Austin news

• Answering your questions about Texas ending state vehicle inspections

  03-07-2024 23:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Starting in 2025, Texas will no longer require car owners to complete state vehicle inspections in order to renew a non-commercial vehicle registration. The new law sparked questions from KXAN's viewers and social media followers. Mandatory Texas vehicle safety inspections end in six monthsIf you have a question about the registration changes that you want us to look into, please email us at [email protected] this mean more unsafe cars on the road?“The first line
  
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• Round Rock Sports Center kicks off expansion project

  03-07-2024 23:31 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Expansion plans are underway at the Round Rock Sports Center, with construction expected to wrap in early 2026. Once completed, the development work will add two new courts for a total of eight at the facility, city officials said in a release Monday.The Round Rock Sports Center first opened in January 2014 to support both sports recreation and events. The existing 82,800-square-foot facility features six basketball courts that can also be used as 12 volleyball c
  
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• Tropical Storm Alberto didn't aid South Texas' drought as expected

  03-07-2024 23:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — South Texas has been experiencing a three-year drought, leaving the lower Rio Grande area in a critical state with two of the region's major water reservoirs at record-low levels.
  In mid-June, the arrival of a Tropical Storm Alberto near the Texas Coast brought hope for relief, but it failed to deliver enough rainfall to help with drought conditions.Dr. Mark Wentzel — a hydrologist in the surface water division at the Water Development Board — said there was
  
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• City limiting parking at Commons Ford park starting July 4 once capacity reached

  03-07-2024 22:53 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The video above is from previous coverage about neighbors telling KXAN about overcrowding at Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan ParkAUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday, the City of Austin said in a release it will limit parking at Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park for July 4, as well as for other "high use periods."Starting Thursday, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) "will limit parking to specified areas within Commons Ford," the release said.There is one way in and out
  
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• 39 Texas emergency agencies to prepare for Hurricane Beryl response, recovery efforts

  03-07-2024 22:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is directing 39 Texas Emergency Management Council agencies to begin preparations to aid in hurricane response and recovery work, he announced in a release Wednesday.Alongside those preparations, Abbott is requesting teams develop around-the-clock staffing plans for the State Emergency Operations Center, in the event Hurricane Beryl hits the TexasGulf Coast, the release added. RELATED: The Latest on Hurricane BerylAs of 3 p.m. Wednesday, Hurricane Ber
  
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• APD releases photos, video of person of interest wanted in connection with southeast Austin homicide

  03-07-2024 21:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday, the Austin Police Department released photos and video of a person of interest wanted in connection with a southeast Austin homicide that happened late last month. Police identify woman found dead in southeast Austin abandoned homeOn June 21, officers responded around 4:06 p.m. to a call of a dead person who was found in an abandoned home in the 2600 block of Metcalfe Road. Police later identified that person as Alyssa Ann Rivera, 34.The Austin Police Department re
  
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• Police: Man's body recovered from Colorado River in Bastrop

  03-07-2024 21:05 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Wednesday, July 3, 2024.BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) -- A man's body was recovered in the Colorado River in Bastrop after he reportedly didn't resurface from the water Wednesday, according to the Bastrop Police Department.
  Police said officers were dispatched shortly after 11 a.m. following reports of a man struggling in the water who did not resurface.
  The man was recovered from the river in an area just south of St
  
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• How expensive will the average Texas cookout be this 4th of July?

  03-07-2024 20:59 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Wednesday, July 3, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Is it really Independence Day if you aren't grilling?
  Experts with Texas A&M University said the Fourth of July is the second of a three-part grilling trifecta, sandwiched between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This year, experts said some kinds of meat are slightly more expensive than last year, while others are offering a bit more bang for customers' bucks."We h
  
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• 79-year-old dies after single-vehicle crash

  03-07-2024 19:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department released the identity of a 79-year-old man who died after he was in a single-vehicle crash in south Austin last month.
  APD said officers responded shortly after 10 a.m. on Friday, June 28 to a single-vehicle crash in the 1200 block of West Ben White Boulevard Service Road.MAP: Where have Austin’s fatal crashes occurred in 2024?The driver, identified by APD as Gerald Farcus, 79, was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced dead. &nbs
  
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• Police investigating suspected homicide in east Austin

  03-07-2024 18:24 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Wednesday, July 3, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is investigating a suspected homicide in east Austin Wednesday morning, the agency said in a social media post.Police said the investigation is near 4400 Airport Boulevard. APD expects to provide a media briefing around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.This is a developing story.
  
