Austin news

• Liberty Hill library looks to future with more space

  06-08-2024 23:42 via kxan.com
  
  LIBERTY HILL, Texas (KXAN) -- Too many people and not enough space. That's what happening with Liberty Hill's public library."There are so many things we can't do because of space limitations," Library Director Angela Palmer said.There are major growing pains at the library."Our operating budget comes from sales tax, so the more our people support local businesses, the better our library is," Palmer added. ‘Let’s continue to grow this small town’: Locals excited for new Elon Mu
  
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• Dell becoming 'leaner company' amid latest layoffs

  06-08-2024 23:31 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Dell Technologies confirmed it is "becoming a leaner company" amid a recent round of layoffs.A Dell spokesperson said the Round Rock-headquartered technology company is rearranging its go-to-market teams as part of the effort and combining teams through the layoffs. The spokesperson didn't include how many people were let go as part of the reorganizational efforts. Dell cut 13,000 jobs last year; what this means for Austin’s workforceThe Texas Workforce Com
  
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• LIVE: Austin's next police chief set to start early September

  06-08-2024 23:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin City Council officially confirmed the city manager's appointment of Lisa Davis as the next chief of police during a special-called meeting Tuesday."I'll just say no pressure," Mayor Kirk Watson said as Davis concluded her remarks at the podium after the vote, "but the entire city is counting on you for that new set of eyes and new leadership, and we have great confidence in you. So thank you very very much."Shortlist for new Austin police chief released — here a
  
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• Austin's next police chief set to start early September

  06-08-2024 23:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin City Council officially confirmed the city manager's appointment of Lisa Davis as the next chief of police during a special-called meeting Tuesday."I'll just say no pressure," Mayor Kirk Watson said as Davis concluded her remarks at the podium after the vote, "but the entire city is counting on you for that new set of eyes and new leadership, and we have great confidence in you. So thank you very very much." Shortlist for new Austin police chief released — here
  
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• Bloodied and determined, US pole vaulter Sam Kendricks claims silver

  06-08-2024 23:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — American pole vaulter Sam Kendricks shook off a bloody hand and bad memories of a previous Olympics to claim silver Tuesday at Stade de France in Paris.Kendricks cleared 5.95 meters (19 feet, 6 1/4 inches) on his first attempt at the height, edging Greece's Emmanouil Karalis who cleared 5.90 meters for bronze. Kendricks cut his hand on his first attempt of the finals, easily clearing 5.50 meters. Harvard-grad Gabby Thomas sprints to 200-meter gold medal for the United State
  
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• Texas Supreme Court aims to close 'justice gap' for low income Texans

  06-08-2024 22:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Texas has too few lawyers to serve the diverse legal needs of a rapidly-growing population -- the state's highest civil court worries.It is a 'justice gap' they say often cuts the most vulnerable Texans out of a process to which they are entitled by law.
  Today, justice is too often a privilege for the affluent rather than a right for all, the state's highest civil court asserts, as they aim to expand access by empowering more legal workers to assist low-income Texans.The Texa
  
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• Harvard-grad Gabby Thomas sprints to 200-meter gold medal for the United States

  06-08-2024 21:56 via kxan.com
  
  SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Gabby Thomas sped to the win in the women’s 200 meters at the 2024 Olympics on Tuesday night, finishing in 21.83 seconds to add a gold to the bronze she took home in the event from Tokyo three years ago.The 27-year-old Harvard graduate, who has a Masters in public health, took the lead for good at the curve and was never challenged in the final stretch. She grabbed her head with both hands after winning.Thomas beat 100-meter champion Julien Alfred by 0.25 s
  
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• Viral video highlights lack of online voter registration in Texas

  06-08-2024 21:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Texas woman's video is gaining traction on social media after she pointed out how the state does not allow people to register to vote online, serving as a reminder to Texans about the correct process to follow so that they can cast a ballot in November.
  Adrienne Quinn Martin recorded herself talking about how there is a registration form available on the Texas Secretary of State's Office and urged people not to be confused by a "submit" button at the bottom of the page. H
  
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• 33 things only millennials could explain

  06-08-2024 21:31 via kxan.com
  
  ABOVE: Find an evergreen video on how much it'll take for you to retire and when.
  (NEXSTAR) — If you're a millennial, lately you've probably been noticing you're not necessarily "young" anymore.
  We all know the Millennial stereotypes: "Harry Potter," "adulting," and skinny jeans. But before we were embarrassing, we were cool.McDonald’s testing a new burger: What we knowSo here are a few things you probably haven't thought about in ages.
  1.Why you couldn't keep these things aliveFRANC
  
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• These Austin intersection treatments are reducing pedestrian-involved crashes

