Austin news

• February: What to expect the final month of winter

  16-01-2025 22:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Warmer than average and drier than average. It's a tale we've heard before. A holdover from 2024, we are expecting a continuation of conditions we felt for the previous year. February marks the last month of Meteorological Winter and it's looking warmer and drier for better or for worse.The latest forecast for February from the Climate Prediction Center calls for odds that favor a drier-than-normal month for almost all of Texas including Central Texas.February rainfall forecast
  
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• High-speed rail, transit funds among Texas Legislature bill filings this session

  16-01-2025 22:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the 89th regular legislative session underway in the Texas Legislature, lawmakers will consider a handful of bills that could impact transportation operations here in the Lone Star State. Here's a roundup of the bills KXAN will be tracking in the transportation sphere.Capping the maximum length of trainsHouse Bill1564, filed by State Rep. Ana Hernandez on Dec. 10, proposes limits on how long trains can be while operating in Texas. The bill stipulates a railroad company
  
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• Upgraded Texas database aims to better help during disasters

  16-01-2025 22:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) database got an upgrade.The database, which was built by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), is a free, voluntary registry that gives emergency planners and responders information to help them better prepare for and respond to disasters.“By modernizing the STEAR database, we are giving local communities additional tools to identify and assist individuals with specific needs more efficiently and ef
  
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• H-E-B dominates among U.S. grocery rankings for 3rd consecutive year

  16-01-2025 21:40 via kxan.com
  
  The above video is KXAN coverage from Dec. 4, 2024, and highlighted the grand opening of the revamped South Congress Avenue storefront.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Everything's bigger in Texas — including the love for H-E-B.H-E-B maintained its rankings as the top U.S. grocery retailer for the third year standing, according to the annual retailer preference index report released last week by customer data science source dunnhumby. The analysis evaluated the 72 largest retailers and comprised inte
  
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• Border Report Live: US begins filling in cross-border tunnel

  16-01-2025 21:26 via kxan.com
  
  EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) -- As the search continues for the people who built a smuggling tunnel from Juarez to El Paso, the U.S. has begun to seal it.On Thursday morning, a flatbed truck carrying large sacks of cement mix was parked along Gate 28 of the border wall as workers lowered buckets of cement into the tunnel. ‘High value’ migrants, drugs likely came across border tunnel, expert saysIn today's episode of Border Report Live, the Border Report team and host Daniel Marin w
  
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• Special Olympics Texas Winter Games being held in Bee Cave, Lakeway next month

  16-01-2025 20:43 via kxan.com
  
  BEE CAVE, Texas (KXAN) -- February will be a special month for the cities of Bee Cave and Lakeway.
  The two cities will host the Special Olympics Texas 2025 Winter Games from Feb. 13-16.The City of Bee Cave made a Facebook post on Thursday about the games, saying in part, "We are thrilled to announce that Special Olympics Texas is coming to our community!""Our beautiful cities will host this special event, bringing athletes, families, and fans together for an unforgettable celebration of sportsma
  
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• Colossal Biosciences valued at more than $10B after latest funding round

  16-01-2025 20:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (ABJ) — Colossal Biosciences Inc., a Texas-based startup using genetic engineering to re-create the woolly mammoth and other extinct species, has raised a massive funding round that makes it perhaps the most valuable venture-backed startup in Texas history.The company said Jan. 15 that it has raised $200 million in series C funding led by TWG Global, the investment firm headed by Guggenheim Capital founder and CEO Mark Walter and Thomas Tull, founder and chairman of investment firm
  
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• MAP: Where have Austin's fatal crashes occurred in 2025?