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• 2 deaths at east Austin apartment complex investigated as homicide

  03-07-2024 18:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is investigating a suspected homicide in east Austin Wednesday morning, the agency said in a social media post.Police said the investigation is near 4400 Airport Boulevard. APD expects to provide a media briefing around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.This is a developing story.
  
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• Former advisor to Austin city official sentenced to probation in federal conspiracy case

  03-07-2024 17:57 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Wednesday, July 3, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A former senior policy advisor to a City of Austin official was sentenced in federal court in connection with a conspiracy case dating back to 2015, according to the Department of Justice.
  Frank Rodriguez, 73, of Dripping Springs, was sentenced by a federal court to three years of probation and ordered to pay $21,375 in restitution for conspiring to misapply federal fun
  
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• CapMetro offering free rides on the 4th of July after 5 p.m.

  03-07-2024 17:52 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Wednesday, July 3, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Happy Independence Day!
  Those seeking a ride to the City of Austin's annual Fourth of July orchestra performance and fireworks show can utilize CapMetro's services for free Thursday evening. The Austin transit authority will waive all service fares after 5 p.m., with multiple routes transporting customers to the Star Spangled Fest at Auditorium Shores. RELATED: Wha
  
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• Q&A: Taking care of our fur babies during July 4 celebrations

  03-07-2024 17:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's the time of the year when we have to pay a little extra attention to our puppies and kittens who are afraid of the loud noises from fireworks. Some four-footed friends have no issue dealing with the fireworks, but there are others who are frightened by the ruckus.
  There are several things pet owners can do to help their animals fare better on July 4. KXAN's Rich Segal spoke with Dr. Kelly Hopkins from Bluebonnet Animal Hospital about how we can do an efficient job of keepin
  
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• Austin lane closed for nearly 2 years without any roadwork

  03-07-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Driving Austin roads is a long trip down memory lane for Michael Reyes, who was "born and raised" here.Reyes has witnessed the changes over time on roads like East Ben White Boulevard.“I remember when it was just lanes and stoplights,” Reyes said. Austin Code busy with illegal dumping as trash piles up outside wildlife sanctuaryHe’s a true local long accustomed to change, congestion and construction. But when it comes to the signs, flashing arrow and constructio
  
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• U.S. Supreme Court will hear challenge to Texas’ age verification requirement for porn sites

  03-07-2024 13:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear an attempt by the adult entertainment industry to overturn a Texas law that requires pornographic websites to verify the age of their users.The court will hear the arguments from the Free Speech Coalition, an association of adult entertainment industries and this state during its next term, which begins in the fall.House Bill 1181 was signed by Gov. Greg Abbott into law last year and requires users to upload a p
  
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• Hurricane Beryl's forecast cone now into Austin

  03-07-2024 12:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Highs reached triple digits for the 6th day in a row in Austin (101º at Camp Mabry on Wednesday), but we've only got a couple more triple digits on the way this week.As we look ahead to the Fourth of July it will be a hot and dry day with highs pushing up to 101º in Austin.It will be very warm, but dry, for fireworks viewing Thursday evening. Of course, the air will get rather smoky later in the night thanks to those fireworks.Warm and dry for the fireworks showFirst:
  
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• Hurricane Beryl's forecast cone almost into Austin

  03-07-2024 12:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- High pressure is still the main weather feature dominating Central Texas weather. A few cities will reach a high of 100° or a degree or two higher later this afternoon.Today's normal high is 95°As we look ahead to the Fourth of July it will be a hot and dry day with highs pushing into the triple digits again.It will be very warm, but dry, for fireworks viewing Thursday evening. Of course, the air will get rather smoky later in the night thanks to those fireworks.Warm and
  
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• Hurricane Beryl heading to Jamaica

  03-07-2024 12:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- High pressure is still the main weather feature dominating Central Texas weather. A few cities will reach a high of 100° or a degree or two higher later this afternoon.Today's normal high is 95°Milam County is in another Heat Advisory until 8 p.m.Warm and dry for the fireworks showA typical 4th of July forecast means hot and dry weather as folks gather for the symphony and the fireworks display. No rain is forecast.The chance of rain goes up as we move closer to the week
  
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• Hurricane Beryl affecting Jamaica

