Austin news

• $1 billion per year toward Texas water issues; state leaders propose new push

  29-01-2025 23:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced his priorities for 89th legislative session. Among his top 10 — a greater investment in water infrastructure across the state.During a Q&A on the final day of the "Water for Texas 2025 Conference", State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, spoke on the priority and his plan to include that investment as part of an upcoming joint resolution.Senator Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) speaks with Brian McMath about the future of water
  
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• Juvenile girl dead after shooting in Driftwood, HCSO says

  29-01-2025 23:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Tuesday afternoon, the Hays County Sheriff's Office said it responded to a call reporting suspicious circumstances on Canna Lily Circle in Driftwood.
  When deputies arrived, they found that a 14-year-old boy had fired a gunshot that struck a juvenile girl. Despite, life-saving efforts the girl had succumbed to her injuries. Authorities said both individuals lived in the home.
  The boy was taken into custody and transported to the Hays County Juvenile Detention Center. This rema
  
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• LIST: Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Austin

  29-01-2025 23:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Happy Lunar New Year!
  Wednesday marks the start of the Year of the Snake, with the new year based on the lunisolar calendar and celebrated in tandem with a new moon. The annual celebration includes two weeks' worth of festivities welcoming spring ahead of a lantern festival on Feb. 12.Here are some of the celebrations planned in the Austin area.Feb. 1: Austin Beerworks Lunar New YearThe Austin brewery, located at 10300 Springdale Road, is celebrating its fourth annual Lunar New
  
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• Gymnast dies after falling from pole while celebrating Philadelphia Eagles win

  29-01-2025 22:19 via kxan.com
  
  (WPHL) – A Temple University gymnast has died after falling from a light pole in Philadelphia during city-wide celebrations after the Eagles won the NFC Championship on Sunday.Tyler Sabapathy, 18, "sustained critical injuries" in the fall and passed away Tuesday, Temple University announced.
  Sabapathy, a first-year student at Temple, was a native of Toronto, Canada, and was said to be a "thriving student within Temple University’s College of Public Health, where he was majoring in ex
  
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• Gov. Abbott orders state agencies to work with Trump on border security, deportation efforts

  29-01-2025 22:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Gov. Greg Abbott issued five Executive Orders on Wednesday, directing state agencies to work with the Trump Administration to enforce border and homeland security operations, including deportation efforts."Today, I issued five Executive Orders directing Texas state agencies to partner with the Trump Administration to enforce the rule of law and help secure the homeland," Abbott was quoted as saying in a news release from his office
  
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• Almost 2 million expected to cruise out of Galveston this year

  29-01-2025 22:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For the first time, AAA released a cruise travel forecast because trends show since the COVID-19 pandemic, people are cruising now more than ever.One Austin couple started cruising 20 years ago and has noticed the growing trend."We're loyal to Royal (Caribbean), haha, so cheesy," Amy and Joseph Kopser said laughing.The Kopsers got bit by the cruising bug decades ago."We've been on at least 22 cruises that I can think of," Joseph said."We did an Antarctic cruise, we've gone
  
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• Austin man charged with attempting to smuggle firearms into Mexico

  29-01-2025 21:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An Austin man could face up to 10 years in federal prison after he was charged with attempting to smuggle dozens of firearms into Mexico through Eagle Pass, according to a release from the US Department of Justice.The DOJ said 39-year-old Victor Hugo Diego-Avellaneda, of Austin, attempted to enter Mexico at the Eagle Pass border port of entry with dozens of firearms. READ MORE: Driver in Texas migrant smuggling run that led to the deaths of 53 people pleads guiltyAccording to th
  
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• How much is the median rent in Austin, capital area?

  29-01-2025 19:45 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video is KXAN coverage on Austin's housing affordability status from Jan. 8, 2025.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin's median rent price dropped 7% year over year, as real estate experts track continual price declines in the Texas capital.Apartment listings marketplace service Apartment List released its February 2025 outlook this week that detailed Austin's overall median rent as $1,383. When broken down by bedroom listings, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Aust
  
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• Texas senators advocate for sex trafficking awareness among men, boys

  29-01-2025 19:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- On Wednesday, three Republican Texas senators announced new initiatives aimed at raising awareness of sex trafficking among men and boys in Texas.
  In collaboration with Bob’s House of Hope, the Texas Trucking Association has launched a campaign featuring posters on the rear windows of trucks to provide the wider Texas community with resources.“Sadly, as Texans, we always want to be number one in everything, but this is not a category we want to be number one. Tech
  
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• Source: Downtown Austin federal building used as ICE detention center

  29-01-2025 19:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A downtown Austin federal building is being used as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainment center, a high-level source with knowledge of immigration enforcement actions confirmed to KXAN. Previous: ICE conducts ‘enhanced targeted operations’ in AustinJ.J. Pickle Federal Building (Source: U.S. General Services Administration)
  Detained immigrants who may be deported are being housed at the J.J. Pickle Federal Building on East 8th Street, about a mil
  
