• Austin Police searching for suspect in Christmas Day robbery

    Austin Police searching for suspect in Christmas Day robbery
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is asking for the public's help in tracking down a suspect linked to a robbery in central Austin on Dec. 25.Police said the robbery happened at the Pronto Mart at 4301 Duval Street around 7:30 p.m. on Christmas Day. The suspect allegedly threatened a store employee before leaving the store on foot "with an undisclosed amount of cash from the register," APD said in a release Monday.Police described the suspect as a white man between 30 and 40 years ol
  • Homeless camp fires raise concerns during freezing weather

    Homeless camp fires raise concerns during freezing weather
    AUSTIN (KXAN)— In northwest Austin, firefighters battled a brush fire near a homeless encampment early Monday morning.It was near the North U.S. Hwy. 183 service road near the Galleria Oaks Shopping Center. According to the Austin Fire Department, a dumpster fire spread to nearby fencing and trees.Because of this, it has neighbors in one south Austin neighborhood worried another potential fire could start and spread to their homes with more freezing weather on the way.Dozens of those homes
  • Homeless camp fire raises concerns during freezing weather

    Homeless camp fire raises concerns during freezing weather
    AUSTIN (KXAN)— In northwest Austin, firefighters battled a brush fire near a homeless encampment early Monday morning.It was near the North U.S. Hwy. 183 service road near the Galleria Oaks Shopping Center. According to the Austin Fire Department, a dumpster fire spread to nearby fencing and trees.Because of this, it has neighbors in one south Austin neighborhood worried another potential fire could start and spread to their homes with more freezing weather on the way.Dozens of those homes
  • Amid a $7 million deficit to Texas’ suicide hotline, thousands of calls are abandoned monthly

    Amid a $7 million deficit to Texas’ suicide hotline, thousands of calls are abandoned monthly
    If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Crisis counselors are available 24/7.TEXAS (The Texas Tribune) -- Thousands of Texans in need are abandoning the state’s suicide hotline mid-call every month as call centers struggle under a $7 million funding deficit and a growing suicide rate statewide.The 988 number — a federally mandated, state-run service that connects callers to crisis counselors — fill
  • Advertisement

  • Texas loses steam on U-Haul's 'growth states' list after 3 years at No. 1; Austin remains steady

    Texas loses steam on U-Haul's 'growth states' list after 3 years at No. 1; Austin remains steady
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- For the first time in four years, Texas was not named U-Haul's most popular state for people to move to.Texas fell to the No. 2 spot on the do-it-yourself moving company's "growth states" of 2024 list, sandwiched by the Carolinas.
    South Carolina took the No. 1 spot, and North Carolina ranked No. 3 for states with the highest net gain of movers using U-Haul's one-way moving equipment. Previous coverage: Texas is U-Haul’s ‘top growth state’ for third consecutive
  • Icy roads drive concern amid Texas winter weather

    Icy roads drive concern amid Texas winter weather
    A man makes his way across an icy road Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021 in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia.(AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma)
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Roads are being prepared over the next two days in anticipation of icy winter storms across Texas. Meteorologists are now forecasting an increased certainty of a wintry mix between Wednesday and Friday.Officials are concerned about a possible increase in crashes during the winter event. With good reason: the record for most traffic accidents in a si
  • Texas officials warn of infectious, parasitic screwworms found in Mexico

    Texas officials warn of infectious, parasitic screwworms found in Mexico
    AUSTIN (KXAN) — There's a new infectious worm that Texas officials are warning about.
    The New World Screwworm was recently detected in Mexico, and the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife is asking people in South Texas to watch out for animals affected by the screwworms. The parasitic screwworm was eradicated from the United States in 1966, but it is widespread in some Caribbean and South American countries.New World Screwworm photo (Courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  • AFD crews respond to brush fire near homeless encampment Monday morning

    AFD crews respond to brush fire near homeless encampment Monday morning
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Firefighters battled a brush fire near a homeless encampment in northwest Austin on Monday morning.
    The Austin Fire Department said on X Monday morning firefighters were responding to a brush fire shortly before 6 a.m. in the 13300 block of North U.S. 183 Service Road. That's by the Galleria Oaks shopping center.
    The fire department said it was reported that a dumpster fire had caught fencing and trees on fire near an encampment in the area.
    AFD said multiple callers reported th
  • Advertisement

  • Congress formally certifies Trump's election win

    Congress formally certifies Trump's election win
    Congress on Monday certified President-elect Trump’s electoral victory, officially cementing his win over Vice President Harris ahead of his inauguration with no objections from any lawmakers as a tally of states was read on the House floor.Trump captured the presidency with 312 electoral votes to Harris’s 226 — a total that was confirmed during the certification on Monday, marking the final step in the election process before Trump formally takes back the White House on Jan. 2
  • How goats are reducing wildfire risk in Travis County

