Austin news

• 2024 NFL Draft: Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell expected to go early in Round 2

  27-04-2024 00:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After a record six quarterbacks were selected in the first 12 picks in the opening round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday, two more rounds will be highlighted Friday night in downtown Detroit.Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II and wide receiver Xavier Worthy were selected in the first round, making it 47 Longhorns all-time to be plucked by teams on the first day of the draft. Another Longhorns receiver, Adonai Mitchell, was thought by many to have the talent of a first
  
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• 8 Longhorns named to All-Big 12 softball team, Atwood tabbed player of the year

  08-05-2024 23:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With team success comes individual awards, and by looking at the All-Big 12 and postseason award selections, the Texas Longhorns had a very successful season.Eight Longhorns were named to the conference's all-star team while three, including head coach Mike White, picked up superlative honors, the league announced Wednesday. Big 12 Conference softball tournament scheduleSophomore catcher Reese Atwood was named the player of the year, pitcher Teagan Kavan was tabbed the fres
  
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• Greene moves to oust Speaker Johnson

  08-05-2024 23:47 via kxan.com
  
  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) moved to force a vote on ousting Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Wednesday, a momentous move that is all but certain to fail amid opposition from Democrats and conservative Republicans.Greene — who filed her motion to vacate against Johnson more than a month ago — called her resolution to the floor as privileged on Wednesday, forcing GOP leadership to move on the measure within two legislative days.Lawmakers are expected to quickly motion to t
  
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• Average childcare worker in Texas makes $11 hour; advocates push for change

  08-05-2024 23:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- Every year, families spend thousands of dollars on childcare in Texas.
  According to research at the University of Texas at Austin, the cost adds up to nearly 14% of the state's average median household income.
  But even with the high costs, childcare advocates said caretakers are not paid a livable wage. It's a problem both local and national groups discussed on Wednesday. RELATED COVERAGE: Child care in Travis County is the most expensive in Texas, new data show'It's extremely
  
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• Texas House Speaker unveils interim work for lawmakers

  08-05-2024 23:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan announced Wednesday the priorities he wants lawmakers to work on during the off-legislative session season.
  The Republican speaker's list of interim charges includes dozens of assignments for House committees to work on before legislators return to Austin for the 89th session in January. Much of their charges include tracking new laws to "ensure the intended legislative outcome" of the bills.It comes after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made his lis
  
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• Parents of slain cyclist file lawsuit against Kaitlin Armstrong

  08-05-2024 23:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The parents of professional cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson, who was shot and killed in Austin in 2022, have filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit against the woman convicted of killing her. Jury finds Kaitlin Armstrong guilty of murdering Mo WilsonIn November 2023, a Travis County jury found Kaitlin Armstrong guilty of murder in Wilson's death. Wilson was staying with a friend ahead of a gravel race when she was shot and killed on May 11, 2022.In November 2023, Armstrong wa
  
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• Want to tour the Moody Center? How to get a behind-the-scenes look

  08-05-2024 22:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — From birthday events and anniversaries to everything in between, Austinites will soon have a new way to ring in special occasions with behind-the-scenes tours of the Moody Center, the venue shared online.Tickets for the 75-minute tours go on sale May 13 at 10 a.m. CT. Once available, tours will be offered every other Thursday in June, July and early August at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
  Attendees will get an up-close look at back-of-house artist hallways, dressing rooms and the speci
  
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• Police search for suspect after sexual assault on Leander trail

  08-05-2024 21:59 via kxan.com
  
  LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) — Police said they're asking for help to find a suspect who allegedly grabbed a girl riding her bicycle on a Leander trail and sexually assaulted her.
  Leander police said this happened Tuesday sometime between 4 and 4:26 p.m. along the wooded trail behind Benbrook Ranch Park, located at 1100 Halsey Drive. Officers could not locate the suspect, though, after conducting an extensive search of that area.
  Detectives described the suspect as a white man who's approximately
  
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• Recycling company CEO enters guilty plea in environmental pollution case

  08-05-2024 21:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The CEO of a recycling company based in Colorado County recently entered a guilty plea related to an environmental pollution case dating back to 2019, according to the Travis County District Attorney's Office.Inland Recycling, LLC CEO David Polston pleaded guilty to the offense of Intentional or Knowing Unauthorized Discharge.According to the DA's office, in April 2019 Polston allowed his Inland Recycling, an oil and gas recycling facility located in Colorado County, to discharg
  
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• Ascension warns of cyber security event amid 'unusual activity'

  08-05-2024 21:28 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Wednesday, May 8, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Ascension, a health care company with locations in Central Texas, said it detected unusual activity on select technology network systems Wednesday.The company said it believed it was due to a cyber security event.“At this time we continue to investigate the situation,” Ascension said. “We responded immediately, initiated our investigation and activated our rem
  
