Austin news

• MAP: More than 5,300 acres have burned in Central Texas wildfires in 2024

  01-11-2024 21:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 5,300 acres have burned in wildfires across Central Texas so far in 2024, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.A total of 27 fires have burned 5,310.1 acres in the 15-county KXAN viewing area. Weather Interactives: How much rain has Austin received this year?KXAN is keeping track of wildfires. Follow along with the map and database below. We'll keep them updated as new information becomes available. Fires that are still uncontained are red on the map. Eva
  
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• City cuts ribbon on latest permanent supportive housing project

  01-11-2024 21:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Three years after it was originally purchased, new supportive housing is opening in north Austin.City officials have officially cut the ribbon on the Bungalows at Century Park on Burnet Road, a 60-unit apartment community meant to specifically help single adults facing homelessness and those with disabilities.
  Integral Care, which provides resources for people with mental health illnesses, substance use disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities, is in charge of run
  
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• What are 'Zombie Stars?' NASA expert explains rare stellar phenomenon

  01-11-2024 20:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It may not be Halloween anymore, but scientists and astronomy experts are anticipating a spooky-sounding stellar phenomenon to light up the night sky soon.It's called a "zombie star," and it occurs roughly every 80 years when the remnant of a dead star becomes visible to the naked eye following an explosion of a star system, according to NASA.
  "You shouldn't be afraid of these stars. They're not coming to eat your brains or anything," Dr. Elizabeth Hays, an Astrophysicist with N
  
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• October 2024 was hottest, second driest on record in Austin

  01-11-2024 20:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Several weather records were broken in Austin in October 2024. The month was officially the hottest October on record in the city, as well as the second-driest since records began in 1897. Austin’s weather extremes: Hottest, coldest and wettest October recordsTo determine the hottest October on record, we use the 'average temperature' for each month, combining the highs and lows recorded each day. A typical October has an average temperature of 71.6°, but October
  
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• Vocational skills center for homeless opens at Esperanza Community

  01-11-2024 19:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Other Ones Foundation, or TOOF, cut the ribbon on a vocational skills center that will serve the homeless population in Austin.
  The John Paul DeJoria Vocational Skills Center opened Friday at the Esperanza Community. Its goal is to "host a new approach to homelessness services" by offering vocational training and services, according to a joint release from TOOF and JP's Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation.
  The center will offer a range of professional and vocational train
  
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• Texas man sets world record for largest Selena memorabilia collection

  01-11-2024 18:53 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is KXAN's previous coverage of Andrew Longoria's Selena Quintanilla memorabilia world record attempt from June 23, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A Texas man is officially a world record holder -- all thanks to his love for Selena Quintanilla.Andrew Longoria earned the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of Selena Quintanilla memorabilia, with 1,308 individual items as part of that set. Longoria achieved the feat at a record attempt in late June in Lake Jackson
  
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• TCRP appeals decision to the Texas Supreme Court after denial to replace poll workers

  01-11-2024 18:24 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The Texas Third Court of Appeals denied an emergency motion filed by the Travis County Republican Party this week that asked the court to order the County Clerk to replace election officials at polling sites, alleging there was an imbalance of Democrat and Republican poll workers.The Chair of the TCRP announced today it appealed the decision to the Texas Supreme Court. The party originally filed a formal complaint to the Office of the Attorney General and the Secre
  
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• Court denies Travis County GOP's petition to replace poll workers

  01-11-2024 18:24 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The Texas Third Court of Appeals denied an emergency motion filed by the Travis County Republican Party this week that asked the court to order the County Clerk to replace election officials at polling sites, alleging there was an imbalance of Democrat and Republican poll workers. RELATED | Travis County GOP sues over lack of Republican poll workers, had sent in ‘over 900’ namesThe TCRP filed the motion on Wednesday and requested quick action from the c
  
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• New Cedar Park Library location opens to the public

  01-11-2024 16:54 via kxan.com
  
  CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) -- Cedar Park cut the ribbon on its brand new library Friday morning.
  The new Cedar Park Public Library is a two-story, 47,000-square-foot facility designed to "deliver a reimagined library experience that provides various learning opportunities and encourages community connections," according to the city.
  The new library opened to the public Friday morning after the old library's location closed for half of October so it could move.
  New Cedar Park Public Library opens t
  
