Austin news

• Kentucky lawmaker dies weeks after lawnmower plunges into swimming pool

  25-10-2024 23:43 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) -- Kentucky state Sen. Johnnie Turner (R) died Tuesday from injuries he suffered after being thrown into an empty swimming pool while riding his lawnmower just over a month ago.Turner, 76, formerly served in the U.S. Army as a medic and was an attorney in Cumberland, Ky., before joining the State Legislature. The late state senator has been in office since 2021 and previously served in the Kentucky House from 1999-2002.“This loss is deeply personal to me, as I have known Johnnie
  
  Read more

• Jimmy John's introducing limited-time 'Picklewich'

  25-10-2024 23:43 via kxan.com
  
  (WJW) - Attention pickle lovers! Jimmy John's is introducing a limited-time sandwich just for you.The new menu item, called the Picklewich, replaces the bread with a massive kosher dill pickle, Inspire Brands announced in a Thursday press release. Browns file suit against Cleveland to clear way for move to Brook Park
  Jimmy John's shared photos of the new sandwich on Facebook, stating that it will be available at participating locations across the country from Monday, Oct. 28 through National Pic
  
  Read more

• IRS unveils 2025 income tax brackets: Where do you fall?

  25-10-2024 23:24 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — It's official: 2025 will mark another year in which millions of Americans could take home more on each paycheck thanks in part to the latest inflation adjustments to the tax code announced by the IRS on Tuesday.More than 60 tax provisions are changing, all of which will impact tax year 2025. That means they won't apply until you're filing taxes in 2026.One of the most notable changes the IRS has announced are standard deductions rising and individual tax brackets shifting.
  Stan
  
  Read more

• LIVE Battle of the Lakes: No. 6 Lake Travis hosts No. 12 Westlake in heavyweight slugfest

  25-10-2024 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's one of the marquee matchups in Texas high school football every season, and this year is no different. It's the Battle of the Lakes.No. 6 Lake Travis hosts No. 12 Westlake for the District 26-6A lead and the Cavaliers are hoping to do something they haven't done against the Chaparrals since 2019 — win the game. No. 5 Texas must maximize its time on offense against ball-hog No. 25 VanderbiltThe Cavs are 0-4 against the Chaps since the 26-25 win five years ago, los
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Battle of the Lakes: No. 6 Lake Travis hosts No. 12 Westlake in heavyweight slugfest

  25-10-2024 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's one of the marquee matchups in Texas high school football every season, and this year is no different. It's the Battle of the Lakes.No. 6 Lake Travis hosts No. 12 Westlake for the District 26-6A lead and the Cavaliers are hoping to do something they haven't done against the Chaparrals since 2019 — win the game. No. 5 Texas must maximize its time on offense against ball-hog No. 25 VanderbiltThe Cavs are 0-4 against the Chaps since the 26-25 win five years ago, los
  
  Read more

• Battle of the Lakes: No. 12 Westlake rides defense, special teams to 28-16 win over No. 6 Lake Travis

  25-10-2024 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Westlake senior Cal Livengood will have a heck of a story to tell for the rest of his life.Livengood iced the Battle of the Lakes for No. 12 Westlake with an 82-yard punt return touchdown in the fourth quarter, lifting the Chaparrals to a 28-16 win over No. 6 Lake Travis on Friday at Cavalier Stadium.
  It's the first loss of the season for the Cavaliers and Westlake moves into first place in the District 26-6A standings. Westlake has won the past five meetings between the te
  
  Read more

• Round Rock ISD teacher named 'Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year' for 2025

  25-10-2024 23:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Chris Mihealsick, a teacher at Westwood High School in Round Rock ISD, was celebrated as the Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year.Mihealsick teaches Advanced Placement environmental science and is the science department chair for Westwood.The Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) said in the past, Mihealsick has taught chemistry, anatomy and biology at Westwood. Prior to her time at Westwood, Mihealsick worked at Crockett High School in Austin ISD, teac
  
  Read more

• WATCH: Harris to hold Texas rally on abortion rights and hopes to be heard by battleground states

  25-10-2024 22:55 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (AP) — During his four years in office, Donald Trump erased a half a century of hard-fought progress for women when he appointed the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, Kamala Harris will say Friday in Texas during a rally with Beyoncé, according to excerpts of her speech.“And now, he wants to go even further. Let us be clear: If Donald Trump wins again, he will ban abortion nationwide,” Harris will say, according to excerpts ahead of the rally hig
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• WATCH: Harris, Beyoncé team up for a Texas rally on abortion rights and hope battleground states hear them