  06-08-2024 21:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin traffic engineers have treated hundreds of intersections this summer to improve pedestrian safety while crossing city roadways.The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department has installed more than 640 leading pedestrian intervals (LPI) crossings since the start of June — a marked 250% in the number of those treatments available in Austin. The LPI crossings give pedestrians a head start at getting into the crosswalk of an intersection before vehicles get
  
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• Texas' back-to-school sales tax holiday runs this weekend

  06-08-2024 20:21 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Monday, Aug. 5, 2024.TEXAS (KXAN) — Texans looking to buy back-to-school supplies this weekend can save a little extra cash, as the state celebrates its sales tax holiday Friday through Sunday.Texas traditionally adds a 6.25% state sales and use tax on all retail sales, leases and rentals as well as taxable services, per the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. This weekend, many clothing items, footwea
  
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• Martin Pool closed until further notice after weekend storm caused damage

  06-08-2024 20:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Martin Pool in east Austin is closed while it undergoes repairs for damage that was sustained during storms Sunday.
  The City of Austin sent out a notice Tuesday saying the pool is closed until further notice. The storm Sunday caused tree limbs to break and fall, damaging the electrical pole for the entire pool facility, according to the city.
  The city said the pool cannot operate until repairs have been completed. Staff are in the process of getting a quote and timeline for the
  
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• Gators spotted in Lake Marble Falls: police

  06-08-2024 19:36 via kxan.com
  
  MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) — A trio of alligators was seen last week in Lake Marble Falls—an area where gators are a rare sight, according to Marble Falls police.A Marble Falls animal control officer saw three alligators in the water of Lake Marble Falls on July 26 after a report of gators in the water. They were seen near Colorado Drive and Lake Marble Falls.PREVOUS REPORTING: Gator found in Central Texas ditch: sheriff videoThe Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has not visually c
  
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• Which roads will be closed this weekend for Austin Pride?

  06-08-2024 19:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to flock to downtown Austin this weekend to celebrate the 2024 Austin Pride Parade & Festival, an annual event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
  The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Fiesta Gardens, located at 2015 Jesse E Segovia St. More than 200,000 people attend Austin Pride each year, with the festival including games and carnival rides, drag story time as well as more than 100 vendors. Why is Austin’s Pride
  
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• Police identify 57-year-old killed in north Austin homicide in late July

  06-08-2024 18:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department identified a victim who died in a north Austin homicide in late July and released details surrounding the incident.APD said Chup Prum, 57, died after the incident.
  According to APD, officers responded to a robbery call outside a restaurant at 10901 N. Lamar Boulevard on July 24 around 10:30 p.m.
  The caller told police someone tried to rob him with a knife. The caller said they shot the person who had the knife, who then left the area, according to AP
  
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• Number of Atlantic tropical storms forecast for 2024 lowered slightly; Season still 'extremely active'

  06-08-2024 17:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season kicked off with a bang and is expected to continue this trend.According to the latest forecast by Colorado State University, updated on Aug. 6, the hurricane season is predicted to have 23 named storms, including 12 hurricanes and 6 of those becoming major hurricanes, of Cat. 3 strength or higher.This update dropped the number of named storms from 25 to 23. The 23 total includes the first four storms of the season, Alberto, Beryl, Chris, a
  
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• Pedestrian dies after being hit by a car on North Lamar Blvd. over the weekend

  06-08-2024 16:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A person died early Sunday morning after they were hit by a vehicle on North Lamar Boulevard. The vehicle involved did not stay on the scene.
  The Austin Police Department said the crash, which involved a vehicle and a pedestrian, happened on Sunday, Aug. 4, around 2 a.m. in the 10800 block of North Lamar Boulevard. That's a few blocks south of West Braker Lane.
  APD said the pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene, and the vehicle involved did not remain on scene.
   
  This
  
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• Human remains inside crocodile believed to be those of tourist on vacation with family

  06-08-2024 15:32 via kxan.com
  
  MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Police said Tuesday human remains were found inside a large crocodile suspected of killing a tourist in Australia’s second fatal attack in about a month.The latest victim was 40-year-old doctor Dave Hogbin who fell from a steep bank Saturday into the Annan River south of Cooktown in Queensland state, his family said in a statement. The general practice doctor from Newcastle in New South Wales had been traveling on a camping vacation through Queen
  
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• Live updates: Walz hits Trump, Vance in first campaign stop with Harris

  06-08-2024 15:05 via kxan.com
  
  Vice President Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz introduced themselves to a full house with plenty of applause in Philadelphia crowd on Tuesday evening.
  Harris praised Walz's accomplishments and set him up for a lightning-fast campaign: He "really does shine a light on a brighter future that we can build together."Harris ended weeks of speculation Tuesday by choosing Walz as her running mate.
  "Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done f
  