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• Longhorn Dam 'wishbone' bridge to soon launch new construction phase

  01-11-2024 16:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Work is progressing on a new pedestrian "wishbone" bridge set to cross Lady Bird Lake, with Austin transportation officials confirming a new stage of construction is slated to begin later this year.The Longhorn Dam Multimodal Improvements Project will create new bicycle and pedestrian crossings across the lake, linking both sides of the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. The project will also involve the creation of a new underpass for pedestrians and cyclists trying
  
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• Police investigating after person found at east Austin gas station with life-threatening injuries

  01-11-2024 16:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Police are investigating after a person was found with life-threatening injuries at a gas station in east Austin early Friday morning.
  Austin Police Department officers responded just before 5 a.m. to a "shoot/stab hotshot" call at a 7-Eleven gas station at the intersection of Giles Lane and U.S. Hwy 290.
  APD said officers found a victim who had "arrived to the location with injuries." That person was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to police.
  
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• Border Report Live: Senate races heat up over immigration, border security

  01-11-2024 15:55 via kxan.com
  
  EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) -- Like several House races along the border, the Senate races can also be key to determining who takes control of Congress in the new year.However, while some of the House races are being described as toss-ups with just days to go before the election, some Senate candidates appear to hold more comfortable leads ahead of Election Day.At least one, however, finds themselves in a close fight to the end.On this week's episode of Border Report Live, host Chip Brestwer
  
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• Strange holidays for every day in November

  01-11-2024 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One thing we’re certainly thankful for is the surplus of strange holidays in November. Strange holidays for every day in OctoberNovember 1Love Your Lawyer Day & National Cook For Your Pets DayNovember 2Look for Circles Day & National Deviled Egg Day(Getty Images)
  November 3Cliche Day & Give Someone a Dollar Day Strange holidays for every day in SeptemberNovember 4National Candy Day & Use Your Common Sense DayNovember 5National Chinese Takeout Day &
  
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• VOTE: Help us choose the best KXAN viewer photo of October 2024

  01-11-2024 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  This story is part of the KXAN Data Hub, where numbers help tell the whole story.
  We've created several data-driven stories and databases on topics including weather and climate, politics, education, sports and growth in Texas. Each story in the KXAN Data Hub is updated as new data becomes available.Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Here at KXAN, we get hundreds of photos sent to use each month
  
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• RESULTS: This is the best KXAN viewer photo of October 2024, as voted by you

  01-11-2024 13:30 via kxan.com
  
  This story is part of the KXAN Data Hub, where numbers help tell the whole story.
  We've created several data-driven stories and databases on topics including weather and climate, politics, education, sports and growth in Texas. Each story in the KXAN Data Hub is updated as new data becomes available.Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Here at KXAN, we get hundreds of photos sent to use each month
  
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• 'They might have had a chance.' Widower pushing for truck safety devices

  01-11-2024 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  Investigative Summary:
  A former Austin resident described how his wife and daughter were killed in an "underride crash" when their vehicle went underneath the side of a semi truck. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently considering whether to require trucks install a safety feature designed to prevent similar crashes in what the trucking industry calls a costly "unfunded mandate."EXPLORE: Deadly truck crash foreshadows fight between business, safety at CapitolAUSTIN (KX
  
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• No. 11 Westlake stays unbeaten in district with big win over Del Valle

  01-11-2024 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Westlake Chaparrals continue to improve as the season winds on. The Chaps rolled past Del Valle Friday 77-0 to stay unbeaten in district play.Westlake, who entered the matchup ranked eleventh in Class 6A, now sits at 9-1 overall with a 5-0 record in district play. Running Back Grady Bartlett scored two quick touchdowns for the Chaparrals and they never looked back.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score
  
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• No. 11 Westlake looks to stay perfect in district play vs. Del Valle

  01-11-2024 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — No. 11 Westlake and Del Valle are headed in different directions this season.The Chaparrals, winners of five consecutive games including last week's Battle of the Lakes rivalry with No. 16 Lake Travis, host the Cardinals at 7:30 p.m. Friday in a District 26-6A matchup. Since beating Leander 29-17 on Sept. 13, Del Valle has lost five consecutive games and is winless in district play. The Cardinals lost to Dripping Springs last week 49-17.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date
  