  25-10-2024 22:55 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (AP) — Beyoncé told a packed stadium on Friday that it was time for America to elect Kamala Harris president, urging voters to “sing a new song," before the vice president delivered a message to battleground voters all the way from reliably Republican Texas — that Donald Trump was dead set on eroding women’s rights.“For all the men and women in this room, and watching around the country, we need you," Beyoncé said.The music megastar,
  
  Read more

• LIVE: Harris to hold Texas rally on abortion rights and hopes to be heard by battleground states

  25-10-2024 22:55 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (AP) — During his four years in office, Donald Trump erased a half a century of hard-fought progress for women when he appointed the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, Kamala Harris will say Friday in Texas during a rally with Beyoncé, according to excerpts of her speech.“And now, he wants to go even further. Let us be clear: If Donald Trump wins again, he will ban abortion nationwide,” Harris will say, according to excerpts ahead of the rally hig
  
  Read more

• Harris to hold Texas rally on abortion rights and hopes to be heard by battleground states

  25-10-2024 22:55 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (AP) — During his four years in office, Donald Trump erased a half a century of hard-fought progress for women when he appointed the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, Kamala Harris will say Friday in Texas during a rally with Beyoncé, according to excerpts of her speech.“And now, he wants to go even further. Let us be clear: If Donald Trump wins again, he will ban abortion nationwide,” Harris will say, according to excerpts ahead of the rally hig
  
  Read more

• More competition in home listings hasn't shifted prices, Texas Realtors report

  25-10-2024 22:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The median price to buy a Texas home hasn't changed since last year, according to a Texas REALTORS report, despite a 30.4% jump in listings over the third quarter of 2023.The report, released Tuesday, states that Texas' median home price in Q3 2024 is $340,000.
  Home prices in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan statistical area saw a slight drop of 3.8%, but the median home likely remains out of reach for most residents at $437,925.Austin among least affordable ci
  
  Read more

• Eanes ISD employee facing credit card abuse charge related to 'personal gain' purchases

  25-10-2024 22:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An administrative assistant at Hill Country Middle School was arrested Friday and charged with credit card abuse, according to Eanes Independent School District.The district said Kelly Ballengee, 43, used the district’s credit cards to make purchases for "personal gain."According to a statement from Eanes ISD, Ballengee no longer works in the district.“The investigation was initiated by the Eanes ISD Police Department, following concerns brought forward by the D
  
  Read more

• More than five years after closing, NLand Surf Park to get new life as private surf community

  25-10-2024 21:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (ABJ) — More than five years after NLand Surf Park shuttered, it appears to be re-emerging as a private surf-and-condominium community.Over the last several months, details have trickled out regarding what's being called Austin Surf Club. It's a partnership between Arizona-based Discovery Land Co. and Kelly Slater — perhaps the most famous surfer in the world — and it's located not too far from the airport along Navarro Creek Road off State Highway 71, about 15
  
  Read more

• Allergens in Central Texas today

  25-10-2024 21:37 via kxan.com
  
  Find the latest allergen counts for Central Texas, as measured by PollenSense, an automated pollen sampling machine that gives KXAN updated counts every minute, instead of once a day. EXPORE: KXAN's allergy tracker
  
  Read more

• 'Felt like we had a voice:' Family hurt in Austin ER crash meets councilmember pushing for safety change

  25-10-2024 21:34 via kxan.com
  
  Project Summary:
  This story is part of KXAN’s “Preventing Disaster” investigation, which initially published on May 15, 2024. The project follows a fatal car crash into an Austin hospital’s emergency room earlier that year. Our team took a broader look at safety concerns with that crash and hundreds of others across the nation – including whether medical sites had security barriers – known as bollards – at their entrances. Experts say those could stop c
  
  Read more

• Austin FC picks former FC Dallas boss as next head coach

  25-10-2024 19:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC has picked its next head coach, announcing Nico Estévez as the next leader of the Verde and Black.Estévez is familiar with the Major League Soccer landscape and has Texas ties as FC Dallas' previous manager. He was announced as the club's second-ever head coach Friday morning in a press release. Austin FC fires head coach Josh Wolff after four seasons, one postseason appearanceAustin FC Sporting Director Rodolfo Borrell said the 44-year-old Spaniard
  