  16-01-2025 20:25 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.AUSTIN (KXAN) — KXAN is keeping track of the number of traffic fatalities in Austin.As of Jan. 10, one traffic fatality has been reported thus far in 2025.Last year, 102 fatalities were report
  
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• David Lynch, director of 'Twin Peaks,' 'Blue Velvet' dies at 78, family says

  16-01-2025 19:55 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – David Lynch, the filmmaker known for titles including “Eraserhead,” “Blue Velvet” and the TV series “Twin Peaks,” has died, as first announced in a message posted to his official Facebook page.Lynch was 78.“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” reads the Facebook post, which featured an image of Lynch and a guitar. “We would appreciate some privacy at this t
  
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• David Lynch, director of 'Twin Peaks,' 'Blue Velvet' and more, dies at 78, family says

  16-01-2025 19:55 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – David Lynch, the filmmaker and director behind such movies as “Eraserhead,” “Blue Velvet” and the TV series “Twin Peaks,” has died, his family announced in a message posted to his official Facebook page.Lynch was 78.“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” reads the Facebook post, which featured an image of Lynch and a guitar. “We would appreciate some privacy
  
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• Temperatures, rain, severe storms: Explore Austin's 2025 weather data

  16-01-2025 18:58 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) — When it comes to the weather, there are a lot of numbers to keep track of: hig
  
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• Road closures planned for MLK March, Austin International Half

  16-01-2025 18:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Thousands will take to the streets of Austin Sunday morning for the annual Austin International Half (formerly known as the 3M Half Marathon), and community members will rally Monday to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as part of the MLK Community March's yearly tradition.Between both events, there are several full and partial road closures planned. Here's a look at some of those roadway impacts and how to best plan your commute in and around downtown.The Aust
  
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• Road closures planned for Austin International Half Sunday

  16-01-2025 18:55 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: This story has been updated after the city of Austin announced Friday the march had been canceled and the festival rescheduled due to inclement weather.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Thousands will take to the streets of Austin Sunday morning for the annual Austin International Half, formerly known as the 3M Half Marathon.Coinciding with the half marathon, there are several full and partial road closures planned. Here's a look at some of those roadway impacts and how to best plan your comm
  
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• The mystery of Texas’ 'blue northers'

  16-01-2025 18:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The term "blue norther" is a phrase familiar mainly to native Texans.
  It refers to a strong cold front that rapidly moves through Texas, causing a sharp drop in temperatures and often bringing unsettled weather ahead of the front. Like a typical cold front, winds shift behind it (usually out of the north/northwest) and can be gusty at times.The exact origin of the term is unclear, but several folk theories exist. Some believe it comes from the dark blue hue of the clouds ahead o
  
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• UT scientist selected for National Inventors Hall of Fame for work on COVID, RSV vaccines

  16-01-2025 17:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A scientist and professor at the University of Texas at Austin was selected for induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for work that led to the development of the COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines.
   Jason McLellan, professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences and Robert A. Welch Chair in Chemistry at UT, will be inducted into the hall in May for his work on structure-based vaccine design that led to the development of vaccines to fi
  
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• Austin Fire rescues dog, 10 puppies following house fire

  16-01-2025 17:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Fire Department said crews rescued 10 puppies and their mother after a fire broke out at a northwest Austin house.AFD said all the animals appear to be doing OK.Puppies rescued following fire at NW Austin home (AFD photo)Puppies rescued following fire at NW Austin home (AFD photo)Puppy rescued following fire at NW Austin home (AFD photo)According to AFD, fire crews responded to the 10800 block of Thicket Trail shortly before 1 a.m. Thursday with reports of fire a
  
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• How do different snowfall types and their durations vary?