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• 1 person dead, driver left scene after north Austin crash, police say

  29-01-2025 18:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police said the driver involved in a deadly north Austin crash over the weekend left the scene. MAP: Where have Austin’s fatal crashes occurred in 2025?Police said the crash happened Sunday around 9:43 p.m. at 10000 Block N Lamar Blvd. ACTEMS and APD responded to the accident. Police said the vehicle left after hitting a pedestrian.The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. APD said the identities of the decedent and suspect are still unknown.The crash is
  
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• Austin preschool settles in labor trafficking lawsuit

  29-01-2025 18:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, the Office of the Attorney General said an Austin-based Spanish immersion preschool would settle in a labor trafficking lawsuit.The $250,000 settlement, which is the maximum fine for a violation of Texas’s civil anti-trafficking law, was related to a lawsuit against Austin Eco Bilingual School and its owners and operators, Adriana and Enrique Rodriguez. RELATED | Attorney General opens human trafficking investigation into Austin private schoolIn 2021, Ad
  
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• Woman dies in the weeks following Dec. 30 hit-and-run

  29-01-2025 18:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said a 68-year-old woman died Friday as a result of the injuries she sustained from a Dec. 30 hit-and-run crash in north Austin.APD said Terry Camp, was taken to the hospital following the crash with life-threatening injuries, but later died.According to police, officers responded to a crash involving three vehicles at approximately 7:40 p.m. in the 13800 block of North Interstate 35 heading south.APD said the first vehicle left the scene, two p
  
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• Austin nears completion of Zilker Park boardwalk project

  29-01-2025 18:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city of Austin is wrapping up work on a new boardwalk system near Zilker Park.KXAN first reported in February 2023 that the Austin Transportation and Public Works Department -- in partnership with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department and CapMetro -- is revitalizing pedestrian and bicycle paths along Barton Springs Road between Stratford Drive and MoPac Expressway. At the time, officials said the 0.7-mile project intended to improve mobility and transit access near Zilk
  
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• Traffic Alert: Road closures underway in Georgetown following gas leak

  29-01-2025 17:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Georgetown Police Department said a gas leak on University Avenue has led to road closures while crews work on repairs.GPD said roads were shut down between Austin Avenue and Church Street. The closures are expected to last at least eight hours.Police said to avoid the area.
  
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• Evacuations underway in Georgetown following gas leak

  29-01-2025 17:31 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — Georgetown authorities are evacuating people near downtown Georgetown following a gas leak at Main Street and University Avenue.
  Georgetown Fire said evacuations are happening from 11th to 15th streets and from Scenic to Church streets.
  People are asked to avoid the area while Atmos Energy crews make repairs. GFD said there is a 4-inch gas leak.Both directions of State Highway 29 are closed between Scenic Drive and Chruch Street, according to the Texas Department
  
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• Evacuations lifted in Georgetown following gas leak, repairs underway

  29-01-2025 17:31 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — The Georgetown Fire Department lifted an evacuation mandate just after 5 p.m. following a gas leak Wednesday morning.GFD said the four-inch gas leak is still being repaired as the pipe had to be dug further down to be stopped.
  Authorities had evacuated people near downtown Georgetown after a gas leak at Main Street and University Avenue. Gas provider Atmos Energy said a construction crew working in the area damaged the pipeline near the intersection.Georgetown Fi
  
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• Texas senators clear path for vote on voucher-like education plan

  29-01-2025 15:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Tuesday night, a Texas Senate committee approved a plan to help parents pay for private school for their children.Senate Bill 2 would create education savings accounts, a voucher-like program.The vote in the Senate Education Committee was 9-2. All Republicans on the committee voted to approve SB 2, and Democrats Royce West and José Menéndez voted against the bill. The committee vote sets the stage for the full senate to approve the bill as soon as next week, if Gov.
  
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• Georgia teen accused of making Georgetown High School bomb threat

  29-01-2025 15:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Officials said a Georgia teenager allegedly admitted to making a bomb threat that canceled classes at Georgetown High School Wednesday.The city said it is working with local and Georgia prosecutors to file charges against the 16-year-old boy. The charges would be terroristic threat, a third-degree felony.The high school was cleared and no explosive devices were found following a police investigation, the Georgetown Police Department said.The district said it received a call
  
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• Georgetown High classes canceled as police investigate bomb threat

  29-01-2025 15:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Wednesday classes were canceled at Georgetown High School, according to the Georgetown Independent School District, as police investigated a bomb threat at the campus.
  According to a post on Facebook, police said no one was allowed inside the high school until the investigation was done.
  Georgetown ISD said entrances to the campus were blocked. The district said it got a call Wednesday morning from police about the threat.Access was blocked to Georgetown High School as poli
  
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• Georgetown High classes canceled after bomb threat, police say no explosive devices found