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• Live updates: Walz heads to Pennsylvania for first rally with Harris

  06-08-2024 15:05 via kxan.com
  
  Vice President Harris ended weeks of speculation Tuesday by choosing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as her running mate."Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families," the Harris campaign texted supporters at midmorning.Walz called serving as Harris’s running mate the “honor of a lifetime.” The new presidential nominee's team had whittled down a field of Democratic talent to a shortlist of about six men. She wa
  
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• Live updates: Harris-Walz set for first appearance as Vance holds dueling rally

  06-08-2024 15:05 via kxan.com
  
  Vice President Harris ended weeks of speculation Tuesday by choosing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as her running mate."Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families," the Harris campaign texted supporters at midmorning.Walz called serving as Harris’s running mate the “honor of a lifetime.” The new presidential nominee's team had whittled down a field of Democratic talent to a shortlist of about six men. She wa
  
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• Live updates: Harris-Walz ready for first rally, kicking off campaign blitz

  06-08-2024 15:05 via kxan.com
  
  Vice President Harris ended weeks of speculation Tuesday by choosing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as her running mate. They are set to make their first appearance together as the Democratic ticket in Philadelphia."Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families," the Harris campaign texted supporters at midmorning.Walz called serving as Harris’s running mate the “honor of a lifetime.” The guessing game about who
  
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• Live updates: Harris, Walz kick off campaign blitz with Philadelphia rally

  06-08-2024 15:05 via kxan.com
  
  Vice President Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz entered their first rally together to overwhelming applause from a Philadelphia crowd on Tuesday evening.
  Harris ended weeks of speculation Tuesday by choosing Walz as her running mate.
  "Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families," the Harris campaign texted supporters at midmorning.Walz called serving as Harris’s running mate the “honor of a lifetime.&rd
  
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• Live updates: Harris picks Walz as her running mate

  06-08-2024 15:05 via kxan.com
  
  Vice President Harris ended weeks of speculation Tuesday by choosing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as her running mate, according to two sources familiar.The new presidential nominee's team had whittled down a field of Democratic talent to a shortlist of about six men. She was reported to have met with each of the contenders over the weekend.
  The guessing game about whom she would pick started shortly after President Biden's poor debate performance against Republican nominee former President Trump
  
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• Live updates: Harris picks 'battle-tested' Walz as her running mate

  06-08-2024 15:05 via kxan.com
  
  Vice President Harris ended weeks of speculation Tuesday by choosing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as her running mate."Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families," the Harris campaign texted supporters at midmorning.The new presidential nominee's team had whittled down a field of Democratic talent to a shortlist of about six men. She was reported to have met with each of the contenders over the weekend.
  The guessing game about wh
  
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• Live updates: Harris lauds Walz, launches their 'underdog' campaign

  06-08-2024 15:05 via kxan.com
  
  Vice President Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz entered their first rally together to overwhelming applause from a Philadelphia crowd on Tuesday evening.
  Harris ended weeks of speculation Tuesday by choosing Walz as her running mate.
  "Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families," the Harris campaign texted supporters at midmorning.Walz called serving as Harris’s running mate the “honor of a lifetime.&rd
  
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• Harris picks Walz for VP

  06-08-2024 14:53 via kxan.com
  
  Vice President Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) to be her running mate as she heads toward a November faceoff against Donald Trump, according to two sources familiar.Walz, 60, emerged as a dark horse contender for the No. 2 slot as chatter over other high-profile names, in particular Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (D), dominated the early portion of the veepstakes.But the Minnesota governor saw his profile rise considerably over the last week, especia
  
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• Harris picks Walz for vice president

  06-08-2024 14:53 via kxan.com
  
  Vice President Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) to be her running mate as she heads toward a November faceoff against former President Trump, according to two sources familiar.Walz, 60, emerged as a dark horse contender for the No. 2 slot as chatter over other high-profile names, in particular Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (D), dominated the early portion of the veepstakes.But the Minnesota governor&n
  
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• Police identify teen killed in July Old Manor Road crash

  06-08-2024 13:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department has identified a 16-year-old pedestrian who was killed after being struck by a vehicle on July 28 at midnight in the 5000 block of Old Manor Road.APD said the pedestrian was identified as Allison Sanchez. Sanchez after being struck hit by a vehicle was taken to a local hospital for medical care, where she would later die to her injuries.
  Officers said the driver of the vehicle that struck Sanchez was, "not injured, was not impaired, remained on scene
  
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• City looks to increase equity in electrical lawn care equipment

  06-08-2024 12:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A new city memo from Austin's Sustainability office and Austin Energy lays out the next steps that will be taken to grow the amount of electric lawn care equipment in the city.
  It is part of Austin's goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Austin Energy did offer a deal for its customers if they purchased electric lawn equipment at participating stores in the Austin area. The deal offered $30 of savings on lawn mowers, $15 off of weed eaters, and $15 of savings
  
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• Mysterious lights over Austin -- can an app help identify UFOs?

