Austin news

• New Braunfels warns against email fraud targeting property owners

  11-02-2025 23:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city of New Braunfels warned property owners about an email fraud scheme targeting those currently doing business with the city's Planning and Development Services Department.
  The city said over the past two days, several emails have gone out to property owners claiming to be from the city of New Braunfels.
  The email claims to be a formal notice from the city about pending payments due for planning and development fees and includes an attachment with an official-looking invo
  
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• Austin City Council prioritizes cyclist safety in parking code amendment

  11-02-2025 22:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)—Bike lanes are back on the Austin City Council agenda as it considers amending the parking code for the first time in 15 years.The amendment includes three new defined violations, including making it illegal to park in a designated bike lane. The code amendment process began back in April 2024. The council discussed it again in a January meeting, but postponed action until the next regular session.Between that meeting and the work session that happened Tuesday, council member
  
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• Bill to cut Texas property taxes advances to Senate

  11-02-2025 22:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A bill aimed at lowering property taxes unanimously passed a Texas Senate committee Tuesday, clearing the way for a vote before the full Senate. The Senate Local Government Committee voted 6-0 to approve Senate Bill 4, which aims to raise the state's homestead exemption to $140,000.The homestead exemption is the amount of a home’s value that is exempt from taxation.Changing the exemption would require approval by Texas voters to amend the state's constitution.Committee mem
  
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• UPDATE: Fire under control, 7 injured in Sun Metro fire

  11-02-2025 21:57 via kxan.com
  
  FINAL UPDATE- Fire knocked down. Crews checking for hot spots. Total of seven patients assessed -- four transported, three patient refusals. EPFD investigators are on scene.EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Seven people were injured after an explosion at the Sun Metro Transit Operations Center on Tuesday, Feb. 11 in East El Paso, El Paso Fire officials said in a final update.
  Video courtesy of Hector Gonzalez with the El Paso Fire Department
  Deputy Fire Chief Robert Arvizu said the explosion happene
  
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• UPDATE: Fire under control, 5 injured in Sun Metro fire

  11-02-2025 21:57 via kxan.com
  
  EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Five people were injured after an explosion at the Sun Metro Transit Operations Center on Tuesday, Feb. 11 in East El Paso, El Paso Fire Department Deputy Chief Robert Arvizu said.Arvizu said the explosion happened just after 1 p.m. at an indoor maintenance area at the Sun Metro Operations Center at 10151 Montana Ave.A total of five people were injured. However, four people were transported to a local hospital. Three people suffered minor injuries and one person suf
  
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• UPDATE: 4 hurt, 1 seriously in Sun Metro fire

  11-02-2025 21:57 via kxan.com
  
  EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A person was seriously injured after a vehicle exploded at the Sun Metro Transit Operations Center on Tuesday, Feb. 11 in East El Paso, according to a spokesperson with the El Paso Fire Department.Three other people have been transported with minor injuries (Code 1), and one patient refused transport.The spokesperson says the explosion happened just after 1 p.m. at the Sun Metro Operations Center at 10151 Montana Ave.The spokesperson says a vehicle exploded possibly
  
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• UPDATE: 1 person seriously hurt in Sun Metro fire

  11-02-2025 21:57 via kxan.com
  
  EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A person was seriously injured after a vehicle exploded at the Sun Metro Transit Operations Center on Tuesday, Feb. 11 in Central El Paso, according to a spokesperson with the El Paso Fire Department.The spokesperson says the explosion happened just after 1 p.m. at the Sun Metro Operations Center at 10151 Montana Ave.
  The spokesperson says a vehicle exploded possibly inside the operations center and people are currently evacuating.
  Photos by Tirza Ortiz/KTSMPhotos b
  
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• REPORT: Texas could eclipse California as most populous state by 2045

  11-02-2025 21:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Move over, California: New findings from Realtor.com anticipate the Lone Star State will become the most populous in the country come 2045.The prediction comes as part of Realtor.com's 2025 Texas State of Real Estate report. As of 2024, California led with 39.2 million residents, with Texas coming in second with 30.9 million residents and Florida rounding out the top three with 23 million. Austin’s housing market: How quickly are homes selling, and for how much?Howeve
  
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• Parental control company releases its rankings of dangerous apps for kids

  11-02-2025 21:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The parental control app Bark released its 2024 rankings of social media apps and platforms it calls most dangerous for kids between 10 and 17 years old.According to its website, Bark uses AI to scan texts, social media, images, videos, and audio for threats like cyberbullying and pornography.“In 2024, we analyzed almost 8 billion data points across children's connected tech and accounts, devices, text, email, YouTube, over 30 apps and social media platforms,” B
  
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• UT receives grant to develop self-replicating materials

  11-02-2025 20:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are collaborating with other institutions to help create materials that can self-replicate and evolve, just like living organisms do in nature.Research from the National Science Foundation Center for the Creation of Abiotic Replicating Materials and Assemblies (CARMA) could lead to materials that can heal themselves, similar to how bodies recover from injuries, according to the CARMA information page. Researchers from UT
  
