Austin news

• 'Rooster Teeth' co-founder reacquires brand, properties

  05-02-2025 22:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-based production company Rooster Teeth, which closed its doors last year, could be returning after co-founder Burnie Burns announced today he's reacquired the brand.In a release, Burns said he had not only acquired the brand, but also "many" of the former internet media company's remaining properties."I am excited at the challenge of bringing Rooster Teeth back to its roots. The heart of this brand has always been its fans, and I look forward to writing a new chapter
  
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• Rare invasive bug intercepted at Detroit airport

  05-02-2025 22:07 via kxan.com
  
  GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Agriculture specialists with U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that rare invasive seed bugs were intercepted on undeclared cargo late last year at Detroit Metro Airport.Local CBP and officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the insects were a species known as Orsillus maculatus.The seed bugs, which grow up to a half-inch in length, are most typically found in southern Europe and parts of the Middle East. There are no known populati
  
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• Chiefs, Eagles have plenty of Texas players on Super Bowl LIX rosters

  05-02-2025 22:07 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KIAH) — Once again, there will be plenty of Texans that will participate in this year’s Super Bowl, with both starting quarterbacks from the Lone Star State.Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will have 15 Texas players in the game, tied with Florida as the most from one state.The Eagles have eight players from Texas, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is from the Houston area, playing at Channelview High School.Philadelphia Eag
  
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• The flu season feels worse than normal this year. Is it?

  05-02-2025 22:01 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – It feels like everyone is sick right now. And while that is a slight exaggeration, the real situation isn't too sunny either.
  Last week, more than half of states – 27, to be exact – had "very high" flu activity, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's the CDC's most severe classification for flu activity.
  Reports of respiratory illness are still trending upward, and lab tests for influenza are turning up about 30% pos
  
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• Expert: Why Austin is poised to lead autonomous vehicle tech growth

  05-02-2025 21:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —Following news of Uber and Waymo's upcoming co-branded ridehailing services in Austin, an economic development expert told KXAN the Texas capital is expected to continually attract autonomous vehicle companies amid the industry's growth.On Wednesday, Uber and Waymo launched an interest list for Austin customers ahead of a public launch later this year. Those signed up on the list will receive updates from Uber on the driverless rideshare experience, as well as have a better
  
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• McConnell slips and falls outside Senate Chamber

  05-02-2025 20:55 via kxan.com
  
  Former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) slipped and fell on the stairs leaving the Senate Chamber on Wednesday afternoon, prompting concerned aides to rush to help the 82-year-old lawmaker.McConnell appeared to slip and fall back onto the three-step stairway leading from the chamber to the Ohio Clock Corridor, causing panicked looks to flash across his congressional staff and security detail, who crowded around him to get him back on his feet.Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Markwa
  
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• Historic building, Willie Nelson mural demolished in downtown Austin

  05-02-2025 19:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A nearly decade-old Willie Nelson mural is being torn down in Austin as part of a demolition project.Back in February 2024, the Austin Fire Department responded to a fire at 407 E. 7th Street, an abandoned building that formerly housed the Mug Shots bar. Crews confirmed the building had been occupied by people experiencing homelessness, and added the building suffered structural instability as a result. RELATED COVERAGE: Crews responded to fire at abandoned bar downtownAt a
  
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• Texas Senate debates education savings account bill

  05-02-2025 19:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas Senators are scheduled to debate Senate Bill 2 on the chamber floor, the piece of legislation carrying an education savings account (ESA) program recently declared an emergency by Gov. Greg Abbott.State Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, the author of the bill, said if this passes it will become the largest day-one launch of a school choice program in the nation. Supporters of the bill said the program would empower parents to choose which school they can send their
  
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• Texas Senate approves education savings accounts bill

  05-02-2025 19:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas Senators voted Wednesday evening to give approve Senate Bill 2, the piece of legislation carrying an education savings accounts (ESA) program recently declared an emergency by Gov. Greg Abbott. The vote for initial approval came after more than seven hours of debate on the Senate floor. Senators approved suspending the rules to clear the way for a final vote on the bill Wednesday night.The final vote was 19 - 12. All 11 Democrats in the Senate voted against the bil
  
