Austin news

• Hays CISD: A total of 5 students arrested in connection with threats made against district

  18-09-2024 23:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two more Hays County students were arrested Wednesday for making threats to a high school in the Hays Consolidated Independent School District, a district spokesperson said.This now makes a total of five students arrested in Hays CISD in connection with threats made to the district, the spokesperson said. Hays CISD: 3 students arrested, charged in connection with social media threatsThe first student arrested Wednesday was a Johnson High School 10th grader who made the threat on
  
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• High-tech advanced manufacturing center setting up in east Austin

  18-09-2024 23:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- A new high-tech manufacturing center broke ground in east Austin. The Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing (HICAM) will be a 50,000-square-foot facility dedicated to fostering modern innovation and increasing workforce development in manufacturing.HICAM is the economic and workforce development nonprofit behind the project.
  Goals for the center include:Creating a hub for groundbreaking manufacturing
  Fostering economic growthBuilding a skilled workforceThe fac
  
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• Bomb threat called in to Lake Travis ISD middle school

  18-09-2024 23:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hudson Bend Middle School was placed on a hold Wednesday after someone called in a bomb threat, according to Lake Travis ISD.A district spokesperson told KXAN they believe the threat was a hoax, but the case is still under investigation.The call came in around 11 a.m. and students and staff were on hold for about an hour before the all-clear was given.The district told KXAN first responders and emergency crews arrived on the scene to check the school.There have been no
  
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• Austin Police investigating after body found near Lady Bird Lake

  18-09-2024 23:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is investigating after finding a deceased person in east Austin near Lady Bird Lake on Wednesday afternoon.Officers responded to the 2700 block of Canterbury Street, with homicide detectives heading to the location. In a social media post, APD shared it will be hosting a media briefing to release more information after detectives arrive on scene.No additional information has been shared at this time.This is a developing story. Please check back
  
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• Submissions open for the Zilker Holiday Tree Youth Art Contest

  18-09-2024 21:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The holidays are officially less than 100 days away, but Austin is already getting merry for the lighting of the Zilker Tree. It's time for young artists between the ages of five and 10 to get creative. They'll once again have the chance to participate in an art contest, vying for the chance to light the 155-foot tree on Dec. 1. Youth artists can enter with their illustrations of Austin’s big tree in the junior (ages 5-7) or senior (ages 8-10) categories. Th
  
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• American Airlines discontinuing 4 flights from Austin

  18-09-2024 21:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — American Airlines is discontinuing four service routes from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in the next few months, an airline spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.In November, American Airlines flights between AUS and Nashville, Raleigh/Durham and Boston will discontinue. Come January, the airline will end its flight operations between AUS and Orange County.In a statement, the spokesperson said the airline is connecting with customers impacted by the discontinuation
  
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• The Federal Reserve is finally lowering rates. Here's what consumers should know

  18-09-2024 21:05 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark interest rate from its 23-year high, with consequences for debt, savings, auto loans, mortgages and other forms of borrowing by consumers and businesses.On Wednesday, the Fed announced that it reduced its key rate by an unusually large half-percentage point, to between 4.75 and 5 percent, the first rate cut in more than four years.
  The central bank is acting because, after imposing 11 rate hikes dating back to March 2022, it feels c
  
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• Affordable housing apartment complex for people living with HIV opens in north Austin

  18-09-2024 21:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A new affordable and supportive housing complex has opened in north Austin.
  The Burnet Place Apartments, a 61-unit residence, will serve people living with HIV/AIDS, according to a release from the City of Austin's Housing Department.
  The complex is located at 8007 Burnet Road. The release said the complex was strategically located near high-frequency transit and is less than a mile away from one of the Imagine Austin activity centers. Imagine Austin is a 30-year plan that would
  
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• Austin apartment landlords gather to discuss 'state of the industry'

  18-09-2024 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Leaders in the local rental market met at Austin Apartment Association's 2024 "State of the Industry" meeting on Sept. 12; in a recap of the event, the association said that the "Central Texas rental housing market is at a critical turning point."
  The current story of Austin's rental industry is one of booming construction slowly pushing down rents, as competition in the region continues to increase. Theron Patrick, an analyst with data broker ALN Apartment Data, presented data
  
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• Texas may look at safety changes for driverless vehicles