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• Actress Issa Rae among 2025 SXSW keynote speakers

  11-02-2025 20:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Actress, writer, producer, and director Issa Rae is among those named keynote speakers at the 2025 South by Southwest Conference & Festivals.Rae is noted for her work in "Insecure," "One of Them Days," "Barbie" and "Awkward Black Girl." She joins Signal President Meredith Whittaker, Colossal Biosciences Founder and CEO Ben Lamm, and actor, producer, director, author, and competition host Joe Manganiello among the latest slew of keynote speakers announced Tuesday.Other k
  
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• Kyle Police increasing enforcement of commercial vehicle laws

  11-02-2025 19:56 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE (KXAN)— The Kyle Police Department is increasing enforcement of commercial vehicle traffic laws on their roads.
  Traffic officers will perform more routine inspections to ensure that commercial vehicles are in accordance with state and federal laws, city officials said in a release. Those commercial vehicles include vehicles that transport or delivery property, including rock haulers and semi-trucks, officials noted.
  Inspections will focus largely on the vehicle's physical condition, p
  
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• Construction underway to widen RM 3237 in Wimberley

  11-02-2025 19:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hays County began work Monday to widen a stretch of roadway within Wimberley, county officials announced.The construction project will widen RM 3237 at River Mountain Road and Camino De Rancho Road, county leaders said. The project will add shoulders "and accommodate new turn lanes" while also widening existing travel lanes on River Mountain Road and Camino De Rancho Road.During the start of construction, the westbound, northern travel lanes of RM 3237 at River Mountain Roa
  
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• What bail reform could look like in Texas

  11-02-2025 19:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — During his State of the State address, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared bail reform an emergency item, allowing the legislature to prioritize it immediately.
  On Feb. 3, Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, filed a bail reform package with five proposed bills, including two proposed Constitutional amendments. Here's what the future of bail reform could look like in Texas.SB 9: Who gets to set bail? Who gets out for free?According to Huffman's statement of intent, Senate Bill 9 (S
  
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• 3 adults, 1 dog rescued from tent swept away in south Austin

  11-02-2025 19:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Fire Department rescued three adults and one dog swept away in a tent caught in moving water in south Austin, officials shared on social media.Austin firefighters responded to the 1100 block of South First Street after a caller reported the tent was being swept downstream. That area is located near the East Bouldin Creek.Upon arrival, officials confirmed they removed three adults and a dog from the tent as it was caught in "swift-moving water." Crews noted all vi
  
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• Thinking of planting? Don't yet — freezes in Austin still possible

  11-02-2025 19:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After those warm temperatures of 70s and 80s last week, you may have been tempted to get plants in the ground early or remove your freeze-protecting gear from outside. Well, it's best to hold that thought.Statistically, it's just too early, plus our forecast for the next week shows multiple dips into the 30s for much of the area.Just this week alone we expect low temperatures in Austin to drop into the mid-30s, which could pose the risk of a freeze in places outside of the city.
  
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• Thinking of planting? Don't plant yet--Freezes in Austin still remain

  11-02-2025 19:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After those warm temperatures of 70s and 80s last week, you may have been tempted to get plants in the ground early or remove your freeze-protecting gear from outside. Well, it'd be best to hold that thought...Statistically, it's just too early, plus our forecast for the next week shows multiple dips into the 30s for much of the area.Just this week alone we expect low temperatures in Austin to drop into the mid-30s, which could pose the risk of a freeze in places outside of the
  
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• Thinking of planting? Don't plant yet--Freezes in Austin still possible

  11-02-2025 19:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After those warm temperatures of 70s and 80s last week, you may have been tempted to get plants in the ground early or remove your freeze-protecting gear from outside. Well, it'd be best to hold that thought...Statistically, it's just too early, plus our forecast for the next week shows multiple dips into the 30s for much of the area.Just this week alone we expect low temperatures in Austin to drop into the mid-30s, which could pose the risk of a freeze in places outside of the
  
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• How to be sustainable with Valentine's Day cards

  11-02-2025 16:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One of the many goals of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is to protect Texas' public health through the safe management of waste.Waste comes in many forms, and one of them is paper waste. Recycling paper has many advantages — which is particularly important, as many paper cards will be received by people on Valentine's Day. What happens afterwards takes a few forms.Some people will save their cards as a keepsake. Others will just throw the card and the e
  
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• Jet owned by Mötley Crüe singer in fatal collision at Arizona airport

  11-02-2025 14:46 via kxan.com
  
  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — One person was killed and others were injured when a private jet owned by Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil collided with another jet Monday afternoon at the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, authorities said.Neil's jet was landing at the airport when it veered off the runway and collided with another parked plane, Neil's representative Worrick Robinson, IV, said in a statement. There were two pilots and two passengers on Neil’s plane, but he was not among
  
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• LIVE: Fast-moving exoplanet system may be the fastest-ever discovered

  11-02-2025 13:51 via kxan.com
  
  SPACE (KXAN) — A star flying through the night sky may be the fastest-moving solar system in our galaxy. Possibly a planet a little larger than Neptune orbiting a small star, the system could be moving at least 1.2 million miles per hour, according to NASA.First discovered in 2011, the system was included in a research project led by Sean Terry with the University of Maryland, College Park, and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Terry's paper on the star was published in February in The A
  