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• Texas Senate approves education savings account bill

  05-02-2025 19:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas Senators voted Wednesday evening to approve Senate Bill 2, the piece of legislation carrying an education savings account (ESA) program recently declared an emergency by Gov. Greg Abbott.The vote came after nearly seven hours of debate on the Senate floor.State Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, the author of the bill, said if this passes it will become the largest day-one launch of a school choice program in the nation. Supporters of the bill said the program would
  
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• Love is in the ATX: Austin ranks among the best cities for Valentine's Day

  05-02-2025 18:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Looking for a romantic destination for Valentine's Day this year? The perfect may be much closer to home than you thought.Austin ranks as one of the best cities in the country in which to spend Valentine's Day in a new analysis by WalletHub. Austin weather history: The hottest, coldest, wettest and snowiest Valentine’s DaysThe site ranked cities using 25 metrics to determine the "most romantic and cost-effective cities" for celebrating the holiday. Metrics range from
  
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• Williamson County gas station shooting leads to 50-year prison sentence

  05-02-2025 18:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was sentenced Jan. 24 after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in connection with a June 2023 offense.According to Williamson County court documents, 24-year-old Bradley Jacob Stanford was sentenced to serve 50 years in prison. Affidavit: Man shot, killed woman after calling her a gay slurThe murder charge was related to the death of 24-year-old Akira Ross, who was shot and killed at a gas station in the 12020 block of N. FM 620.Toward his sentence, Stanford recei
  
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• Judge cements block on Trump’s order restricting birthright citizenship

  05-02-2025 18:22 via kxan.com
  
  GREENBELT, Md. — A federal judge Wednesday furthered a block of President Trump’s executive order preventing the children of migrants without legal status from receiving birthright citizenship. U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman at the conclusion of a hearing in Greenbelt said Trump’s order “runs counter to our nation’s 250-year history of citizenship by birth” and likely violates an 1898 Supreme Court decision on the issue. “The United State
  
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• 50 rallies in 50 states: National anti-Project 2025 protest held in Austin

  05-02-2025 18:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A protest against Project 2025 will be held at the Texas State Capitol Wednesday, part of a nationwide day of action.Demonstrators began to gather outside of the Capitol around 11 a.m. Wednesday.Protestors begin to gather at the Texas Capitol on Feb. 5, 2025 in a local rally as part of a national day of action called #50501. (KXAN News/Ed Zavala)According to social media posts, the action is the #50501 -- 50 states and 50 rallies in one day. A flyer for the Austin demonstra
  
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• How many tacos did Austin's airport sell in 2024?

  05-02-2025 17:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 21.7 million passengers passed through the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in 2024 — and they enjoyed plenty of tacos, pints of beer and live music performances.AUS shared its year-end wrap Tuesday, with airport data revealing AUS just missed setting another new record for passengers flying in and out of the Texas capital. In total, 21,762,904 passengers passed through AUS, or roughly 333,000 fewer than in 2023.But what's a flight without a pre-boardi
  
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• Abbott meeting with Trump at White House to discuss border issues

  05-02-2025 17:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — Gov. Greg Abbott plans to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday where they will discuss border security, the White House and governor’s office both announced.Abbott has emerged as one of the president’s biggest allies in hardening the southern border. He used state resources to militarize the border and curb illegal crossings under Operation Lone Star and has since requested the federal government compensate Texas fo
  
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• Should Texas legalize gambling, marijuana? These Texans think so

  05-02-2025 17:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A January survey polled Texans on legislation topics being considered by the Texas Legislature during the 2025 regular session. The University of Houston conducted the survey.The report looked at the opinions of Texans on legislation that would legalize different forms of gambling and marijuana use in the Lone Star State. Texas' 89th Legislative Session topics we're watchingGamblingAccording to the survey, 73% of Texans support legalizing the construction and operation of d
  
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• Inside Austin's Agenda: How national headlines are impacting Austin

