Austin news

• Goldfish changes name of iconic crackers to appeal to adults

  24-10-2024 23:41 via kxan.com
  
  (WJW) - Snack lovers can look forward to a playful twist on a childhood favorite, as Goldfish announces a limited-time renaming of its iconic Cheddar crackers to 'Chilean Sea Bass.'The Chilean Sea Bass crackers will maintain the familiar shape and flavor of traditional Goldfish. Despite E. coli outbreak, McDonald's says customers should feel confident eating at chain“We know the love for Goldfish spans all ages,” said Danielle Brown, Vice President of Goldfish. “Chilean Sea Bas
  
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• Leander ISD board considers $1,000 bonuses for staff

  24-10-2024 23:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Leander Independent School District's Board of Trustees will meet Thursday night to consider giving its staff a one-time, $1,000 bonus, according to the board's meeting agenda. MAP: Which school districts have increased teacher pay for the 2024-25 school year?The recommendation comes from Leander ISD superintendent Dr. Bruce Gearing, and is backed by the ISD's chief financial officer and its interim chief human resources officer.In May 2024, the board approved its yearl
  
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• Leander ISD board approves $1,000 bonuses for staff

  24-10-2024 23:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Employees of the Leander Independent School District will get an on-time December bonus, after an unanimous vote Thursday by the district's Board of Trustees. MAP: Which school districts have increased teacher pay for the 2024-25 school year?The recommendation came from Leander ISD superintendent Dr. Bruce Gearing, and was backed by the ISD's chief financial officer and its interim chief human resources officer.In May 2024, the board approved its yearly compensation plan, w
  
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• Former President Trump's Austin visit could cause traffic impacts Friday

  24-10-2024 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former President Donald Trump will be in the Texas capital Friday, holding a press conference near the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and joining podcaster Joe Rogan to record an episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience."Trump is poised to discuss border security and migrant crime during a presser at Million Air, located at 4801 Emma Browning Ave. near the South Terminal of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. His press conference is set to begin at 12:30 p.m., p
  
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• Austin man dies following 18-wheeler collision in New Braunfels

  24-10-2024 23:03 via kxan.com
  
  NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (KXAN) — A pedestrian died Thursday morning in New Braunfels after being struck by an 18-wheeler.According to the City of New Braunfels, first responders arrived at the scene in the 6000 block of Interstate 35 South and found a man with fatal injuries from the collision. The man was identified as 31-year-old Austin Michael Arp, of Austin.According to the city, the driver of the 18-wheeler was uninjured in the incident. Officials said the crash remains under investigati
  
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• New Travis County program aims to help with gun violence prevention, provide support services

  24-10-2024 22:24 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Travis County Commissioners approved Tuesday a new pilot program aiming to help with gun violence prevention and connecting survivors with support services.According to the Office of Travis County Judge Andy Brown, the Travis County Commissioners Court approved a contract with Ascension Seton to launch the Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP).HVIP stems from the Safer Travis County Resolution, which allotted $500,000 for gun violence preven
  
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• KBVO Game of the Week: Vista Ridge hopes to extend winning streak vs. Manor

  24-10-2024 22:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Vista Ridge will try to keep pace in the postseason race and add to its winning streak Thursday against Manor in the KBVO Game of the Week at Gupton Stadium.The Rangers (4-3, 3-2 District 25-6A) are tied for third place in the district with Hutto while Manor (1-6, 1-4) has dropped four consecutive games and is on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports new
  
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• KBVO Game of the Week: Vista Ridge drops Manor 31-14 to strengthen playoff position

  24-10-2024 22:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Vista Ridge notched its third consecutive victory and positioned itself for a playoff push with a 31-14 win over Manor on Thursday at Gupton Stadium.The Rangers move to 4-2 in District 25-6A and are all alone in third place heading into Friday's action. Hutto takes on Vandegrift, and if the Hippos can upset the district-leading Vipers, they'll move back into a tie with Vista Ridge.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More th
  
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• Austin allocates an extra $10.9M for Project Connect anti-displacement efforts

  24-10-2024 21:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Almost $11 million in additional funding will support anti-displacement efforts under Austin's Project Connect transportation program, the City of Austin Housing Department and Austin Housing Finance Corporation announced Thursday.The $10.9 million will be allocated over the next three years to existing Project Connect Community Initiated Solutions (CIS) partners, the release confirmed. Austin City Council approved in September 2022 awarding anti-displacement funding to mor
  