  29-01-2025 15:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Wednesday classes were canceled at Georgetown High School, according to the Georgetown Independent School District, as police investigated a bomb threat at the campus.However, in an update from the Georgetown Police Department, the high school was cleared and no explosive devices were found.The district said it received a call Wednesday morning from police about the threat.Access was blocked to Georgetown High School as police investigated a bomb threat at the campus. (KXAN
  
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• Access to Georgetown High blocked as police investigate bomb threat

  29-01-2025 15:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Georgetown Police said it is investigating a bomb threat at Georgetown High School on Wednesday morning.
  According to a post on Facebook, police said no one is allowed inside the high school until the investigation is done.
  The Georgetown Independent School District said entrances to the campus are blocked. The district said it got a call Tuesday morning from police about the threat.
  Police said they will release more information as it becomes available, but for now, they'r
  
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• Kristen's Classroom: From fire to flood

  29-01-2025 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Southern California has been at the forefront of the news recently due to devastating and destructive wildfires. With thousands of homes destroyed, more than 25 people dead, and early damage estimates in the billions, it's hard to imagine the situation getting worse. But unfortunately, it can.Burn scarsWildfires leave behind burn scars, or areas of land stripped of any structures, vegetation, and topsoil. Unfortunately, this now barren land can leave an area susceptible to floodi
  
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• Austin FC to take part in U.S. Open Cup

  29-01-2025 04:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin FC is nearing the start of the 2025 season. As the Verde and Black compete in MLS Regular Season play, they'll also aim for another trophy.The MLS announced changes in club qualification criteria for the upcoming two seasons for official North American cup competitions. Austin's great 2023 season where they made the Western Conference Finals helped propel them to qualify for more competitions in 2024.A worse finish is 2024 did not lead Austin to qualify for either the Conc
  
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• Travis County Deputy involved in shooting Tuesday evening

  29-01-2025 03:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Travis County Sheriff's Office said a deputy was involved in a shooting in the 14200 block of FM 2769 Tuesday evening.
  TCSO said it would hold a media briefing at 8:45 p.m. to provide details.
  This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN.com for details.
  
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• Man dead after being shot by deputy in northwest Travis County

  29-01-2025 03:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One man is dead after being shot by a deputy in northwest Travis County in the 14200 block of FM 2769 Tuesday afternoon, according to the Travis County Sheriff's Office.
  TCSO said just after 4 p.m. it received a call a 9-1-1 call from a person out of state saying his father was holding his mother at gunpoint.When deputies arrived, TCSO said they heard screams and entered the home. Law enforcement then asked the man to put down his weapon and then shot him when he did not comply.
  
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• City of Austin set to update long-term housing goals with federal grant

  29-01-2025 02:43 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 and received a nearly $7 million federal grant to help do it.
  Austin City Council is expected to vote on the acceptance of that grant Thursday.
  The money will go toward several housing initiatives, including preservation of affordable housing near the planned light rail line, prioritizing building near high-opportunity areas and updating the Strategic
  
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• Father of 5 killed in Lakeway crash, other driver gets speeding ticket

  29-01-2025 02:24 via kxan.com
  
  LAKEWAY, Texas (KXAN) -- Roads were slick on May 13, 2024. Gabriel May left his family-owned auto shop - Vineyard Bay Automotive - sometime around noon."There was a dump truck..." his wife Kristy said. Her sentence was cut off by her tears.That dump truck ultimately struck the front of May's F-150 as the two passed each other, driving opposite directions, on Flint Rock Road. May died as a result.
  "My husband. A father of five. He had two grandchildren. He died from blunt force trauma to the head
  
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• AG Paxton makes budget requests for crime victim fund, KXAN referenced

  29-01-2025 02:08 via kxan.com
  
  Investigative Summary:Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office is now finally admitting what a KXAN investigation first revealed nearly two years ago: staffing problems have indeed led to a backlog of crime victims waiting for financial help. But state lawmakers are fed up, as our team learns of a new legislative change in the works to address major discrepancies with the payment system.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After more than two years of investigations into the Crime Victims' Division, Attor
  
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• Federal grant pause announcement sparks concern for local nonprofit

  29-01-2025 01:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Trump administration announced that they are temporarily pausing most federal financial assistance programs Monday night and its potential impact has sparked concerns.In a turn of events, a federal judge temporarily blocked the push to pause federal funding Tuesday afternoon.A memo sent by Matthew J. Vaeth, acting director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, said "federal agencies must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbur
  
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• Delta to add three nonstop flights from Austin to Augusta for Masters Tournament

  29-01-2025 00:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Delta Air Lines is adding three nonstop flights to its schedule to allow Central Texans to travel to Georgia for the 2025 Masters Tournament.The tournament, located at the Augusta National Golf Course, kicks off April 10 and continues through April 13.Delta will fly nonstop between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Augusta Regional Airport on April 9, 11 and 14, using Delta Connection aircraft.Flights will leave Austin at 9:45 a.m., arriving in Augusta at 1:17 p.m.
  
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