  16-01-2025 17:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When a meteorologist forecasts snowy conditions, you might imagine the picturesque snowflakes gently falling from the sky. However, snowfall can be categorized in several ways based on factors such as duration, intensity, coverage and expected accumulation. Understanding these categories can give you a better idea of what to expect from a winter storm.Let’s start with the basics: flurries. Flurries are light, scattered snowflakes that fall for a very short duration, o
  
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• Texas State University using $1.8 million to fight fentanyl in Hays County

  16-01-2025 17:35 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – Texas State University researchers are utilizing a $1.8 million grant to combat fentanyl in Hays County. The grant comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It will be used to bolster the university’s Fentanyl Education, Support Training, and Awareness (FESTA) program, an initiative that helps schools implement substance abuse educational programming. Saving a Generation: The Fentanyl CrisisIn 2023, the Texas legislatur
  
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• Severe weather types in Central Texas during springtime

  16-01-2025 16:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Central Texas is known for its severe weather, particularly during the spring months. Supercell thunderstorms can bring large hail, damaging winds, and destructive tornadoes. It’s important to understand the types of severe weather that affect our area and start preparing for the active weather season.Meteorologist Tommy House recently sat down with Meteorologist Paul Yura, the Warning Coordinator at the National Weather Service in San Antonio/Austin, to discuss the severe
  
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• Weekend Watch: Monster Trucks and Vintage Sale

  16-01-2025 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - The weekend approaches fast and there are plenty of events to attend. This time, we are focusing on the 50 Birthday of a Hot Wheels Legend and 5 decades of shopping for some cool vintage items.Temperatures this weekend will start great but a strong front is expected to arrive bringing much colder temperatures by Sunday.Weekend Weather forecastHot Wheels: Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-FireHot Wheels returns to the Moody Center on Jan. 18 and 19 with plenty of trucks in line. This yea
  
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• Round Rock mayor talks growth, safety in annual address

  16-01-2025 12:38 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- Round Rock is the second largest city in the Austin metro area. As more people move there, how the city is keeping up is a big topic of discussion at city hall.Mayor Craig Morgan recently laid out his plans at his annual "State of the City" address in late December."Because of the growth we're seeing, to me it seems like it's picked up even more," Morgan said. "I think you're getting a couple of effects. You're getting the Samsung effect, and you're getting people tha
  
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• Llano Estacado Winery expanding business in Hill Country

  16-01-2025 04:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A well-known West Texas winery is now expanding its business in the Hill Country with a wine tasting room and more as it shifts to new leadership.The Llano Estacado Winery, founded in Lubbock in 1976, will enter the next phase of growth as it expands into Fredericksburg, with a vision of building on the Llano brand, per a news release from the Llano Estacado Winery.A Llano tasting room on Main Street in Fredericksburg will open this year. Additionally, a winery and tasting room
  
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• APD search for two men connected with multiple robberies

  16-01-2025 04:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department's Robbery Unit on Wednesday asked for the public's help in identifying two men connected with two aggravated robberies that happened in north Austin since November, according to a press release from the agency.APD said the first robbery happened at a convenience store in the 10300 block of North Lamar Boulevard on Nov. 30, 2024, between 9:50 p.m. and 10 p.m.The second robbery happened at a grocery store in the 8200 block of Research Boulevard on Dec.
  
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• Coors Light is temporarily changing its name: Here's why

  16-01-2025 03:31 via kxan.com
  
  DENVER (KDVR) — Ask your coworkers: There are very few people who enjoy Mondays, and one of the worst Mondays of the year is the one that comes after the Super Bowl. To combat post-football fatigue, Coors Light is changing its name for a new promotion.As the 2024-25 NFL season comes to an end on Feb. 9, millions of people are expected to call out of work the next day with a "case of the Mondays." In 2024, UKG Workforce, a workforce management company, estimated that more than 16
  
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• Florida grandmother who left infant in hot car found not guilty of manslaughter

  16-01-2025 03:24 via kxan.com
  
  BARTOW, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida grandmother was acquitted of manslaughter in the death of her 7-month-old granddaughter, but was convicted on a lesser charge.
  A jury in Polk County found Tracey Nix guilty of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle longer than 15 minutes causing great bodily harm. However, they determined she was not guilty of aggravated manslaughter of a child.“It does sting," said Drew Schock, the victim's father. "I’m thankful though that we did get something
  
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• ‘Nothing but ashes’: Couple heartbroken after Eaton Fire destroys home on their 62nd wedding anniversary