  18-09-2024 20:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's common to see vehicles with no drivers inside making their way autonomously through Austin neighborhoods, and Texas lawmakers may look at ways to make their operations safer in the state, particularly when it comes to first responders.
  Ahead of next year's regular legislative session, the Texas Senate Transportation Committee held a hearing Wednesday where the members discussed potential fixes for the growing driverless vehicle industry in the state. One of the witness
  
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• Nearly two-thirds of Texans delayed health care due to costs last year, poll finds

  18-09-2024 20:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Nearly two-thirds of Texas adults, or 64%, reported delaying health care access due to costs, according to a new poll released Wednesday by the health policy research group Episcopal Health Foundation.The organization surveyed nearly 2,000 Texas adults between October and December 2023 as part of its annual poll designed to get a pulse check on health policy, affordability and accessibility in Texas. The poll's findings revealed younger Texas adults, Hispanic adults and tho
  
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• Wave of violent threats hit Texas schools

  18-09-2024 20:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Just weeks into the school year, school districts across Texas are responding to numerous threats of violence from students and outsiders alike.Nexstar stations across Texas have reported threats to at least 20 schools just this month.Central TexasOn Tuesday, four Bastrop Middle School students were arrested after a threat toward the school was posted on social media. Bastrop ISD police determined the threat was "non-credible," according to a letter Bastrop Middle School Prin
  
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• UT Austin president to give State of the University address

  18-09-2024 19:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell will deliver the annual State of the University address Wednesday afternoon.
  He'll focus on how the university continues "to advance excellence and innovation and create the most comprehensive and impactful academic experience" for students.
  This comes after an eventful year for the school. In late April, pro-Palestinian protests broke out across campus that ended in dozens of arrests.
  Just this week, it was announced
  
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• UT Austin president gives State of the University address

  18-09-2024 19:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell delivered the annual State of the University address Wednesday afternoon.He focused on how the university continues "to advance excellence and innovation and create the most comprehensive and impactful academic experience" for students.The address came after an eventful 2023-24 academic year for the university. In late April, pro-Palestinian protests broke out across campus that ended in dozens of arrests.State of the
  
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• LIVE: UT Austin president to give State of the University address

  18-09-2024 19:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell will deliver the annual State of the University address Wednesday afternoon.
  He'll focus on how the university continues "to advance excellence and innovation and create the most comprehensive and impactful academic experience" for students.
  This comes after an eventful year for the school. In late April, pro-Palestinian protests broke out across campus that ended in dozens of arrests.
  Just this week, it was announced
  
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• APD’s 152nd cadet class continues Chief’s Run tradition 

  18-09-2024 19:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dozens of graduating cadets took part in the ceremonial Chief’s Run Wednesday morning, marking the start of service for the Austin Police Department’s 152nd Cadet Class. The 54 cadets trekked from Congress Avenue Bridge to the Texas Peace Officers’ Memorial at the State Capitol.Wednesday’s run was not only a first for the cadets, but the chief herself. Austin’s new top cop, Lisa Davis — who took the helm only a week ago — said
  
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• Adrian Wojnarowski leaving ESPN, heading to alma mater

  18-09-2024 19:26 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — Adrian Wojnarowski, one of ESPN's most recognizable journalists and personalities, is leaving the network, he said on Wednesday.Wojnarowski, who has covered the NBA for the Disney-owned network for years, announced his departure on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, which he used to make a name for himself breaking news on trades and free agency deals around the league."Woj bombs," as they became known on the internet, were a staple of ESPN's NBA coverage, with Wojnaro
  
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• Pflugerville ISD teacher arrested, accused of fracturing fingers of 5-year-old student

  18-09-2024 18:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Pflugerville Independent School District teacher is facing an injury to a child charge after reportedly fracturing two fingers of a 5-year-old student with autism, according to an arrest affidavit.That court document identifies the teacher as McKinzie Merrell, 31. Booking records showed Merrell was booked into the Travis County jail and also released Wednesday morning. No attorney information is listed for Merrell at this time, but KXAN will reach out for comment once tho
  
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• 'Passport' helps Austin celebrate 'Legacy Business Month'

  18-09-2024 18:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Local nonprofit Preservation Austin will celebrate some of the city's oldest small businesses in October during its "Legacy Business Month." Part of the celebration includes a "passport," in which Austinites can collect stamps from the city's participating legacy businesses.The month will begin with an Oct. 3 kick-off event at Zilker Taproom, located at 1701 East Sixth St. Passports will be available during October at Zilker Taproom and Whole Earth Provisions, located at 10
  
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• Which Austin streets are named after local Hispanic leaders?