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• Nate Paul filing: ‘10-day jail sentence is imminent’

  24-10-2024 19:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Recent federal court filings show Austin real estate developer Nate Paul battling on two legal fronts. On one side he’s fighting a potentially “imminent” 10-day jail sentence for criminal contempt issued by a Travis County district judge in a civil case. On the other side, Paul is seeking to get a dozen criminal counts of bank and wire fraud dismissed.Paul has been ensnared in legal proceedings for years, including civil litigation with the nonprofit Mitte
  
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• How Central Texans can get free, discounted rides to the polls on Election Day

  24-10-2024 19:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Central Texans prepare to cast their ballot this election season, several local resources and national companies are offering free and reduced-price ways of getting to the polls.Austin-based transit authority CapMetro will waive fares on all services on Election Day, which falls on Nov. 5 this year. CapMetro's bikeshare services will also be fare-free on Election Day, with a yet-to-be-determined access code.On the rideshare front, both Lyft and Uber announced they would
  
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• Texas Longhorns legend unveils transformed library at east Austin school

  24-10-2024 18:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — During a ceremony Thursday morning, Derrick Johnson's Defend The Dream Foundation and the Kendra Scott Foundation unveiled the transformed library at Zavala Elementary School in east Austin. Longhorn legend Derrick Johnson giving back en route to College Football Hall of FameThe transformation was the fifth in Austin, and it features a multi-functional space for students to read and learn along with over 600 new books donated by Defend The Dream. The area, dubbed
  
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• New library transformation at Zavala Elementary School unveiled

  24-10-2024 18:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — During a ceremony Thursday morning, Derrick Johnson's Defend The Dream Foundation and the Kendra Scott Foundation unveiled the transformed library at Zavala Elementary School in east Austin.The transformation was the fifth in Austin, and it features a multi-functional space for students to read and learn along with over 600 new books donated by Defend The Dream. The area, dubbed the “Discovery Den,” aims to help children at local Title 1 schools reach
  
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• Hoda and Jenna hit up Austin High, El Arroyo while in the capital city

  24-10-2024 18:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two special guests are in Austin this weekend to showcase the best of our city and Texas.
  TODAY show's Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager stopped by the capital city for their 'Texas Takeover' and broadcasted live from The Long Center Thursday morning.
  The Austin visit is special for Bush Hager, who attended Austin High School and the University of Texas at Austin. The high school hosted a pep rally for the pair.
  "We've been everywhere. Hoda's never been to Austin, so I had to
  
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• Beyoncé expected to join Harris at Houston rally: Reports

  24-10-2024 17:46 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) -- Beyoncé is poised to get in "Formation" behind Vice President Kamala Harris' White House bid. The music superstar will reportedly be joining the vice president at a Friday campaign rally in Texas.The 43-year-old "Texas Hold 'Em" singer, who grew up in Houston, will appear at a campaign event there with Harris, multiple outlets reported Thursday. Spokespersons for the Harris campaign didn't immediately return The Hill's requests for comment.Harris' remarks at the Lo
  
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• Austin airport's new concourse project soars ahead with $33M federal funding award

  24-10-2024 17:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than $33 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will support the construction of a new concourse at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, AUS officials announced Thursday.The Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Terminal Program is allocating $33.27 million to the project. The funding is designed to support both the construction of Concourse B as well as the new underground tunnel connecting Concourse B with the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal. $1.9
  
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• What is Travis County Proposition A? The affordable childcare tax rate proposal

  24-10-2024 17:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- When Travis County residents head to the polls this November, they'll vote for or against Travis County Proposition A.The proposed 2.5-cent property tax rate increase will go toward creating new affordable childcare. According to county staff, the tax rate increase would generate roughly $75 million for the county in the first year. It would cost the average homeowner roughly $125 in the same time period. Travis County Commissioners send affordable child care to your ballotIf pa
  
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• City Council passes Austin police contract in 10-1 vote

  24-10-2024 16:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin City Council has voted in favor of adopting the Austin police contract.Council Member Zo Qadri is the only member who voted against the contract.Now that city council has passed it, the Austin Police Association will take its official vote to ratify it.City Council chambers reach max capacity as hundreds register for public commentAs of Thursday morning, roughly 300 people had signed up online to speak in person about the police contract ahead of City Council's vote o
  
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• 20+ hours of public comment possible on police contract