  16-01-2025 03:19 via kxan.com
  
  (KTLA) — One Altadena couple is heartbroken and still processing the loss of their beloved home in the Eaton Fire, which happened to occur on their 62nd wedding anniversary. Herman and Juanita Landry are two of the many thousands who lost everything in the fire, which has claimed the lives of 16 people, destroyed over 7,000 structures and burned more than 14,000 acres since erupting last week.The couple spoke with Nexstar's KTLA on Tuesday morning after firefighters escorted them thro
  
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• Biden warns of dangers of 'oligarchy' of ultra-rich, 'tech-industrial complex' running country

  16-01-2025 02:50 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden promised nothing short of a national exorcism when he took office. He wanted to “restore the soul" of the country and prove that Donald Trump was only a footnote in the American story, not its next chapter.The pitch was “let's try to get things back to normal as best we can,” said Sean Wilentz, a historian who met twice with Biden in the White House.It didn't work out that way. Despite exceeding expectations when it came to&
  
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• Austin nonprofit receives $125K through Chick-fil-A grant

  16-01-2025 02:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Marbridge Foundation, an Austin nonprofit, received a $125K grant after being named a 2025 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards grant recipient.Marbridge is a nonprofit residential community with more than 275 adults with cognitive disabilities living and working to achieve a new life, according to the Marbridge website. The organization plans to use its $125,000 grant to assist residents with tuition, covering costs such as, utilities, groceries, supplies, transportatio
  
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• DOJ: Texas doctor sentenced to 10 years in $70M Medicare fraud scheme

  16-01-2025 01:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A Texas doctor was sentenced Wednesday and will serve 10 years in prison in connection with a "scheme to defraud Medicare" for $70 million. He was also ordered to pay more than $26 million in restitution, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.According to the DOJ, court documents said 61-year-old David M. Young, M.D., of Fredericksburg, signed thousands of medical records and prescriptions for medical equipment and cancer genetic testing without treatin
  
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• Texas Restaurant Association outlines legislative priorities, focus on credit card fees

  16-01-2025 01:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- This week, Texas lawmakers convened from across the state for the start of the 89th Legislative Session. This marks the beginning of five months for passing new bills.
  Thousands of bills have already been filed by legislators for this session. Topics ranged from education to border issues.
  Not far from the Capitol, a restaurant in east Austin wants to see a focus on the restaurant sector as well.
  Owner of Industry, Harlan Scott, said he hopes the legislature addresses credit ca
  
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• Legislature will address bail reform in upcoming session

  16-01-2025 01:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar)- Governor Greg Abbott addressed the Senate in a passionate speech on Tuesday, the first day of the Texas Legislature’s Session. Within the first five minutes, he made the crowd aware of where his priorities lie this session mentioning two key issues. First on his list was bail reform where he hopes to increase or eliminate bail for previous offenders accused of a violent crime. “It is going to be up to us in the Senate and the House to make sure we do something
  
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• US government sues Southwest Airlines, fines Frontier for chronically delayed flights

  16-01-2025 00:56 via kxan.com
  
  (AP) — The Transportation Department is stepping up enforcement of persistent flight delays with a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines and a fine against Frontier Airlines.The agency said the U.S. District Court lawsuit it filed in California on Wednesday alleges that Southwest illegally operated chronically delayed flights and disrupted passengers' travel plans. It says it's seeking “maximum civil penalties.”“Airlines have a legal obligation
  
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• Austin hosts emergency preparedness event ahead of next week's potential wintry weather

  16-01-2025 00:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday, Austin's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM) hosted an emergency preparedness pop-up event at the John Gillum Branch Library.This comes after the KXAN First Warning Weather Team expects the Austin area to see a drop in temperatures leading to a potential freeze early next week.
  On Wednesday, Austin's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM) hosted an emergency preparedness pop-up event at the John Gillum Branch Library
  
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