  Read more

• Austin among least affordable cities for minimum wage earners

  25-10-2024 18:03 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Friday, Oct. 25, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A 2024 analysis from Clever Real Estate found only three cities in the U.S. have affordable rents for minimum wage earners -- and Austin nearly tops the list as one of the least affordable areas nationally.Clever Real Estate's analysis found a person would have to earn a minimum of $18 an per to afford renting a one-bedroom apartment. That determination is based on the 30
  
  Read more

• AUS flight receives special welcome in New Orleans ahead of Eras Tour

  25-10-2024 17:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In an X post Friday, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) said airlines added additional flights to New Orleans ahead of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour.The airport said one Southwest Airlines flight from Austin even got a special flight number to celebrate.Flight WN1313, named in honor of Taylor Swift’s lucky number, also received a special welcome as it arrived at the gate.Southwest Airlines Swifties receive special welcome in NOLA (New Orl
  
  Read more

• WATCH LIVE: Former President Trump arrives in Austin, holds press conference

  25-10-2024 17:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Former President Donald Trump is recording a podcast and hosting a press conference during a day trip to Austin Friday. Former President Trump’s Austin visit could cause traffic impacts FridayHe's expected to speak to local and national media at 12:30 p.m. in east Austin about the border and immigrant crime. KXAN will stream his remarks in this story and on our Facebook page.He will also join Joe Rogan for a taping of "The Joe Rogan Experience." Rogan lives in Austin and h
  
  Read more

• WATCH: Former President Trump calls for 'liberation day,' revamp on border policies

  25-10-2024 17:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Former President Donald Trump said the Nov. 5 election will mark "liberation day in America" as his campaign plans to dismantle current border policies, should he win the presidential election.The remarks came during Trump's visit to Austin on Friday. Former President Trump’s Austin visit could cause traffic impacts FridayThe former president and current Republican presidential candidate for approximately 40 minutes, blaming his Democratic presidential opponent, Vice Presi
  
  Read more

• Former President Trump visits Austin Friday

  25-10-2024 17:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Former President Donald Trump is recording a podcast and hosting a press conference during a day trip to Austin Friday.
  He's expected to speak to local and national media at 12:30 p.m. in east Austin about the border and immigrant crime. KXAN will stream his remarks in this story and on our Facebook page.He will also join Joe Rogan for a taping of "The Joe Rogan Experience." Rogan lives in Austin and his podcast, described on his website as "a long form conversation," had more t
  
  Read more

• Former President Trump calls for 'liberation day,' revamp on border policies

  25-10-2024 17:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Former President Donald Trump said the Nov. 5 election will mark "liberation day in America" as his campaign plans to dismantle current border policies, should he win the presidential election.The remarks came during Trump's visit to Austin on Friday.The former president and current Republican presidential candidate for approximately 40 minutes, blaming his Democratic presidential opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, for helping make Texas the "largest ground zero" for border
  
  Read more

• Former President Trump arrives in Austin, holds press conference

  25-10-2024 17:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Former President Donald Trump said the Nov. 5 election will mark "liberation day in America" as his campaign plans to dismantle current border policies, should he win the presidential election.The remarks came during Trump's visit to Austin Friday.
  The former president and current Republican presidential candidate for approximately 40 minutes, blaming his Democratic president opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, for helping make Texas the "largest ground zero" for border inva
  
  Read more

• Austin's oldest BBQ pit opening again after 2020 fire

  25-10-2024 17:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After an almost four-year hiatus, Austin's oldest pit barbecue restaurant is getting ready to open again.In 2020, House Park Bar-B-Que burned down, destroying much of the interior of the restaurant, but the city's oldest pit made it through, with only a little damage.At the time of the fire, owner Matt Sullivan made a promise to his customers that he would rebuild around the pit and bring back his iconic spot.
  “It survived (the pit),” Sullivan said in 2020. &ldq
  
  Read more

• Ethics complaints against Austin candidates will not be resolved before election

  25-10-2024 17:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Ethics complaints filed against two Austin City Council hopefuls and two Austin mayoral candidates will not be resolved until after Election Day, the Austin Ethics Review Commission revealed this week.
  Complaints brought against Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and mayoral candidate Doug Greco were scheduled for final hearings Wednesday, but were postponed.Complaints against mayoral candidates may highlight loophole in Austin campaign finance rule"There was a somewhat last minute postpo
  