  18-09-2024 18:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's Hispanic Heritage Month, and the City of Austin is highlighting some Latino leaders whose community contributions have been memorialized in the form of street names across town.The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department's mobility newsletter released Monday listed four streets named after prominent Hispanic leaders: Calle Limon, Nash Hernandez Sr. Road, Cepeda Street and Sandra Muraida Way. More details looking into the backstory of those leaders are highlig
  
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• Texas State University enrolls over 40,000 students for 1st time in its 125-year history

  18-09-2024 17:42 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) – If you were to do a head count on Texas State University’s campus in 2024, you’d tally up a few more people than last year. That’s because, for the first time in its 125-year history, the university enrolled more than 40,000 students for its fall 2024 semester. “That's a threshold we've been targeting for a long time,” Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse told KXAN. “What we've been doing is trying to wor
  
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• Austin resident $1M richer after Texas Lottery win

  18-09-2024 17:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following the purchase of a lottery ticket, an Austin resident has claimed a top prize worth $1 million.The winner elected to remain anonymous after claiming the scratch ticket prize for the game Ca$h Blowout, according to the Texas Lottery. The game offers more than $200 million in total prizes, with the overall odds of winning any prize being one in 3.92.The ticket was bought at Paleface Market, which is located at 3611 Pace Bend Road S., in Spicewood.“This was the
  
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• Police looking for suspects in break-in turned shooting in southeast Austin

  18-09-2024 17:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is searching for suspects who were allegedly involved in a break-in that resulted in a shooting at a southeast Austin apartment last week.APD responded to a shots fired call in the 5300 block of Jimmy Clay Drive shortly before 10:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9.
  Police officers and Austin-Travis County EMS medics found a victim with a gunshot wound when they arrived on the scene. The victim was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,
  
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• Austin Police warn of 'targeted burglaries' aimed at Indian and South Asian communities

  18-09-2024 16:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department shared safety and prevention tips for what it said is a "common worldwide pattern of burglaries targeting members of the Indian and South Asian cultures."
  APD said in a release the burglaries often happen during significant cultural events like Diwali, which falls on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 this year.
  These types of crimes often involve the theft of valuable gold jewelry that holds high sentimental value and cultural significance for the families they bel
  
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• Kristen's Classroom: Autumnal Equinox

  18-09-2024 15:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Despite the ongoing summer heat, we officially flip the calendar to fall on Sunday, September 22nd at 7:44 a.m. Central Daylight time.On the Autumnal Equinox, the sun is positioned right over the Earth's equator, allowing equal amounts of daylight to both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. But why does the first day of autumn not fall on the same day every year? RELATED: The fall foliage season in Central Texas is on the wayWhy does the date of the Autumnal Equinox change?The
  
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• Man gets 10 years for tampering, manslaughter in 2020 Pflugerville case

  18-09-2024 15:44 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — A man previously charged with murder was convicted of tampering with evidence Aug. 5 following a plea deal in connection with a May 2020 incident. PAST COVERAGE: Murder suspect arrested in fatal shooting at Pflugerville apartment complexAccording to Travis County court documents, 34-year-old Kendric Knatte was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to the third-degree felony tampering charge. A sentence of five years for the manslaughter ch
  
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• The end of summer keeps temperatures high

  18-09-2024 13:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Summertime sadness is in full effect for us as we keep close to triple-digit temperatures stick around.Even with clouds moving in temperatures are still expected to remain high as most of us will hit the mid to upper 90s. This is a pattern we expect to remain in effect for the next few days.
  High pressure, caught between low pressure to the east and another one to the west, won't move much this week.This pattern should start to shift some Sunday, allowing temperatures to drop a
  
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• Summertime heat refuses to let go

  18-09-2024 13:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's better than a week of triple digits... but not by much.Afternoon highs will return to the upper 90s today under a mainly sunny sky. Low morning clouds will keep our temperatures warmer than normal for the next several days... but don't expect the clouds to hang around all day. Sunshine will help boost temperatures daily.High pressure, caught between low pressure to the east and another one to the west, won't move much this week.This pattern should start to shift some Sunday
  
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• Flirting with 100º before the heat fades

