The grants program is designed to fund projects that help people who are impacted by systemic and structural inequities while eliminating issues with health outcomes. Most importantly, the projects are largely designed to benefit the quality of life for all.The City of Austin's Offic
  
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• Austin man dies while hiking at Grand Canyon National Park

  01-07-2024 20:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin man died while hiking in the Grand Canyon National Park, the National Park Service said Monday.
  According to park officials, a report of an unconscious hiker was received around 7 p.m. Saturday on the River Trail. The hiker became unconscious and bystanders gave him CPR while paramedics responded from Phantom Ranch, but efforts were unsuccessful.
  The hiker was identified as 69-year-old Scott Sims from Austin, the park service said.
  The park service said Sims was t
  
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• Photos: UT hosts all-day celebration to commemorate joining the SEC

  01-07-2024 20:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Thousands of people joined an all-day celebration at the University of Texas at Austin to celebrate the Longhorns' official entrance into the Southeastern Conference.What Texas Longhorns coaches said about officially moving to the SECThe celebration entailed live music, fireworks, games and activities on campus Sunday to commemorate the Longhorns’ first day in the SEC. Pitbull, AKA "Mr. Worldwide," also joined the festivities.
  Those attending the event were able to visit m
  
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• Study ranks UT Austin one of Texas' 'best value' colleges

  01-07-2024 19:40 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Monday, July 1, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hook 'em: UT Longhorns have plenty to celebrate after a new study named the University of Texas at Austin the second "best value" college in Texas.Financial technology company SmartAsset released its 2023 state-by-state study analyzing the best colleges in each state based on the following metrics: starting salary, tuition, living expenses, student retention rate and
  
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• Doug the emu reunited with owner after getting loose in Leander Monday

  01-07-2024 19:15 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Monday, July 1, 2024.LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — It was an emu-tional reunion Monday as the Leander Police Department helped guide a loose emu back home.The Leander Police Department shared on Facebook a photo of the lost emu, spotted running around the Palmera Ridge neighborhood in Leander Monday."If you have emu and live in Leander, please check all of your emus are accounted for," the department said in t
  
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• One arrested, one at large in connection with outdoor market parking lot shooting

  01-07-2024 18:55 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — One man was arrested Monday, and another man was identified as the second suspect in a shooting after a fight in a Travis County parking lot Sunday night, according to the Travis County Sheriff's Office. That man remained at large as of Tuesday.Deputies responded to a shots fired call around 8:51 p.m. Sunday in the 8700 block of Farm-to-Market Road 812 in Travis County. The shooting sent three people to the hospital, according to TCSO.On Monday, TCSO arrested
  
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• 3 shot after fight in Travis County outdoor market parking lot

  01-07-2024 18:55 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Monday, July 1, 2024.TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A fight in a parking lot Sunday night preceded a shooting that sent three people to the hospital, according to the Travis County Sheriff's Office.
  Deputies said they responded to a shots fired call at about 8:51 p.m. in the 8700 block of FM 812 in Travis County.Investigators said the shooting happened at an outdoor market after "an altercation between se
  
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• What road closures are planned for Austin's 4th of July celebration?

  01-07-2024 18:24 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Monday, July 1, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Happy Independence Day!Thousands of Austinites will flock downtown Thursday to celebrate the Fourth of July with an Austin Symphony Orchestra performance and fireworks show at Auditorium Shores and the Long Center, located at 900 W. Riverside Drive. The free festivities begin at 4 p.m. while the fireworks display is set to kick off at 9:30 p.m.Whether you're traveling
  
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• Disaster preparedness platform launched to help Texas small businesses

  01-07-2024 18:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- Texas small businesses now have access to a disaster preparedness resource called BeforeDuringAfter. The site aims to be an emergency information hub.
  It links small businesses to information from government agencies and news sites for breaking disaster updates to help improve businesses' preparation.Along with preparation, the site features a recovery timeline that includes steps businesses can take to help them bounce back after disaster strikes. There are multiple
  