  05-02-2025 15:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday's Inside Austin’s Agenda episode, host Grace Reader will sit down with Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes.They will discuss how major national news coverage from changes handed down by the new federal administration, aviation concerns, and natural disasters -- could influence Austin. They will also talk about actions already taken by the council this year.Fuentes recently led the way on a resolution that will make homelessness a top financial priority for th
  
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• Liberty Hill ISD discusses four-day week at board meeting

  05-02-2025 15:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Liberty Hill ISD at a board meeting last week discussed the possibility of transitioning to a four-day school week for the 2025-2026 school year.Liberty Hill ISD's Chief of Schools Travis Motal presented the innovative calendar and said it would "give our teachers and staff more time to plan, collaborate and learn. With upcoming budget cuts, there will be more responsibilities placed on them for more support." RELATED COVERAGE: 111 Texas school districts have moved to four-day w
  
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• Liberty Hill ISD discusses four-day school week at board meeting

  05-02-2025 15:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Liberty Hill Independent School District discussed at a recent board meeting the possibility of transitioning to a four-day school week for the 2025-2026 school year.Liberty Hill ISD's Chief of Schools Travis Motal presented the innovative calendar and said it would "give our teachers and staff more time to plan, collaborate and learn. With upcoming budget cuts, there will be more responsibilities placed on them for more support." RELATED COVERAGE: 111 Texas school districts
  
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• Kristen's Classroom: Pineapple Express? It's a real thing!

  05-02-2025 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- While Texas enjoys the sunshine and warmth this week, parts of California are getting pummeled by heavy rain and mountain snow brought on by an atmospheric river.
  But what is an atmospheric river? And why do people call it the Pineapple Express?Atmospheric riverDefined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, atmospheric rivers are "relatively long, narrow regions in the atmosphere – like rivers in the sky – that transport most of the water vapor outsi
  
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• Austin ISD policy prevents parents from seeing video of alleged crimes against kids 

  05-02-2025 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  Investigative Summary: Across Texas, some school districts are using an exception in the state's Public Information Act as grounds to not allow parents to view video of suspected crimes against their kids, despite state laws giving them special access. KXAN investigates as an Austin family fights to view records of their child amid a felony investigation into his former teacher.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – On Sept. 11, Diana Briggs' son was at home and she was at his elementary school looking for a v
  
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• Here's how to sign up for a driverless Uber ride in Austin

  05-02-2025 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Driverless Ubers are right around the corner for Austinites, as Uber and Waymo gear up for their partnership launch in the Texas capital.Beginning Wednesday, Uber and Waymo launched their interest list for Austin customers ahead of a public launch later this year. With the unveiling of the interest list, customers will receive updates from Uber and have a heightened chance of being linked with a Waymo vehicle on a future ride-hailing trip, according to Uber's announcement.D
  
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• Two more days of 80s before slow cooling with rain

  05-02-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Earlier sunshine made for a warmer day today with highs reaching the low 80s. The record high for today is 83º from this day in 1925 at Austin's Camp Mabry and we'll make our way close to that before temperatures start to drop.Clear skies this evening will once again lead to a cloudy morning on Friday. Friday will be similar to Thursday with clouds along with patchy fog and drizzle in the morning giving way to increasing afternoon sun. We'll head for the low 80s tomorrow, b
  
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• Morning clouds will lead to afternoon sunshine

  05-02-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- This morning, temperatures are in the 60s with increasing cloud cover. Some areas may experience dense fog and light drizzle before 9 AM, but no rain accumulation is expected. Clouds will clear by the afternoon, and temperatures will rise into the low to mid 80s. Winds will be out of the south/southwest at 5-10 mph.High temperatures today- 70s and 80sFriday will bring similar weather, with morning clouds giving way to afternoon sunshine. The weekend will be warm, with record hig
  
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• Clouds will thin this afternoon with possible record heat

  05-02-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Afternoon temperatures will warm to the upper 70s to low 80s. South winds will continue at 5 to 15 mph with occasional higher gusts. The record high for February 6th is 83° set in 1925.Clouds will gradually clear during the afternoon to a mostly sunny sky as the sun goes down.
  Tomorrow will be much like today with highs a degree or two warmer reaching the low to mid 80s.Saturday will be our warmest day with highs going deep into the 80s to a few that just might reach 90°
  