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• Trudy's announces closure of south Austin location

  08-05-2024 21:04 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Wednesday, May 8, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Trudy's Authentic Tex-Mex announced Monday it closed its South Star location at 901 Little Texas Lane, Ste. C.The news came amid an announcement of possible new locations around the Austin area, along with expansions into both the Houston and San Antonio markets. PAST COVERAGE: Local artist worries about work hanging in Trudy’s, amid restaurant bankruptcy filing“We
  
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• Man convicted by jury, sentenced on 2022 murder charge

  08-05-2024 20:59 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Wednesday, May 8, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was convicted and sentenced April 17 to 25 years in prison in connection with a 2022 homicide investigation.According to Travis County court documents, 45-year-old Deddrick Amerson was charged with first-degree murder. PAST COVERAGE | Police: Arrest warrant issued for man connected to stabbing death near Waterloo ParkThe sentence was related to the July 21, 2022, death of
  
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• UT professor receives Pulitzer prize for history

  08-05-2024 19:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A professor in the University of Texas at Austin's history department was awarded the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for history for a book she authored on Black workers in Boston during the Civil War era.
  Jacqueline Jones is the Ellen C. Temple Professor of Women’s History Emerita in the Department of History, where she served as chair from 2014 to 2020, according to the university. She received the Pulitzer for her book “No Ri
  
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• Gov. Abbott directs Texas colleges, universities to ignore Title IX changes

  08-05-2024 19:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sent a letter Wednesday to the state's higher education leaders instructing them to ignore revisions to a federal anti-discrimination law that would extend protections to LGBTQ+ students.
  The governor's letter about Title IX went to the chairmen and regents at Texas A&M University, Texas Southern University, Texas State University, Texas Tech University, Texas Women's University, University of Houston, University of North Texas and University of T
  
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• DWI, drug program in Williamson County receives $27K grant

  08-05-2024 18:50 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Wednesday, May 8, 2024.WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Texas Bar Foundation is expected to grant $27,215 to a DWI and drug program at Williamson County Court at Law #2.According to the county, the funds would help provide in-house therapy, various forms of mental health treatment and alcohol/drug use monitoring for eligible offenses.The program was established in 2006, and according to the county, has served 6
  
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• Man receives 5 years related to 2022 deadly east Austin crash

  08-05-2024 18:20 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Wednesday, May 8, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was sentenced May 1 in connection with a deadly 2022 crash in east Austin.According to Travis County court documents, Reinaldo Rodriguez, 21, was sentenced on a count of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle, a second-degree felony. PAST COVERAGE | Arrest made after fatal single-vehicle crash in east AustinRodriguez’s sentence was in connection with a July 18, 20
  
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• How to help monarch butterflies thrive in Central Texas

  08-05-2024 17:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Central Texas is an important part of the Lone Start State for monarch migration because it is a principal breeding ground for the butterflies. They come north from Mexico in both the fall and the spring.There has been a decline in the number of monarchs. Disappearing green spaces in favor of development are part of the reason. Monarchs need a suitable habitat providing host plants for breeding and flowering plants that provide nectar for the adults.
  Unfortunately, development e
  
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• SXSW to expand with a London edition in 2025

  08-05-2024 16:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Historically Austin-based festival South by Southwest is expanding across the pond next year.
  The conference, which is known for its convergence of music, film, education and technology, announced Wednesday that it's planning a European edition for June 2025.
  South by Southwest London will launch in June of next year, expanding the reach of the nearly four-decade-old festival, marking the first time it has gone outside of Austin.
  The festival started in Austin in 1987 with its h
  
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• Central Texas Food Bank brings pantry to elementary school in Bastrop

  08-05-2024 15:25 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) -- The Central Texas Food Bank on Tuesday celebrated the opening of a new food pantry at an elementary school in Bastrop.
  The nonprofit launched a new Feeding Futures School Pantry at Cedar Creek Elementary School.
  CTFB said the partnership between itself and Bastrop ISD is a "crucial aspect to the success of this program in nourishing the children and their families of the Bastrop community."According to the food bank, Bastrop County has a significant rate of food insecuri
  
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• LIVE: Inside the Investigations: Botox injections in Texas

  08-05-2024 15:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Each week the in-depth reporting from the KXAN Investigates team will get a spotlight on KXAN Live.A conversation will happen Wednesday morning with investigative reporter Kelly Wiley and KXAN Live anchor Will DuPree to break down one of this week’s top stories. People can watch the live stream starting at about 1:30 p.m. in this story or on the KXAN News Facebook page.Inside the Investigations: Austin ISD HVAC projectsThe story they’re talking about t
  
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• Inside the Investigations: Botox injections in Texas