  06-08-2024 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  Starlink caught over Central Texas July 9 (Courtesy Amy Burtnett )
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Reports of mysterious lights over Austin happen fairly regularly and Elon Musk is to blame. Starlink,one of the billionaire's pet projects, aims to bring internet to rural parts of the world which can cause a stir with stargazers.It's causing a spike in reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs)."With Starlink and other phenomenon up there in the night sky," said Michael Endl, a professor of astronomy and phy
  
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• LIVE: Mysterious lights over Austin -- can an app help identify UFOs?

  06-08-2024 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  Starlink caught over Central Texas July 9 (Courtesy Amy Burtnett )
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Reports of mysterious lights over Austin happen fairly regularly and Elon Musk is to blame. Starlink,one of the billionaire's pet projects, aims to bring internet to rural parts of the world which can cause a stir with stargazers.It's causing a spike in reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs)."With Starlink and other phenomenon up there in the night sky," said Michael Endl, a professor of astronomy and phy
  
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• Hays County Sheriff's Office investigating 'suspicious death' in Buda

  06-08-2024 03:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Hays County Sheriff's Department is investigating what it calls a "suspicious death" in a Buda neighborhood Monday.Deputies were dispatched around 5:15 p.m. to the Shadow Creek subdivision east of Interstate 35 for a "discharged firearm" call, the sheriff's office said. They found a dead male and told people who lived in the neighborhood or were within a one-mile radius of it to shelter in place around 7 p.m.The shelter-in-place notice was lifted around 7:45 p.m. HCSO s
  
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• Texas Ranger reinstated after 2 years of suspension for role in Uvalde school shooting

  06-08-2024 01:28 via kxan.com
  
  UVALDE (Nexstar/KXAN) — After previous plans for termination, the Texas Department of Public Safety has reinstated a Texas Ranger who was suspended for more than a year over his response to the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde.
  DPS Director Steven McCraw informed Texas Ranger Ryan Kindell on Friday that he would be removed from suspension and allowed to return to his position in Uvalde County, after a grand jury there determined Kindell did not break protocol or laws in his respon
  
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• Thomas, Alfred highlight UT athletes going for gold Tuesday in women's 200

  06-08-2024 01:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A pair of Longhorns are set to battle in the women's 200-meter dash Tuesday at the Paris Olympics.
  Gabby Thomas and Julien Alfred finished as the top qualifiers for the finals following Monday's semifinals at Stade de France. Thomas finished in 21.86 seconds for the fastest time of the night while Alfred clocked in at 21.98. They were the only two runners to finish in under 22 seconds.Thomas won the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a 21.87, nearly the same time
  
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• SpaceX warns of 'sonic booms' ahead of fifth Starship test flight at Boca Chica

  06-08-2024 01:08 via kxan.com
  
  BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX announced the fifth Starship test will aim to catch the Super Heavy booster at the launch site and warns of sonic booms.
  In a news release, SpaceX said the fifth flight test will be a potentially major step in building a reusable rocket. For the first time, SpaceX will attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster after it separates from the Starship vehicle."In addition to being a pretty spectacular visual for residents in Cameron County, the rocket'
  
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• Council members reveal amendments, cuts as Austin nears budget finish line

  06-08-2024 01:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Next week, Austin City Council is expected to finalize its budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. After the city manager released his proposed budget last month, city council members having been working to gather public input, file amendments and in some cases, propose cuts. Austin city manager proposes record budget — how much will it cost taxpayers?Here's an idea of the remaining timeline:
  August 6: City Council will host a work session to discuss homeless services spending
  
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• Texas athletes claim more Olympic medals than most countries

  06-08-2024 00:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- If Texas were a country, its native and trained athletes would have the sixth-highest medal count at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Texas' native athletes and those who competed at Texas universities have won a total of 30 medals as of Aug. 5, just below Australia's 32.The United States has so far earned 78 medals, including 20 gold, 30 silver, and 28 bronze.PHOTOS: These Team USA athletes won medals at the 2024 Paris OlympicsLIST: These athletes with Texas ties won medals at the 2
  
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• What will Olympic discus champ Valarie Allman do to celebrate gold? 'Go all out' on barbecue

  06-08-2024 00:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Valarie Allman launched her fourth throw in the women's discus competition nearly 70 meters to repeat as Olympic champion Monday at Stade de France.Allman's winning mark of 69.50 meters (about 228 feet) was two meters further than silver medalist Bin Feng of China, and this one felt a lot different for Allman than her win in Tokyo.Valarie Allman, of the United States, competes during the women's discus throw final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-
  
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