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• Fast moving exoplanet system may be the fastest ever discovered

  11-02-2025 13:51 via kxan.com
  
  SPACE (KXAN) — A star flying through the night sky may be the fastest-moving solar system in our galaxy. Possibly a planet a little larger than Neptune orbiting a small star, the system could be moving at least 1.2 million miles per hour, according to NASA.First discovered in 2011, the system was included in a research project led by Sean Terry with the University of Maryland, College Park, and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Terry's paper on the star was published in February in The A
  
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• Round Rock FD warns of fire risks from charging devices

  11-02-2025 12:17 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — The Round Rock Fire Department has a warning: Be careful where you're charging your everyday things. That's everything from your cell phone to that electric vehicle parked in your garage.Many people end up charging their cell phones on their bedside table, or worse, in bed next to them. After a recent fire caused by an ion battery, firefighters are warning people to think twice before charging up. Chevrolet Bolt EV recalled again to fix possible battery fire"Beca
  
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• Austin gearing up for swim season, hiring lifeguards

  11-02-2025 04:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Aquatic Division of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department on Monday said it is gearing up for the 2025 swim season.
  The department explained this includes hiring and training lifeguards, preparing for the annual maintenance closure of Barton Springs Pool, and announcing season passes are available for purchase.Lifeguard hiring and trainingThe Aquatic Division said it is looking to hire lifeguards starting at $21.63 per hour. Training opportunities will be available duri
  
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• 'I will miss running alone': Woman recounts sexual assault on Austin trail

  11-02-2025 03:46 via kxan.com
  
  KXAN wants to caution that some of the descriptions in this article are graphic.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A familiar trail that one Austin woman frequently ran on is now one she no longer wants to visit.The woman, who asked KXAN to hide her identity, said she went on a jog Saturday morning on Southern Walnut Creek Trail in Austin."I've been training for a half marathon for the past six months or so," the woman said. "I would usually do daytime runs, usually in the mornings."She described how it was a bea
  
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• APD to hold press conference Tuesday on Nov. 2024 homicide

  11-02-2025 02:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department will hold a press conference on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. to give an overview regarding a November 2024 homicide investigation in the 400 block of East Wonsley Drive.APD provided a list of speakers ahead of the press conference:
  Danny Hernandez – APD Homicide DetectiveAdam Curvin – APD Tactical Intelligence DetectiveBrandon Filla – Deputy U.S. Marshal
  The homicide investigation resulted in the arrest of six individuals, according to APD
  
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• APD: November 2024 homicide victim targeted on social media for cash, jewelry

  11-02-2025 02:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department hosted a press conference Tuesday morning after six suspects were arrested and charged with murder related to a November 2024 homicide investigation.Police responded on Nov. 25, 2024, to a call in the 400 block of East Wonsley Drive. Responding officers found a man with multiple gunshot wounds who died at the scene; the victim was later identified as Xavier Jones, 20.Police said Tuesday multiple unknown suspects forced their way into Jones' home befo
  
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• Private jets collide at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, killing at least 1 person, authorities say

  11-02-2025 01:25 via kxan.com
  
  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — At least one person was killed and others were injured when private jets collided Monday afternoon at the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, authorities said.A midsize business jet collided with another midsize business jet that was parked on private property, according to Kelli Kuester, aviation planning and outreach coordinator at the Scottsdale Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration said the private jet that collided with the parked plane had veered off the ru
  
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• Microchip company goes dark: Do you need to re-register your pet?

  11-02-2025 01:21 via kxan.com
  
  SAN DIEGO (KSWB/KUSI) -- After a microchip company abruptly shut down, animal shelters and related organizations have started to warn pet owners to re-register their animals with a different service.According to a report by CBS News, Save This Life, a microchip company based out of Texas, recently ceased operations, leaving pets within their database no longer registered.The company's last Instagram post was dated Dec. 16, 2024, advertising its microchip service for $19.99. Billabong, Quiksilver
  
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• San Marcos Police identify victim, provide details in River Road homicide

  11-02-2025 01:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The San Marcos Police Department identified the victim and provided additional details regarding Friday's homicide investigation on River Road.
  At around 2:30 p.m. Friday, SMPD said it got a 911 call from a man who stated he had just "killed his wife," adding that he had "shot her." The caller then hung up, and after the dispatcher repeatedly called back he did not answer.Officers then arrived at the scene where they found the back door of the apartment was open. When they enter
  
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• 'We miss you': Austin ISD campus posts emotional video, says fewer students coming to school recently

  11-02-2025 00:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)—In a video posted on January 4, the principal of an Austin Independent School District campus said staff has noticed fewer students coming to school.In a video posted on January 4, the principal of an Austin Independent School District campus said staff has noticed fewer students coming to school.In a video posted on January 4, the principal of an Austin Independent School District campus said staff has noticed fewer students coming to school.In a video posted on January 4, t
  
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