    How goats are reducing wildfire risk in Travis County
    TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A herd of goats is working its way through the Steiner Ranch area to reduce wildfire risks.
    Lake Travis Fire Rescue is using goats to eat overgrown vegetation in the Steiner Ranch area. In turn, the grazing will reduce the plants that can fuel wildfires.KXAN First Warning Weather forecastThe herd started their work Saturday and will continue through Friday in the green belt along the Chaparral Hiking Trail. The goats are trained and handled by Rent-A-Ruminant
  • Young gardeners planting seeds of success at IDEA Rundberg

    Young gardeners planting seeds of success at IDEA Rundberg
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Idea Rundberg Academy and College Preparatory in Austin is teaching students the value of getting in the dirt and planting vegetables.The school is teaming up with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension to certify 126 students at the school in the Junior Master Gardener Program.“Whatever we are growing could be useful to the cafeteria,” said Carlos Jimenez, child nutrition program farmer for Idea Rundberg. “So, we are growing general greens like kale, carrots and let
  • Longhorns stats: Texas has now scored more than 500 points this season

    Longhorns stats: Texas has now scored more than 500 points this season
    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.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Touchdowns, third down conversions, penalty yards. When it comes to Longhorn football, there are a lot of numbers to keep track of.Follow along with the charts below as we trac
  • Half Price Books closing bookstore in north Austin

    Half Price Books closing bookstore in north Austin
    AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Half Price Books store on Parmer Lane will close after 18 years in business in north Austin.
    A sign outside the store said the business was "unable to agree to terms on a new lease." The store's last day will be Feb. 2.
    No other Half Price Books stores are impacted. The six other Central Texas stores will stay open in Cedar Park, Round Rock and Austin. Customers can use gift cards and make returns at these stores."We appreciate all the kind words of support and the pass
  • No injuries reported after vehicle hits CapMetro train near Koenig Lane

    No injuries reported after vehicle hits CapMetro train near Koenig Lane
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- CapMetro rail services experienced delays Monday morning after a vehicle hit a train in central Austin.
    A CapMetro spokesperson said a car hit a train near Koenig Lane. CapMetro posted on X at 9:15 a.m. that it was experiencing rail delays due to an "incident on the tracks" between the MLK and McKalla stations.
    Buses were providing service to customers between the two stations, CapMetro said in the post.Photos shared by the transportation service on social media showed the scene
  • Canadian PM Justin Trudeau resigns

    Canadian PM Justin Trudeau resigns
    TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation Monday in the face of rising discontent over his leadership and after the abrupt departure of his finance minister signaled growing turmoil within his government.Trudeau said “internal battles” mean that he "cannot be the best option” in the next election. He plans to stay on as prime minister until a new leader of the Liberal Party is chosen.An official familiar with the matter said
  • 'Do I call? Don't I call?' Study looks at domestic terrorism vulnerabilities in Texas

    'Do I call? Don't I call?' Study looks at domestic terrorism vulnerabilities in Texas
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In the aftermath of the terror attack in New Orleans that killed 14 people, there are questions over how well prepared Texas is to prevent something similar from happening.That topic isn't a new one and has been looked at in detail by law enforcement, and a 2021 study from the University of Texas titled Domestic Terrorism in the Digital Age.
    While researchers analyzed trends from across the U.S., they also spent much of the study examining Texas specifically.
    They found, in part
  • Fireplace accident causes apartment fire, around 15 displaced

    Fireplace accident causes apartment fire, around 15 displaced
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Several people were forced out of their homes at a southwest Austin apartment complex after one of the units caught fire.
    The Austin Fire Department responded to the fire at 6636 West William Cannon Drive around 1 a.m. Monday. That's the address of Lantana Ridge Apartments.
    AFD said the fire was accidental and caused by the combustible frame around a fireplace igniting.
    The fire at one point was in the wall around the fireplace and in the attic, according to AFD.
    One apartment u
  • Freeze tonight as wintry mix arrives later this week

    Freeze tonight as wintry mix arrives later this week
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin recorded it's first freeze since last winter this morning with widespread 20s across the area. This was the second latest first freeze at Austin's Camp Mabry ever recorded.Sunshine allowed temperatures to rebound into the 40s this afternoon, but the wind continued to make it feel like the 30s most of the day.Wind speeds will continue to come down this evening, but we'll be in for another hard freeze tonight.The National Weather Service has issued another Cold Weather Advi
  • Cold days, frigid nights and wintry mix late week