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• ATCEMS: 8 people involved in 2-vehicle crash near Cedar Park

  01-07-2024 17:49 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Thursday, July 1, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — First responders reported a two-vehicle collision Monday morning that involved eight patients.Paramedics said only one patient was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the seven other patients refused transport.According to Austin-Travis County EMS, the vehicle rescue was near Cypress Creek and Anderson Mill. The initial call came out at
  
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• ATCEMS: 1 pinned, 8 patients in 2-vehicle crash

  01-07-2024 17:49 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Thursday, July 1, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — First responders reported a two-vehicle collision Monday morning that involved eight patients. Medics anticipate only one transport.According to Austin-Travis County EMS, a vehicle rescue was underway near Cypress Creek and Anderson Mill. The initial call came out at approximately 10:30 a.m.
  A second ATCEMS ambulance and Travis County is also responding.ATCEMS said
  
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• ATCEMS: 1 extricated, 8 total patients in 2-vehicle crash

  01-07-2024 17:49 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Thursday, July 1, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — First responders reported a two-vehicle collision Monday morning that involved eight patients.Paramedics said only one patient was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the seven other patients refused transport.According to Austin-Travis County EMS, the vehicle rescue was near Cypress Creek and Anderson Mill. The initial call came out at
  
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• Austin police searching for 33-year-old man last seen early June

  01-07-2024 17:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is asking for the public's help locating a man who has been missing for nearly a month.
  APD said Austin Harrison, 33, was last seen on June 3 around noon in the 500 block of South Pleasant Valley Road. He's known to frequent "Secret Beach" along the Colorado River in the area.
  According to APD, Harrison left on his own accord, but he has not made his usual contact with his family.
  Harrison is described as:White male6’6”185 lbs.B
  
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• LIVE: Tropical tracker: Timeline of storms in the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

  01-07-2024 17:24 via kxan.com
  
  This story is part of the KXAN Data Hub, where numbers help tell the whole story.
  We've created several data-driven stories and databases on topics including weather and climate, politics, education, sports and growth in Texas. Each story in the KXAN Data Hub is updated as new data becomes available.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. T
  
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• Austin girl earns honor helping teach English to Ukrainian refugees

  01-07-2024 17:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- While many of us have watched the horror of the war between Russia and Ukraine play out on the TV and in the news, a 16-year-old Austin girl is learning about the challenges and refugees' resiliency firsthand.
  Liberal Arts and Science Academy Senior Sydney Jones volunteers her time with ENGin, a nonprofit partnering English speakers with Ukranians eager to learn the language.
  "I saw how important language could be to someone's life," she said. "Then through that, I started learn
  
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• Supreme Court sends Trump immunity case back to lower court, dimming chance of trial before election

  01-07-2024 16:31 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday extended the delay in the Washington criminal case against Donald Trump on charges he plotted to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss, all but ending prospects the former president could be tried before the November election.In a historic 6-3 ruling, the justices said for the first time that former presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution for their official acts and no immunity for unofficial acts. But rather th
  
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• Supreme Court rules Trump has 'absolute' immunity for official acts, sends case back to lower court

  01-07-2024 16:31 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday extended the delay in the Washington criminal case against Donald Trump on charges he plotted to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss, all but ending prospects the former president could be tried before the November election.In a historic 6-3 ruling, the justices said for the first time that former presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution for their official acts and no immunity for unofficial acts. But rath
  
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• Supreme Court rules ex-presidents have some immunity, sends Trump case back to lower court

  01-07-2024 16:31 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday ruled for the first time that former presidents have some immunity from prosecution, extending the delay in the Washington criminal case against Donald Trump on charges he plotted to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss and all but ending prospects the former president could be tried before the November election.In a historic 6-3 ruling, the justices returned Trump's case to the trial court to determine what is
  
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• 'Dangerous' Hurricane Beryl takes aim at Windward Islands, Tropical Storm Chris bringing heavy rain, flooding to Mexico