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• Police investigating Halloween night homicide; 2 detained

  01-11-2024 11:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin police are investigating the city's 56th homicide of the year after a person died outside a northeast Austin bar overnight.
  Austin Police Department officers responded to a "shoot/stab/hotshot" call around 1:43 a.m. Friday to the parking lot of a restaurant/bar in the 900 block of East Braker Lane.
  When police arrived, they found two men who were hurt and tried to save their lives until medics and the fire department arrived and took over treatment. One of the men was pro
  
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• LIVE: 2024 Friendsgiving Challenge: Help raise money for Central Texas Food Bank

  01-11-2024 11:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Friendsgiving Challenge returns for another year in a race to raise money for Central Texas Food Bank — and we need your help!This year, we're switching it up. Meteorologists Nick Bannin and Kristen Currie are joined by the KXAN Evening and Morning Teams to see which group can raise the most funds for the food bank.
  All you have to do is pick a team (Evening or Morning) and donate what you can to help our neighbors in need.This year's goal is to raise $150,000 tot
  
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• 2024 Friendsgiving Challenge: Over $174,000 raised for Central Texas Food Bank

  01-11-2024 11:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The 2024 Friendsgiving Challenge benefitting the Central Texas Food Bank is over, and the winners have been crowned!
  This year, we switched it up. Meteorologists Nick Bannin and Kristen Currie were joined by the KXAN Evening and Morning Teams to see which group could raise the most funds for the food bank. The competition lasted from Nov. 1 through Nov. 27.
  The Morning Team brought in more than $91,000 — outraising the Evening Team by nearly $10,000. The two teams tog
  
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• 2024 Friendsgiving Challenge: Help raise money for Central Texas Food Bank

  01-11-2024 11:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Friendsgiving Challenge returns for another year in a race to raise money for Central Texas Food Bank — and we need your help!This year, we're switching it up. Meteorologists Nick Bannin and Kristen Currie are joined by the KXAN Evening and Morning Teams to see which group can raise the most funds for the food bank.All you have to do is pick a team (Evening or Morning) and donate what you can to help our neighbors in need.This year's goal is to raise $150,000 tota
  
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• Texas high school football scores for Thursday, Oct. 31

  01-11-2024 04:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — McCallum and Travis won big in Week 9 of Austin-area high school football 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 websiteThe Knights thumped Navarro 58-0 and the Rebels shut out Northeast 65-0.Weiss had a 31-17 halftime lead but let it slip away in a 44-38 loss to College Station while A&M Consolidated pounded Buda Ha
  
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• Man convicted of lesser charge after pleading guilty to murder

  01-11-2024 03:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was sentenced Sept. 27 after pleading guilty to murder in connection with an August 2022 fatal shooting. PAST COVERAGE: APD identifies victim in deadly southeast Austin shootingWhile 21-year-old David Brandon Craft-Cannon did plead guilty to the murder charge, Travis County court records show he was convicted on the lesser charge of manslaughter and sentenced to serve four years in state prison.Court records showed Craft-Cannon was also convicted of aggravated assault
  
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• Austin Police search for north Austin robbery suspect

  01-11-2024 01:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said it was searching for a man in connection with an Oct. 21 robbery that occurred at a north Austin 7-Eleven.APD said the robbery took place at approximately 3:45 a.m. in the 9200 block of Burnet Road.According to police, the suspect entered the store armed with a handgun and demanded money from the clerk.Still images from surveillance footage of robbery suspect (APD photos)
  Police described the suspect as a Black man between the ages of 30 an
  
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• Man sentenced in child sexual abuse case nearly 16 years later after 'silenced' victim came forward

  01-11-2024 00:23 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A former San Marcos man was sentenced Oct. 10 in connection with three charges related to the sexual abuse of a child, according to the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.Records showed 34-year-old Joseph Pavelka IX was found guilty by a jury of two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency with a child by sexual contact.A judge sentenced Pavelka to serve six years in prison on all three counts, which will run c
  
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