  08-05-2024 15:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Each week the in-depth reporting from the KXAN Investigates team will get a spotlight on KXAN Live.A conversation will happen Wednesday morning with investigative reporter Kelly Wiley and KXAN Live anchor Will DuPree to break down one of this week’s top stories. People can watch the live stream starting at about 9 a.m. in this story or on the KXAN News Facebook page.Inside the Investigations: Austin ISD HVAC projectsThe story they’re talking about this
  
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• Trump tests Senate GOP leaders on election fraud claims

  08-05-2024 14:47 via kxan.com
  
  Former President Trump's refusal to commit to accepting the results of the 2024 election is putting GOP lawmakers in a tough spot, especially Senate GOP Whip John Thune (S.D.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who are running to become next Senate GOP leader and have pledged to work closely with Trump.Both senators, allies of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), opposed Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), who is in the mix to be Trump's running
  
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• What to expect at UT's commencement ceremony

  08-05-2024 14:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- University of Texas at Austin graduates will gather on Saturday, May 11 to celebrate getting their diplomas. Here's what to expect if you're planning to attend UT's commencement ceremony.
  UT Austin's 141st commencement ceremony will be held at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium from 7:30-10 p.m. on Saturday.
  Speakers include: retired Maj. Gen. Jeannie M. Leavitt, a UT alum who was the first female fighter pilot for the U.S. Air Force; UT President Jay Hartzell; and Helen Getachew, UT's
  
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• Austin fixes 10% of barriers to safe routes to school after 8 years of work

  08-05-2024 12:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In the spirit of National Bike and Roll to School Day, the City of Austin's Safe Routes to School Program is hosting a bike-to-school event on Wednesday morning for students at Cowan Elementary.
  It's been eight years since Austin started its Safe Routes to School Program and officials say it has addressed about 10% of the barriers students face to get to schools across the city.
  A look back at the last 8 yearsVoters in Austin approved the 2016 mobility bond which included $27.5
  
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• Tornado Watch north of Austin into the evening

  08-05-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Isolated severe storms containing very large hail, damaging winds and an isolated tornado risk has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Tornado Watch for several counties northwest and north of Austin.Storm coverage will be very isolated, but any storm is capable of producing all modes of severe weather.An early-afternoon update to one of our high resolution models does show the cap may break resulting a rapid increase in thunderstorm formation.Storms that do de
  
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• An uncomfortable afternoon with a low rain chance

  08-05-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Afternoon highs are forecast to reach the low to mid 90s in most areas. Dew points in the 70s from I-35 eastward will send heat index readings to triple digits (100° to 103° between 3 and 5 p.m, although Camp Mabry's heat index did reach 100° at 1 p.m. from a combination of an 86° temperature combined with a 79° dew point.Another afternoon with a summer-like heat indexThere is a Marginal to Slight risk for severe thunderstorms late this afternoon into th
  
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• 'Real life hero': Dad drowns after rescuing 3 kids from North Carolina river

  08-05-2024 05:03 via kxan.com
  
  SURRY COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) -- A family fishing trip turned deadly after a North Carolina man drowned while saving his children who were struggling in a river.
  Benny Bowers Jr., 44, jumped into the Yadkin River in Surry County when three of his sons fell into the water on Sunday, April 28, according to relatives and the county's sheriff's office.His sister, Angela Stewart, said Bowers managed to rescue all of the kids but did not resurface after pushing the third boy to safety.
  "My brother just ga
  
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• California woman accused of assaulting 2-year-old on Delta flight

  08-05-2024 04:52 via kxan.com
  
  (KTXL) — A California woman was arrested for allegedly assaulting a child on an international flight Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice said.
  Multiple passengers on a flight from Mexico to Seattle witnessed the Sacramento woman, 33, assault a 2-year-old who was traveling with her on the Delta flight May 1, according to a Department of Justice press release.At one point the child, who was in the window seat, woke up the woman, who allegedly turned and kicked the 2-year-old, then shoo
  
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• Congressional bill would increase financial aid to ranchers who lose livestock in disasters

  08-05-2024 04:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) —After the largest wildfire in the state's history, two Texas Republicans in Congress are proposing a bill that would expand financial assistance to ranchers who lose pregnant cattle in natural disasters.
  Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Ronny Jackson introduced a bill Tuesday that would expand federal aid through the Livestock Indemnity Program for unborn livestock lost. If passed, it could help Texas ranchers who lost more than 15,000 cattle in this year's devastating Pa
  
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• City of Austin could revisit its long-term housing goals

  08-05-2024 03:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin could take another swing at its long-term comprehensive housing goals. The Housing Department applied for a $10 million federal grant to do it.
  "An update to the blueprint is going to take a couple years so the housing department is already looking right now at how we can make sure that five years down the road we have an update ready to go," said Austin City Council Member Ryan Alter.
  In 2017, Austin City Council set forward lofty housing goals, called the St
  
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