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• Clouds to sun pattern continues into the weekend

  05-02-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Drizzle and abundant cloudiness limited the warm-up, but some late day sun should push many of us into the upper 70s.Clouds thicken right back up again tonight with some patches of drizzle overnight and into Thursday. I do expect clouds break apart earlier tomorrow, which should bring more of us into the 80s in the afternoon.Thursday's forecastClouds Friday morning should give way to sun in the afternoon as temperatures slowly climb to end the week.By far the warmest day of this
  
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• Clouds hanging around much of the afternoon

  05-02-2025 12:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The overcast sky at sunrise continued into the early afternoon. Any clearing will be slow to happen during the mid- to late-afternoon.The cloud cover will keep most highs in the mid to upper 70s with fewer reaching the low 80s. If the clouds maintain all afternoon then most highs, if not all highs, will stay below 80°.The forecast high of 81° comes within one degree of today's record.Forecast highs after today could set or tie records.The next change happens on Sunday. A
  
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• Protests against Trump and Project 2025 are planned in cities across the US

  05-02-2025 12:12 via kxan.com
  
  A movement to oppose the early actions of President Donald Trump’s administration is taking off online, with plans to protest across the U.S. on Wednesday, including at the Capitol in Austin around midday.The movement has organized under the hashtags #buildtheresistance and #50501, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states, one day. Many of the protests are planned at state capitols, with some in other cities.The movement has websites and accounts across social media. Flyers circulating onli
  
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• McDonald's Shamrock Shake season is back, featuring an iconic character

  05-02-2025 04:55 via kxan.com
  
  (KTLA) — McDonald's is bringing back another McDonaldland character to help kick off the return of Shamrock Shake season.The company announced Tuesday that Grimace will reunite with his Irish uncle, Uncle O’Grimacey, after stumbling upon his family’s original recipe for the shake. The McDonald’s Shamrock Shake is back: What you never knew about the green-tinged treatMcDonald’s created the character in 1975 to promote the Shamrock Shake, but he hasn’t been seen
  
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• Trump suggests displaced Palestinians in Gaza be 'permanently' resettled outside war-torn territory

  05-02-2025 04:51 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Tuesday that “the Gaza thing has never worked” as he and top advisers made the case that a three-to-five-year timeline for reconstruction of the war-torn territory, as laid out in a temporary truce agreement, is not viable.Trump renewed his call to Arab nations to relocate displaced Palestinians as he welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on Tuesday saying “you can't live in Gaza right now, you
  
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• USAID direct hires put on leave worldwide, except those deemed essential

  05-02-2025 04:46 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is placing U.S. Agency for International Development direct-hire staffers around the world on leave, except those deemed essential.A notice posted online Tuesday gives the workers 30 days to return home and targets the aid agency’s six-decade mission overseas.Thousands of USAID employees already had been laid off and programs worldwide shut down after President Donald Trump imposed a sweeping freeze on foreign assistance after taki
  
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• Buckingham excited for collaboration with Trump administration, Mexico on border control

  05-02-2025 04:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- NewsNation, an affiliate of Nexstar, spoke with Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham on Tuesday about Texas' newest collaboration with the Trump administration on border control.On Monday, President Trump agreed to a 30-day pause on his tariff threats against Mexico. This comes as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would reinforce the border with 10,000 members of Mexico's National Guard.
  "This is a huge win not just for Texas, but for our entire country because Mex
  
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• Some Sixth Street business' sales are dropping, but they're ok with that - for now

  05-02-2025 04:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Lucky Lizard and Museum of the Weird and Roppolo's Pizza have stood side by side on Sixth Street for decades."My roots go back deep," said Marc Roppolo, who opened the local chain in the 1990s. How did the first weekend of allowing cars on 6th Street go?Both he, and Veronica and Steve Busti - Lucky Lizards's owners - said they were shocked to see the new fences, pictured below, up on Sixth Street a few weeks ago.
  "Once I got down here and looked I though 'hmm, interesting,'" Rop
  