  01-07-2024 16:15 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The National Hurricane Center is tracking Hurricane Beryl, Tropical Storm Chris and a new tropical wave.HURRICANE BERYLThe National Hurricane Center said Beryl remains a "dangerous" Category 3 storm, with 120 mph winds. As of the 5 a.m. update, the hurricane is approaching the Windward Islands. It is currently 140 miles southeast of St. Vincent.
  The center of Beryl is expected to move across the Windward Islands this morning and across the southeastern and central Cari
  
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• Strange holidays for every day in July

  01-07-2024 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — July in the U.S. is best known for Independence Day (and the fireworks that come with it), but that's not the only thing worth celebrating.These other holidays are sure to make you question their existence. Strange holidays for every day in JuneJuly 1National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day & International Joke DayJuly 2I Forgot Day & National Disco DayA view of dancers at the popular nightclub Studio 54 circa 1978 in New York City. (Photo by Joe McNally/Getty Images
  
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• VOTE: Help us choose the best KXAN viewer photo of June 2024

  01-07-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Here at KXAN, we get hundreds of photos sent to use each month by viewers just like you.We want to showcase some of the best pictures we receive, so we narrowed them down to our 10 favorites for the month.Help us choose the best viewer photo of June 2024. Look through the 10 pictures below, then vote for your favorite. The winning photo will move on to represent
  
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• RESULTS: This is the best KXAN viewer photo of June 2024, as voted by you

  01-07-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Here at KXAN, we get hundreds of photos sent to use each month by viewers just like you.We want to showcase some of the best pictures we receive, so we narrowed them down to our 10 favorites for the month. The winning photo will move on to represent June in the best viewer photos of the year poll.#10. Strawberry Moon (0.4% of votes)Austin, June 22.Strawberry moo
  
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• ATCEMS: Crowd 'surge' at UT SEC celebration leaves several hurt

  01-07-2024 13:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Several people were hurt after a crowd "surge" incident at the University of Texas' SEC Celebration on Sunday night, according to a social media post from Austin-Travis County EMS.
  "We actually transported a total of four people from that event — three of those were related to the surge issue," said Captain Christa Stedman, public information officer at Austin-Travis County EMS.
  "All those patients were transported with non-life-threatening injuries," she continued.Steadma
  
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• ATCEMS: Crowd 'surge' at UT SEC celebration leaves one person hurt

  01-07-2024 13:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person is hurt after a crowd "surge" incident at the University of Texas' SEC Celebration on Sunday night, according to a social media post from Austin-Travis County EMS.
  Some people we talked to who attended the celebration said a barricade went down as crowds tried to push towards the stage for Pitbull's performance.
  "Everybody was really packing in there, trying to push up towards the front. There wasn't really a lot of room so everyone was pushing," Jamey Alden, an atten
  
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• Hurricane Beryl remains a major hurricane

  01-07-2024 12:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A quick update on the local weather. High pressure aloft continues to be our dominant weather feature. Today will be partly cloudy to mostly sunny with most highs from 97° to 101°. Milam County will be under a Heat Advisory until 7 p.m. for highest heat index readings up to 107°.High temperatures will be in the upper 90s to around 100° every day heading to the weekend. A 10% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms will be a part of the Saturday/Sunday foreca
  
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• Hot, but signs of change as we track Beryl

  01-07-2024 12:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Today was our fifth triple digit day in a row in Austin and the stretch should continue a few more days.Tonight is expected to be another warm and humid night with mostly clear skies and temperatures hitting upper 70s. Tomorrow the heat will continue with mostly sunny skies and temperatures moving into the triple digits again. Tomorrow may end up being our hottest day of the year so far with expected highs reaching 102º in Austin. So far this year our highest temperatures h
  
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• Simone Biles headlines a U.S. women's gymnastics team eyeing redemption at the Paris Olympics

  01-07-2024 07:51 via kxan.com
  
  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — They all had a reason to come back. Every single one of them.
  Simone Biles to move past those wrenching two weeks in Japan three years ago, when the gymnastics superstar prioritized her mental health and safety over glory, a decision that inspired some and maddened others.
  Suni Lee to prove — perhaps to herself most of all — that the all-around gold medal she earned while Biles watched from the stands wasn't a fluke.
  Jordan Chiles to turn the team silver she
  