    Cold days, frigid nights and wintry mix late week
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Grab the heaviest coat in the closet - you'll want it this morning!A Cold Weather Advisory continues until 10 a.m. today for wind chill values 20° or colder. Gusty north winds 10-20+ mph combined with temperatures in the 20s and 30s are making for a frigid start to the day.Cold Weather Advisory in effect until 10 a.m. MondayTemperatures will warm some this afternoon... but not much. Afternoon highs will climb to the 40s under a sunny and dry sky before cratering to the 20s o
  • How to protect your plants during freezing weather

    How to protect your plants during freezing weather
    AUSTIN (KXAN) – Chilly weather is on the way, which means a tough road ahead for some outside plants in pots or in lawns. Freezes in the past have killed or blighted much Austin flora but there are ways to keep them alive.
    Plants endemic to the region should be able to withstand the forecasted weather. However, other plants that have not adapted to cold climates should probably be brought inside.“You would want to bring in as many plants as you can,” said Amy Hovis, the ow
  • Demi Moore, Sebastian Stan win at Golden Globes

    Demi Moore, Sebastian Stan win at Golden Globes
    The Golden Globes, which host Nikki Glaser introduced as “Ozempic's biggest night,” dished out awards Sunday for Demi Moore in the body horror film “The Substance," Sebastian Stan for “A Different Man” and the genre-shifting trans musical “Emilia Pérez."In a ceremony that offered few surprises early, one shocker was Moore's win for best actress in a comedy or musical. Her comeback performance in “The Substance," about a Hollywood star who resorts
  • In scarlet instead of purple, Will Howard is a 'much better athlete than people give him credit for'

    In scarlet instead of purple, Will Howard is a 'much better athlete than people give him credit for'
    AUSTIN (KXAN) — In the Big 12 Conference, Texas faced Will Howard several times while the quarterback for the Kansas State Wildcats. Howard is now calling signals for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the betting favorite over the Longhorns in the College Football Playoff semifinals Friday at AT&T Stadium.
    It's something that didn't used to be common, but in the transfer portal era where players are free to move around without penalty, seeing a foe in different colors from one year to the next
  • Nikki Glaser gets Golden Globes, 'Ozempic's biggest night,' underway. Zoe Saldana wins 1st award

    Nikki Glaser gets Golden Globes, 'Ozempic's biggest night,' underway. Zoe Saldana wins 1st award
    Comedian Nikki Glaser kicked off what she called “Ozempic's biggest night,” the 82nd Golden Globes, with a promise: “I'm not here to roast you.”But Glaser, a stand-up whose breakthrough came in a withering roast of Tom Brady, made her way around the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, picking out plenty of targets in an opening monologue she had worked out extensively in comedy clubs beforehand.Glaser, hosting the Globes two weeks before the inaug
  • ERCOT issues weather watch warning for January 6-10

    ERCOT issues weather watch warning for January 6-10
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Electric Reliability Council of Texas issued a weather watch warning from Jan. 6 to Jan. 10 due to forecasted cold weather across the state.ERCOT said its weather watch "is an advance notification of forecasted significant weather with higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves."KXAN's First Warning Weather Team anticipates most temperatures across Central Texas to drop to the low to mid-30s at midnight with a freeze leading into Monday morning. Cooler tem
  • ERCOT issues weather watch alert for January 6-10

    ERCOT issues weather watch alert for January 6-10
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Electric Reliability Council of Texas issued a weather watch alert from Jan. 6 to Jan. 10 due to forecasted cold weather across the state.ERCOT said its weather watch "is an advance notification of forecasted significant weather with higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves."KXAN's First Warning Weather Team anticipates most temperatures across Central Texas to drop to the low to mid-30s at midnight with a freeze leading into Monday morning. Cooler tempe
  • No. 5 Texas starts SEC slate 2-0 with wins over Sooners, Razorbacks

    No. 5 Texas starts SEC slate 2-0 with wins over Sooners, Razorbacks
    AUSTIN (KXAN) — No. 5 Texas forced 25 turnovers and outrebounded Arkansas 46-27 en route to a 90-56 win in Southeastern Conference women's basketball action Sunday at Moody Center.The Longhorns moved to 2-0 in their inaugural SEC season by turning defense into offense, scoring 32 points off Razorbacks' turnovers. Texas scored on nearly 61% of its possessions and six players scored in double figures including two double-doubles. Aaliyah Moore led the way with 17 points and 14 rebounds while
  • One juvenile seriously hurt after crash in southeast Austin

    One juvenile seriously hurt after crash in southeast Austin
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A juvenile suffered critical injuries after a vehicle versus pedestrian crash near Lee Hill Drive and Hoeke Lane Sunday evening, according to a social media post by Austin-Travis County EMS.ATCEMS said the juvenile was transported to a local trauma center.

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!