  24-10-2024 16:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As of Thursday morning, roughly 300 people had signed up online to speak in person about the police contract ahead of City Council's vote on the measure. Additionally, about 100 have signed up online to speak remotely.Each speaker gets three minutes, running the in-person total, in theory, north of 13 hours, and an additional 5 hours for remote speakers. These are rough estimates as there are occasions where both in-person and remote speakers either wind up not speaking or don't
  
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• Children in Williamson County representative’s latest campaign ad aren’t hers

  24-10-2024 16:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — For those who did a doubletake watching state Rep. Caroline Harris Davila’s campaign ad this weekend, no, those are not the Davilas’ kids.The Round Rock Republican on Friday released an ad about protecting kids and improving school lunches, ending with Harris Davila and her husband, Darrell Davila, posing with four children. However, the kids are constituents.In the ad, Harris Davila says she’s protecting “our future,” and sh
  
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• Weekend Watch: Classic films and a Star Wars Symphony

  24-10-2024 15:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- This weekend, score a classic film screening or enjoy some sounds from the symphony all while Austin returns to it's 90° weather days.Weekend ForecastAustin Film FestivalThe Austin Film Festival features a ton of features, shorts, and animated works that are all must see. Kicking off Thursday, the Austin Film Festival will run through October 31st. Each day, films will be featured with speakers sprinkled throughout the afternoon at The Paramount Theater. The festival is celeb
  
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• LIVE: Weekend Watch: Classic films and a Star Wars Symphony

  24-10-2024 15:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- This weekend, score a classic film screening or enjoy some sounds from the symphony all while Austin returns to it's 90° weather days.Weekend ForecastAustin Film FestivalThe Austin Film Festival features a ton of features, shorts, and animated works that are all must see. Kicking off Thursday, the Austin Film Festival will run through October 31st. Each day, films will be featured with speakers sprinkled throughout the afternoon at The Paramount Theater. The festival is celeb
  
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• Former president Donald Trump to make stop in Austin on Friday

  24-10-2024 13:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (The Texas Tribune) -- As the 2024 U.S. presidential race heads into the final stretch, the Republican nominee announced Wednesday that he will be in Texas on the same day this week as his Democratic challenger.Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to be in Austin on Friday, where he will discuss border security and immigrant crime at a 12:30 p.m. press conference at a private jet terminal in East Austin, his campaign said.News of Trump’s visit comes a day after Vice President
  
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• Disney World raises prices on annual passes

  24-10-2024 05:34 via kxan.com
  
  Related video: Tiana's Bayou Adventure officially opens at Walt Disney WorldORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) — Walt Disney World has raised prices on its annual passes, increasing anywhere between $30 and $100.The Disney Incredi-Pass, the park's most expensive pass with no blackout dates, is now $1,549, a $100 increase from the previous price of $1,449. Target to reduce prices on thousands of items for the holiday seasonThe Disney Sorcerer Pass, which is for Florida residents and some Disney Vacation
  
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• Former 'American Idol' hopeful arrested on child porn charges

  24-10-2024 05:29 via kxan.com
  
  TULSA, Okla. (KFOR) — Benjamin Glaze, a former "American Idol" contestant, was arrested in Tulsa, Oklahoma, last week after authorities said they found hundreds of images and videos of child pornography on a smartphone in his home.The Tulsa Police Sexual Predator/Digital Evidence Recovery Unit said it received a tip about Glaze, 26, back in April claiming that he was in possession of child porn.While executing a search warrant on Glaze's home, investigators reported finding over 700 images
  
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• Ron Ely, TV's 'Tarzan' in the 1960s, dies at 86

  24-10-2024 05:26 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ron Ely, the tall, musclebound actor who played the title character in the 1960s NBC series “Tarzan,” has died at age 86.Ely's daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that her father died Sept. 29 at his home in Los Alamos, California, an unincorporated community in Santa Barbara County.While Ron Ely was not quite as well-known as Johnny Weismuller, the Olympic swimmer who played Tarzan in movies in the 1930s a
  
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• New sports academy opens in Lake Travis

  24-10-2024 05:19 via kxan.com
  
  LAKEWAY, Texas (KXAN) – In most schools you will find students sitting in the classroom learning about math, English or science, and now there's a new school in Central Texas that is changing things up."We came to Texas Sports Academy because he (her son) is just an active kid and sitting in a traditional classroom we just saw him struggle," said Christy Griswold.Her son spends about two hours a day going over core academics online."Reading, language, math, math facts," said North Griswold
  