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• Meet Beacon the therapy dog, calming gymnasts' nerves at the US Olympic Trials

  01-07-2024 05:38 via kxan.com
  
  MINNEAPOLIS (NEXSTAR) — The U.S. Olympic Trials is one of the most stressful competitions for gymnasts.
  In fact, coaches and athletes have openly talked about the intense amount of pressure to perform in front of the selection committee that hand-picks who will represent USA Gymnastics at the Olympics.Simone Biles secures third trip to the Olympics after breezing to victory at U.S. trialsFor the first time at trials, there's a very special good boy helping ease some of the nerves.
  USAG ath
  
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• Simone Biles secures third trip to the Olympics after breezing to victory at U.S. trials

  01-07-2024 05:13 via kxan.com
  
  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Simone Biles is heading back to the Olympics. So are some of her friends.
  The gymnastics superstar earned a third trip to her sport's biggest stage by cruising to victory at the U.S. Olympic trials on Sunday night, posting a two-day all-around total of 117.225 to clinch the lone automatic spot on the five-woman team.
  Three years removed from the Tokyo Olympics — where she pulled out of multiple finals to prioritize her safety and becoming a touchstone on the import
  
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• What Texas Longhorns coaches said about officially moving to the SEC

  01-07-2024 05:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Nobody does it quite like the Texas Longhorns.An all-day celebration Sunday brought thousands upon thousands of fans to campus to mark the Longhorns' official entrance to the Southeastern Conference, and now the work begins.Bevo XV peeks through his trailer before his parade down the South Mall on campus Sunday during the SEC celebration. (KXAN photo/Billy Gates)Members of the Texas Cowboys sit on Smokey the Cannon during the SEC celebration on campus Sunday. (KXAN photo/Bi
  
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• What Texas Longhorns coaches said about officially joining the SEC

  01-07-2024 05:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Nobody does it quite like the Texas Longhorns.An all-day celebration Sunday brought thousands upon thousands of fans to campus to mark the Longhorns' official entrance to the Southeastern Conference, and now the work begins.Bevo XV peeks through his trailer before his parade down the South Mall on campus Sunday during the SEC celebration. (KXAN photo/Billy Gates)Members of the Texas Cowboys sit on Smokey the Cannon during the SEC celebration on campus Sunday. (KXAN photo/Bi
  
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• LIVE Horns Report: Welcome to the SEC, Texas Longhorns

  01-07-2024 05:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Nobody does it quite like the Texas Longhorns.An all-day celebration Sunday brought thousands upon thousands of fans to campus to mark the Longhorns' official entrance to the Southeastern Conference, and now the work begins.Bevo XV peeks through his trailer before his parade down the South Mall on campus Sunday during the SEC celebration. (KXAN photo/Billy Gates)Members of the Texas Cowboys sit on Smokey the Cannon during the SEC celebration on campus Sunday. (KXAN photo/Bi
  
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• Texas baseball coach goes back to Texas A&M days after leaving Aggies

  01-07-2024 03:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Just days after incoming head baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle brought him to Austin, Michael Earley is headed back to College Station.Texas A&M named Earley its new head baseball coach Sunday after he initially left with Schlossnagle to be the Longhorns' hitting coach. He was the Aggies' hitting coach for three seasons under Schlossnagle and has tremendous respect among players on the current Aggies roster.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like thes
  
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• Texas baseball coach goes back to Texas A&M days after leaving

  01-07-2024 03:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Just days after incoming head baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle brought him to Austin, Michael Earley is headed back to College Station.Texas A&M named Earley its new head baseball coach Sunday after he initially left with Schlossnagle to be the Longhorns' hitting coach. He was the Aggies' hitting coach for three seasons under Schlossnagle and has tremendous respect among players on the current Aggies roster.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like thes
  
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