  18-09-2024 13:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Temperatures will end up very close to 100º today and the next few days.This evening will be mostly clear to partly cloudy with lows dropping down into the mid 70s by morning.We'll wrap up the work week with areas of morning low clouds with mostly sunny skies and a few scattered clouds during the afternoons.
  We'll start to see the heat relenting this weekend with temperatures dropping back into the mid 90s on Sunday for the first day of fall.Highs the next few days in Austi
  
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• Austin provides grant to teachers for green projects

  18-09-2024 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- From bee colonies to bike trails, the City of Austin is looking to help fund environmentally friendly projects at local schools.The Bright Green Futures Grant has been offered since 2012. Over 250 grants have been given out to programs throughout the area since then, providing teachers with valuable assistance for developing projects.The City of Austin Office of Sustainability has awarded thousands of dollars to more than 250 schools as part of the Bright Green Future Grants pro
  
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• Pedestrian killed after being struck by a vehicle in Del Valle

  18-09-2024 09:51 via kxan.com
  
  DEL VALLE, Texas (KXAN) -- A pedestrian was struck and later pronounced dead after being struck by a vehicle in the 10200 block of Doyle Road in Del Valle on Tuesday night, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.
  That is located near the intersection of Doyle Road and FM 812. The incident occurred just after 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday night, according to ATCEMS.
  ATCEMS said when they arrived on scene they started life saving measures, however it was unsuccessful and the victim was pronounced deceased.
  
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• Superbugs could kill 40 million people by 2050, study estimates

  18-09-2024 06:09 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) -- Superbugs that are increasingly resistant to infections could kill up to 40 million people between now and 2050, according to new research published in the journal The Lancet. During that time period, the extensive study forecasted that 169 million deaths would be associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The study was described as the first of its kind to present a comprehensive assessment of the threats AMR poses globally. The study found that over a million peopl
  
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• Round Rock Police responds to major 2-vehicle crash

  18-09-2024 05:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Round Rock Police Department responded to a major crash involving two vehicles Tuesday night, the agency said on social media.Around 10:20 p.m., officers responded to the crash on northbound Interstate 35 near Greenlawn Boulevard, RRPD said.
  Just before 11:00 p.m. Tuesday night, RRPD announced on social media that all lanes have reopened for travel.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
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• Round Rock Police responding to major 2-vehicle crash

  18-09-2024 05:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Round Rock Police Department is responding to a major crash involving two vehicles, the agency said on social media Tuesday.Around 10:20 p.m., officers responded to the crash on northbound Interstate 35 near Greenlawn Boulevard, RRPD said.
  All northbound lanes are currently shut down, according to police. Drivers should avoid the area, as well as seek alternate routes.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
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• Round Rock Police respond to major 2-vehicle crash Tuesday night

  18-09-2024 05:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Round Rock Police Department responded to a major crash involving two vehicles Tuesday night, the agency said on social media.Around 10:20 p.m., officers responded to the crash on northbound Interstate 35 near Greenlawn Boulevard, RRPD said.
  Just before 11:00 p.m. Tuesday night, RRPD announced on social media that all lanes have reopened for travel.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
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• Round Rock Police respond to major 2-vehicle crash

  18-09-2024 05:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Round Rock Police Department responded to a major crash involving two vehicles Tuesday night, the agency said on social media.Around 10:20 p.m., officers responded to the crash on northbound Interstate 35 near Greenlawn Boulevard, RRPD said.
  Just before 11:00 p.m. Tuesday night, RRPD announced on social media that all lanes have reopened for travel.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
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• Former Austin car dealer and 2 others granted retrial in murder-for-hire case

  18-09-2024 05:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Three people who were convicted in a murder trial for their roles in the 2020 kidnapping and murder of a Tennessee couple in November 2023 were granted a retrial due to "discrepancies" in exhibits submitted to the jury, according to court documents.Erik Charles Maund, a former partner with the Austin-area Maund Automotive Group, was convicted on a charge of murder-for-hire with death resulting.Co-defendants Bryon Brockway, of Austin, and Adam Carey, of Richlands, North Carolina,
  
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• APD Officer Christopher Taylor will not face murder charge for 2019 death, attorney says