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• Electric vehicle battery re-purposing factory coming to Taylor, first of its kind in the US

  24-10-2024 03:54 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) -- A one-of-a-kind facility is coming to the Central Texas area, and it is bringing hundreds of new jobs with it. A new electric vehicle battery re-purposing facility will set up shop in the city of Taylor. Taylor soon home to new data centerThe U.S. Department of Energy funded more than a dozen projects across the country to accelerate clean energy manufacturing. One of those projects included a company coming to Taylor called Moment Energy Inc.Moment Energy said it hopes t
  
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• 20-year-old man charged with murder in connection with fentanyl poisoning death, police say

  24-10-2024 03:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Kyle Police Department arrested a 20-year-old San Marcos man in connection with a fentanyl poisoning death that happened over the weekend, the agency said in a news release Wednesday.Police identified that man as Isaac Arroyos.Isaac Arroyos, 20 (Courtesy Kyle Police Department)Officers responded to a "welfare concern call" on Bellair Drive in Kyle on Oct. 19. When officers arrived, they found 19-year-old Edgard Escobar "displaying signs of fentanyl poisoning," the agency sai
  
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• 20-year-old man arrested for murder in connection with fentanyl poisoning death, police say

  24-10-2024 03:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Kyle Police Department arrested a 20-year-old San Marcos man in connection with a fentanyl poisoning death that happened over the weekend, the agency said in a news release Wednesday.Police identified that man as Isaac Arroyos.Isaac Arroyos, 20 (Courtesy Kyle Police Department)Officers responded to a "welfare concern call" on Bellair Drive in Kyle on Oct. 19. When officers arrived, they found 19-year-old Edgard Escobar "displaying signs of fentanyl poisoning," the agency sai
  
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• UT launches new Climate System Science major

  24-10-2024 03:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Our climate is changing, creating problems that are being tackled by the scientists and policy makers of today, but who will study the changing climate in the years to come? Until recently, there was no major at the University of Texas for studying climate change. That is, until now, this new major should help educate the scientists of tomorrow to better understand our climate.
  KXAN Chief Meteorologist Nick Bannin spoke with Dr. Kerry Cook, Professor of Climate Systems Science a
  
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• What is Austin's Municipal Civil Service Commission, how to apply

  24-10-2024 02:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, the Austin City Council said it was seeking applications for the city’s Municipal Civil Service Commission (MCS Commission), which serves as the ruling body on appeals of disciplinary actions by covered City of Austin employees.The five-member commission serves on a voluntary basis, according to the city.The city said applications for open positions would remain open until the positions have been filled and would be reviewed for an&nb
  
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• Silver Alert issued for woman last seen in Austin

  24-10-2024 01:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said it was searching for a missing woman Wednesday. A Silver Alert was also issued for the woman by the Texas Alert Network.According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, 56-year-old Maria Teresa, who is diagnosed with a cognitive impairment, was last seen at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 1100 block of Tillery Street in east Austin.Teresa was described as a 4'3" Hispanic woman with gray hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a purple
  
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• 56-year-old woman reported missing from Austin found safe

  24-10-2024 01:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said a woman who was at the center of a Silver Alert Wednesday was found safe.
  APD said the 56-year-old, who is diagnosed with a cognitive impairment, had gone missing Wednesday afternoon.
  In an update Thursday morning, police said the woman was found safe.
  
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• Tesla posts surprise $2.17 billion third-quarter profit, up 17.3% from a year ago

  24-10-2024 01:38 via kxan.com
  
  DETROIT (AP) — Tesla’s third-quarter net income rose 17.3% compared with a year ago as its quarterly electric vehicle sales rose for the first time this year.
  The Austin-based company said Wednesday that it made $2.17 billion from July through September, more than the $1.85 billion profit it posted in the same period of 2023.The profit came despite price cuts and low-interest financing that helped boost sales of Tesla's aging vehicle lineup. It was the company's first year-over-year
  
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• Lines to vote in Hays County may be long, officials anticipating high turnout

  24-10-2024 01:04 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – Hays County officials said they anticipate high election turnout, which might lead to lines at early voting locations. Election officials said in the first few days of early voting, there have been wait times of more than 20 minutes at several of the polling locations. In anticipation, Hays County election officials opened a new polling place at the Jovie Belterra in Dripping Spring, Texas. “There seems to be an exceptionally high level of early
  
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