  Read more

• San Marcos to enter Stage 3 drought restrictions Sunday

  25-10-2024 16:49 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) -- People living in San Marcos will have to follow stricter drought restrictions starting Sunday.
  San Marcos will enter Stage 3 drought restrictions effective at noon this Sunday, according to a release from the city.City officials said Stage 3 "imposes significant measures under the city’s updated Conservation and Drought Contingency Ordinance," and is needed due to drought and weather conditions.
  This will be the first time San Marcos has reached this stage since
  
  Read more

• Border Report Live: Border races key to taking House

  25-10-2024 16:27 via kxan.com
  
  EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) — Election Day is less than two weeks away and a handful of border contests could determine who gains control of the U.S. House of Representatives.Eleven congressional districts make up the U.S.-Mexico border from Brownsville, Texas, to San Diego. And while some of those districts appear to be a lock for incumbents — Democrats and Republicans — others have been described as toss-ups.On this week’s episode of "Border Report Live," h
  
  Read more

• Former long-haul trucker hoping to help extend the industry's short life expectancy

  25-10-2024 15:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- They're essential to the economy and are a big part of consumers getting just about everything they wear, eat, and use daily. But long-haul truck drivers face some daunting statistics when it comes to their health, as they spend up to 11 hours behind the wheel each day.KXAN Traffic Anchor Erica Brennes met with a former truck driver whose mission now is to deliver a healthier lifestyle for those traveling on 18 wheels.You can find Michael Lombard behind the mic coaching Orangeth
  
  Read more

• How dogs are helping save bumblebees in Texas

  25-10-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Rather than sniffing out treats, this group of dogs is tracking down bumblebees in Texas as part of a new conservation program.The conservation canines are part of a new program from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation that aims to conserve native pollinators and restore prairies across the Lone Star State.Darwin the bee dog (Courtesy Darwin the Bee Dog)
  The dogs are trained to find bumblebee nests in the ground, according to the foundation. Locating the nests will help
  
  Read more

• Doncic dominates, Klay shines in debut as Mavs dump Spurs 120-109

  25-10-2024 05:56 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic had 28 points and 10 rebounds, Klay Thompson added 22 points in his Dallas debut and the Mavericks beat the San Antonio Spurs 120-109 in the opener for both teams Thursday night.Kyrie Irving had 15 points for the defending Western Conference champions, who got eight assists from Doncic and seven rebounds from Thompson.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newsletters
  
  Read more

• Texas high school football scores for Thursday, Oct. 24

  25-10-2024 05:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Bowie claimed a 48-0 win over Akins in District 26-6A play and Vista Ridge beat Manor 31-14 in District 25-6A action Thursday.REPORT YOUR SCORE: We'd love to post your team's score in this scoreboard, but we need your help to do it. Email the score of your game to [email protected] and we'll get it on our websiteCheck out the rest of the scores from around Texas below:Scores from around Central TexasBowie 48, Akins 0St. Andrews vs. LASAVista Ridge 31, Manor 14Scores from arou
  
  Read more

• Joint headquarters for police, fire, EMS approved by Austin City Council

  25-10-2024 05:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin City Council voted to approve the purchase of a headquarters for Austin's police, fire and EMS departments on Thursday, the city of Austin said in a news release.The 386,000-square-foot building is located in southwest Austin at 1501 and 1601 S. MoPac Expressway, according to the city.Police, fire, EMS may move to joint headquarters in south AustinMayor Kirk Watson said the purchase price for the property is about $108 million, and the city estimates it would spend ar
  
  Read more

• Rent down across Austin, according to Apartment List

  25-10-2024 04:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- There's good news for renters in Austin. According to researchers at Apartment List, rental costs are down across the city.
  Apartment List Senior Research Associate Rob Warnock said rent dropped 7% compared to last year.
  "Rents in Austin are falling faster than anywhere else in the country," Warnock said. "Including West Campus, all the way out to South Austin and downtown and kind of the peripheral areas."Warnock attributed that to all the construction over the last four years
  