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• Some 6th Street business' sales are dropping, but they're OK with that — for now

  05-02-2025 04:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Lucky Lizard and Museum of the Weird and Roppolo's Pizza have stood side by side on Sixth Street for decades."My roots go back deep," said Marc Roppolo, who opened the local chain in the 1990s. How did the first weekend of allowing cars on 6th Street go?Both he, and Veronica and Steve Busti - Lucky Lizards's owners - said they were shocked to see the new fences, pictured below, up on Sixth Street a few weeks ago.
  "Once I got down here and looked I though 'hmm, interesting,'" Rop
  
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• Man convicted on 2 counts of murder in connection with 2022 Elgin double murder

  05-02-2025 03:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A 44-year-old man was convicted on two counts of murder in connection with an Elgin double murder that happened in April 2022, according to the Travis County District Attorney's Office.Abel Bermudez-Ornelas was convicted by a Travis County jury Monday with those two counts of murder, the DA's office said in a news release. This means he will have to serve 60 years for each count of murder, which will be served concurrently in prison. Elgin double murder: Man accused of shooting
  
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• City of Buda announces start of $6.6M Sportsplex expansion

  05-02-2025 03:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Upgrades to the Buda Sportsplex will soon begin, the city of Buda announced Tuesday.The Buda City Council approved $6.6 million in improvements to its sportsplex to "enhance" the experience for visitors and attract tourists last September. Upgrades include the addition of four softball fields, two concessions stands and 26 batting cages. The city also announced it would add more than 800 new parking spots and capacity for RV parking to the venue.In response to resident questions
  
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• Remains of all 67 victims in deadly DC plane and chopper collision now recovered

  05-02-2025 02:29 via kxan.com
  
  ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — The remains of all 67 victims of last week's midair collision of an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter near the nation's capital have been recovered, authorities said Tuesday.The chief medical examiner is still trying to positively identify one set of remains, officials said in a news release.“Our hearts are with the victims’ families as they navigate this tragic loss,” they said in a joint release from the city and federal agencies invo
  
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• Senate confirms Pam Bondi to lead Justice Department

  05-02-2025 01:57 via kxan.com
  
  The Senate on Wednesday voted to confirm Pam Bondi as the next attorney general, giving her control of a Justice Department embroiled in controversy.The vote was 54-46. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) joined all Republicans in voting in support of Bondi.Bondi, a two-term attorney general in Florida, has been lauded for her prosecutorial experience and work battling the opioid epidemic in the Sunshine State.But she is also a former attorney for President Trump who worked on his 2020 election challeng
  
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• Gov. Abbott calls for more restrictions to prevent local taxing entities from raising rates

  05-02-2025 00:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is calling on the state legislature to provide more property tax relief for homeowners, but he took it a step further and is now asking the state to pass a law that will make it harder for a local taxing entity to raise its rates.The governor said the state-funded tax relief only works if local entities do not raise their rates."No approval, no new taxes," the governor said during his State of the State address on Sunday. He said a taxing entity, like a
  
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• APD says protest was mostly peaceful, except for a few 'agitators'

  05-02-2025 00:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department released a statement Tuesday in response to an immigration protest that happened on Monday night at North Lamar Boulevard and Rundberg Lane.APD said the protests were mostly peaceful, however, a separate group of "agitators" had thrown rocks at police officers and were driving recklessly, disturbing the peace.During the first gathering at 1:30 p.m., police said in an attempt to detain a driver, a brief pursuit occurred that resulted in the arrest of
  
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• Canyon ISD bus involved in wreck Tuesday afternoon

  05-02-2025 00:09 via kxan.com
  
  CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Canyon Independent School District reported that one of its buses was involved in a traffic accident Tuesday after school.According to CISD officials, a Canyon ISD bus was involved in a vehicle incident on US 60 and FM 2590. Officials said a semi-truck ran a red light in the area and collided with the bus as it was turning north.Amarillo Crime Stoppers seek info on December vape store burglary
  Students who were on the bus were from Spring Canyon Elementary a
  
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