  03-07-2024 12:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- High pressure is still the main weather feature dominating Central Texas weather. A few cities will reach a high of 100° or a degree or two higher later this afternoon.Today's normal high is 95°Milam County is in another Heat Advisory until 8 p.m.Warm and dry for the fireworks showA typical 4th of July forecast means hot and dry weather as folks gather for the symphony and the fireworks display. No rain is forecast.The chance of rain goes up as we move closer to the week
  
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• Round Rock parade will have heavy law enforcement presence following Juneteenth tragedy

  03-07-2024 12:34 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- The City of Round Rock said there will be a "heavy law enforcement presence" at its annual Fourth of July parade and celebrations after a recent Juneteenth event ended in a tragic shooting that left two people dead and 14 injured.
  The parade will kick off at 8:30 a.m., running up Mays Street through downtown and ending at U.S. 79. At noon, the festivities will continue with Frontiers Day at Old Settlers Park. Activities will happen throughout the day with fireworks st
  
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• Red River Rising hosts online auction throughout July

  03-07-2024 10:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Red River Rising, Austin Arena Company's community platform initiative, announced it will host an online auction from July 1 to July 29.Red River Rising said this virtual event will offer an array of signed concert memorabilia, exclusive live music and sports experiences.
  The online auction would include items like signed Eagles posters to collectibles such as a Dave Chappelle autographed skateboard. Bidding on VIP tickets to the Austin City Limits Festival and suite packages fo
  
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• Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.

  03-07-2024 05:42 via kxan.com
  
  WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - On July 2, 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act.
  This act is said to be a victory for justice in the United States. It prohibits legal discrimination based on race, gender, sex, religion and national origin.The federal government desegregated schools, as well as public facilities in order to give equal rights to all.Linda Ann Lewis is a Waco native who was in high school when the act was passed and said sheremembers it like it was yesterday."I grew
  
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• RFK Jr. denies eating a dog following bombshell Vanity Fair report

  03-07-2024 05:37 via kxan.com
  
  Related video above: RFJ Jr. announces his vice president pick(NewsNation) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is denying a Vanity Fair report saying he barbequed and ate what appears to be a dog.
  "@VanityFair, you know when your veterinary experts call a goat a dog, and your forensic experts say a photo taken in Patagonia was taken in Korea, that you’ve joined the ranks of supermarket tabloids. Keep telling America that up is down if you want," Kennedy said on social media platform X.
  "I’
  
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• Ann Wilson, lead singer of rock band Heart, announces cancer diagnosis

  03-07-2024 05:34 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ann Wilson, lead singer of rock band Heart, says she has cancer and the band is postponing the remaining shows on its Royal Flush Tour while she undergoes treatment.Wilson said in a statement Tuesday that she underwent a surgery to remove a cancerous growth and is recovering steadily, but that her doctors urged her to undergo preventive chemotherapy and take time off from performing “in order to fully recover.” That meant the rest of the shows
  
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• He did what? UT's Max Belyeu has huge game for Team USA vs. Chinese Taipei

  03-07-2024 05:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas outfielder Max Belyeu ran the bases with reckless abandon Tuesday, swiping four bags while driving in two runs with two hits for the United States Collegiate National Team in a 9-0 win over Chinese Taipei in the International Friendship Series.Belyeu hit cleanup for Team USA and went 2 for 3 with three runs scored and a pair of walks. He drove in Tennessee's Dean Curley with a single in the first inning and then plated another run in the sixth with a single. While on
  
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• Hays County Commissioners Court approves contract with Austin Pets Alive!

  03-07-2024 05:05 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- A partnership focused on animal safety and other initiatives will continue in Hays County.The Hays County Commissioners approved a contract with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) to continue working with the Hays County Pet Resource Center, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said in a news release Tuesday.The contract will ensure APA! "will continue to lead the development of the Pet Resource Center," the release said.APA! originally entered a one-year agreement with the county
  
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• Layne's Chicken Fingers wants up to 25 locations in Austin area

  03-07-2024 04:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) -- As Shahroz Khan assessed which franchise to open between Raising Cane’s, Chick-fil-A and Layne’s Chicken Fingers, he landed on the third option, going into the venture with seven of his cousins who plan to open 15 locations from Austin to Waco.He chose Layne’s Chicken Fingers for a few reasons.When Khan, with a background in engineering and an MBA — and his cousins with engineering, doctorate and CPA degrees — decided they wanted
  
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• 'I'll be ready': Rori Harmon eyeing big comeback