  Read more

• TxDMV: 'Without a doubt' paper-metal tag law debate coming to Capitol

  25-10-2024 03:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The chair of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Board said Thursday that conversations, and industry concerns, over a new law eliminating paper license plates will"without a doubt" continue next year.
  "I recognize that this conversation will be continued in the next session of the legislature, without a doubt," said TxDMV Board Chair Charles Bacarisse. "But, today, we are making rules."On Thursday, the TxDMV acknowledged industry concerns with House Bill 718, foreshadowing a
  
  Read more

• Longhorns fall to Aggies in 5-set thriller for 1st SEC volleyball loss

  25-10-2024 03:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas A&M went into Gregory Gym and knocked off the rival Texas Longhorns in five sets to snap a 9-match winning streak for the Longhorns and give them their first Southeastern Conference loss.Set scores in a wild one were 27-25, 14-25, 25-23, 21-25, 16-18. It's the first time the Aggies defeated the Longhorns since 2010.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersMad
  
  Read more

• Is your school safe? Safety audits continue as some schools still fail to meet standards

  25-10-2024 03:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In 2022, the state started conducting random security audits at schools around Texas following the school shooting at Robb Elementary.The random checks ensure schools are following the best safety practices.Gov. Greg Abbott initially tasked the Texas State School Safety Center to conduct the audits, but this year the Texas Education Agency (TEA) took over."Our charter was to visit 100% of campuses around Texas," said John Scott, chief of school safety and security with TEA.
  
  Read more

• TRAFFIC ALERT: Person ejected from vehicle following collision with tree in north Austin

  25-10-2024 01:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — First responders arrived at the scene Thursday of a collision involving an ejection.According to Austin-Travis County EMS, the incident occurred at approximately 6:15 p.m. near the 7600 block of Guadalupe Street in north Austin.ATCEMS and the Austin Fire Department were at the scene where a vehicle crashed into a tree.According to ATCEMS, two adult patients were involved in the incident, and one was possibly ejected from the vehicle. Medics at the scene declared both patien
  
  Read more

• Person ejected from vehicle following collision with tree in north Austin

  25-10-2024 01:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — First responders arrived at the scene Thursday of a collision involving an ejection.According to Austin-Travis County EMS, the incident occurred at approximately 6:15 p.m. near the 7600 block of Guadalupe Street in north Austin.ATCEMS and the Austin Fire Department were at the scene where a vehicle crashed into a tree.According to ATCEMS, two adult patients were involved in the incident, and one was possibly ejected from the vehicle. Medics at the scene declared both patien
  
  Read more

• Revival Coffee to close, announces last day

  25-10-2024 01:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, Revival Coffee, located at 1405 E. 7th Street, announced it will close its doors with its last day of business Sunday.According to a post on its Instagram page, the coffee shop said the closure was due to it being unable to secure a long-term lease renewal.“To our incredible staff, thank you for your hard work and dedication. And to our amazing customers, you've made Revival more than a café; you’ve made it a home. Your support, your stories,
  
  Read more

• No. 5 Texas must maximize its time on offense against ball-hog No. 25 Vanderbilt

  25-10-2024 01:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian knows what he's walking into on Saturday. He knows Vanderbilt is going to try to play a game of keep-away, similar to what Mississippi State attempted against the Longhorns, and his team will have to make the most of its possessions.So is he concerned about his team's recent slow offensive starts in Southeastern Conference play?Who’s to blame for the Longhorns’ recent offensive struggles? Everyone."I'm not concerned at all," he s
  
  Read more

• Nurse practitioner in West Lake Hills accused of sexual assault

  25-10-2024 01:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A nurse practitioner has been accused of sexually assaulting patients at two West Lake Hills clinics over the course of several years, according to arrest warrant affidavits obtained by KXAN.Police said Caleb Greer, 31, "groomed" both victims and sexually assaulted them during ketamine treatments in the clinic between 2019 and 2022, the affidavit states.Attorney information wasn't listed for Greer, as of Thursday afternoon. KXAN is working to find that information and will
  
  Read more

• Crossover endorsements preach 'country over party' in Texas Senate race

  25-10-2024 01:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- In the razor-thin race for U.S. Senate, Ted Cruz and Colin Allred are hoping to portray a bipartisan image and attract voters from the other side. The race has created some unlikely political friendships and led longtime partisan officials to break with their allies and endorse based on principle over party."I am a Texan and I am an American long before I'm a Republican," former Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley said. He served the county for 26 years, including as County Jud
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!