  18-09-2024 03:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Travis County District Attorney's Office will not pursue a murder charge against Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor for his alleged involvement in the 2019 death of Mauris DeSilva, according to Taylor's attorney.
  "The government has notified us, and the Court that they will not proceed on the Murder Charge and instead will only proceed on Deadly Conduct, a 3rd degree felony," Taylor's attorney, Doug O'Connell, told KXAN. "Regardless of the charge, Officer Taylor i
  
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• City of Austin looking to make telework policy more flexible, could save city money

  18-09-2024 01:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city of Austin could once again change its work from home policy -- this time, making it more flexible and giving individual departments more power.
  "The City is reviewing its current work from home policy and is exploring possible updates," a city of Austin spokesperson told KXAN.
  In an Audit and Finance Committee meeting late last month, human resources staff told some Austin City Council members that the city was exploring allowing employees to work from home 60% of the t
  
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• Insight: Expert explains UT automatic admissions drop for Texas students

  18-09-2024 01:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)- The University of Texas Austin announced Monday it will drop the percentage of Texas high school students automatically admitted to the university from 6% to 5%. The school said in a statement that the change is necessary in order to meet the state’s requirement that 75% of the Texas residents in each freshman class are admitted based on high school class rank. This change is expected to impact admissions for Fall 2026. Dale Price, the Founder and CEO of Access College
  
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• 4 Bastrop middle school students arrested after reported threat

  18-09-2024 01:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Four Bastrop Middle School students were arrested after a threat toward the school was posted on social media, a Bastrop Independent School District spokesperson told KXAN Tuesday.Bastrop ISD police investigated the threat and determined it was "non-credible," Bastrop Middle School Principal Tiffany Peirson said in a letter sent to families. Weapon seized from student at Del Valle High School, letter says"Due to the seriousness of the incident, four of our (BMS) students ha
  
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• Weapon seized from student at Del Valle High School, letter says

  18-09-2024 01:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A weapon was seized from a student prior to entering Del Valle High School, DVHS Principal Kandice Smith said in a letter to parents Tuesday. That weapon was not used, the letter said.The letter from Smith said a student reported the weapon to a high school staff member, and the district police department is investigating."I want to thank the student who reported this for doing the right thing," Smith said in the letter.The letter said this is a reminder to parents and thei
  
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• Lawsuit accuses Miley Cyrus of copyright infringement over hit song 'Flowers'

  18-09-2024 00:59 via kxan.com
  
  (KTLA) – A music investment company is coming after Miley Cyrus like a wrecking ball with a lawsuit over her Grammy award-winning song "Flowers."The Disney Channel alum released the hit song after her public divorce from actor Liam Hemsworth. When it debuted in January 2023, many listeners drew parallels between "Flowers" and Bruno Mars' 2012 song "When I Was Your Man."The chorus of "Flowers," some said, appears to be a response to the chorus of "When I Was Your Man," with Cyrus singing th
  
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• Florida sheriff fed up with school shooting hoaxes posts boy's mugshot to social media

  18-09-2024 00:58 via kxan.com
  
  TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida sheriff fed up with a spate of false school shooting threats is taking a new tactic to try get through to students and their parents: he's posting the mugshot of any offender on social media.Law enforcement officials in Florida and across the country have seen a wave of school shooting hoaxes recently, including in the wake of the deadly attack at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, that killed two students and two teachers.Volusia Co
  
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• WCSO says 3 arrested after shooting, discovery of plot to kill county judge

  18-09-2024 00:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Three people were arrested after they were accused of breaking into a Liberty Hill home in March and shooting two people, the Williamson County Sheriff's Office said in a news release Tuesday.The three people arrested in the shooting are also believed to be connected with a plot to kill a Williamson County judge, the release said.The shooting happened March 8 in Liberty Hill, investigators said.Around 2:30 a.m., 911 dispatch in Williamson County received a call from a teenager w
  
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• LIVE: WCSO says 3 arrested after shooting, discovery of plot to kill county judge

  18-09-2024 00:49 via kxan.com
  
  LIBERTY HILL, Texas (KXAN) -- Three people were arrested after they were accused of breaking into a Liberty Hill home in March and shooting two people, the Williamson County Sheriff's Office said in a news release Tuesday.The three people arrested in the shooting are also believed to be connected with a plot to kill a Williamson County judge, the release said.The shooting happened March 8 in Liberty Hill, investigators said.
  Around 2:30 a.m., 911 dispatch in Williamson County received a call fro
  
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