  03-07-2024 03:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When Rori Harmon would go to the grocery store soon after she tore her ACL, it didn't quite look like normal."I rode around on this electric scooter," said Harmon. "Like a sit-down one. Kind of like the ones at the grocery store. I actually witnessed going to the grocery store during my injury and I had to actually sit down in one of those chairs." What Texas Longhorns coaches said about officially joining the SECHarmon suffered the injury in late December 2023. Texas women
  
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• 'Craziest week of my life': Earley introduced as Aggies head baseball coach after Texas whirlwind

  03-07-2024 02:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — He helped lead Texas A&M to a runner-up finish at the Men's College World Series, left for their rival program in Austin, and ultimately returned all within a week. To say Michael Earley has had a hectic past seven days would be an egregious understatement.Earley was officially introduced as the Aggies' head baseball coach Tuesday, replacing Jim Schlossnagle who left to take over the Texas Longhorns after the A&M's first-ever MCWS championship series appearance. He
  
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• Strips at Austin bars can test for spiked drinks, are people using them?

  03-07-2024 02:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The "Sip Safely" program has now been active in Austin for about two months.Participating bars have a stock of alcohol test strips that can detect date rape drugs. The businesses can also display signs letting patrons know the strips are available. ‘Sip Safely’ pilot gives Austin bars drink-spiking test stripsAt the launch of the initiative, the City said 50 bars were on board, and that number has since grown to 67.Spiked drink test strip.
  To the right is a photo of
  
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• Spiked drinks at Austin bars? We check in on a program aimed at preventing that

  03-07-2024 02:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The "Sip Safely" program has now been active in Austin for about two months.Participating bars have a stock of alcohol test strips that can detect date rape drugs. The businesses can also display signs letting patrons know the strips are available. ‘Sip Safely’ pilot gives Austin bars drink-spiking test stripsAt the launch of the initiative, the City said 50 bars were on board, and that number has since grown to 67.Spiked drink test strip.
  To the right is a photo of
  
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• Rodney Reed petition for US Supreme Court review denied

  03-07-2024 01:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The U.S. Supreme Court denied on Tuesday a petition by death-row defendant Rodney Reed seeking a review of his case. Reed argued his constitutional rights were violated by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals’ wrongfully high bar for his innocence claim, and, separately, a trial court’s “rubberstamping” of state findings that discounted numerous new and favorable witnesses for Reed who testified at a nine-day hearing in 2021.Reed filed the petition fo
  
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• Austin mayor pitches delay on climate bond election

  03-07-2024 01:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Would you pay more money for the City of Austin to more quickly achieve its climate goals? Think: Land acquisition, making city facilities more climate friendly and helping Austin prepare for severe weather events.
  It's looking increasingly likely that Austin City Council members are going to send a climate bond to voters to decide just that -- but when that vote will happen is up for debate.
  The backgroundIn February, Council Member Ryan Alter brought forward a resolution to mo
  
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• Deadly vehicle-motorcycle crash shuts down US Highway 290 in southwest Travis County

  03-07-2024 01:10 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- One person is dead after a vehicle-motorcycle crash in southwest Travis County on Tuesday, Austin-Travis County EMS said on social media.Around 5:45 p.m., ATCEMS medics responded to the crash at the West U.S. Highway 290 and Signal Hill Drive intersection. which is near the Travis and Hays County line. One person was pronounced dead on the scene.The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) said all eastbound and westbound lanes of U.S. 290 at Nutty Brown Road are
  
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• Ordinance requires 'adequate' water supply for Austin event attendees

  03-07-2024 01:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – This will be the first Austin Symphony July 4 concert since a new rule went into effect, requiring events to provide an adequate supply of water to attendees. A rule submitted by the Austin Center for Events (ACE) requires organizers of larger events to provide water to attendees at a rate of a pint an hour. Additionally, the ordinance necessitates the water be sanitary and that there be enough restrooms for guests. What road closures are planned for Austin’s 4th
  
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• FDA bans soda additive over health concerns

  03-07-2024 00:36 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned a soda additive starting next month over health concerns.The FDA said Tuesday that it revoked its regulation that allowed brominated vegetable oil (BVO) to be used in food because it "is no longer considered safe." The agency pointed to studies conducted with the National Institutes of Health that "found the potential for adverse health effects in humans."The new rule will go into effect on Aug. 2.
  BVO is typically added t
  
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