Austin news

• Winter weather an additional adversary to firefighters this week

  20-02-2025 23:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — "Busy" is the word Battalion Chief Justin Paog with the Westlake Fire Department used to describe what the past few days have been like.Thursday morning, his crews responded to a smoldering home on Westlake Drive near the water. The fire started because of an accidental electrical issue, but the man and dog who live there are okay.
  In the photo below, you can see a thin layer of ice forming a trail down the hill from a fire hydrant.Westlake fire crews responding to a smolde
  
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• Proposal to deny bail to people accused of violent crimes wins Texas Senate approval

  20-02-2025 23:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas Senators approved a resolution that would allow judges to deny bail to people accused of certain violent crimes. SJR 5 passed the Senate by a vote of 28-2. It now heads to the House for consideration.SJR 5 calls for amending the Texas constitution to expand when judges or other officials can deny bail.The joint resolution lists felony sexual offenses, a violent offense as defined by the Texas Constitution, or continuous trafficking of persons as crimes where an acc
  
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• Meet Magnum: Texas DPS adds new K-9 to Executive Protection Bureau

  20-02-2025 23:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has a new service member.K-9 Magnum, a one-year-old Belgian Malinois, is a newly certified member of the department’s Executive Protection Bureau (EPB), which was originally known as the Governor’s Protection Detail.“Magnum came to DPS from Poland and is trained to detect threats, identify explosives and enhance security operations,” DPS said.The new K-9 officer will help safeguard state officials and digni
  
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• VIDEO: Black liquid pours from ceiling near Austin airport ticket counter

  20-02-2025 22:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) said it experienced a water leak, causing water to drop from the ceiling and air vents near an airline's check-in counter.Viewer Jack Bessudo provided KXAN with the video, writing "We were in line to check in on the British Airline flight to London when all of a sudden this happened."Bessudo's video showed what looked like a black liquid pouring down from the ceiling.
  “We are responding to a water leak at t
  
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• Benson Boone, Megan Moroney to headline Rolling Stone's SXSW music showcase

  20-02-2025 21:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Rolling Stone will be back at South By Southwest this year, presenting its third annual Future of Music showcase.
  Featured on the lineup are Benson Boone, Megan Moroney, Ivan Cornejo, Rema, and more.
  Rolling Stone announced the lineup for this year's concert series on Thursday. The series will take place at ACL Live at the Moody Theater March 11-14. The showcase is presented by JBL, the "Official Audio Brand of SXSW 2025."The famed magazine first came to SXSW in 2
  
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• $105M federal grant for Austin's I-35 'cap and stitch' project on shaky ground

  20-02-2025 21:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin City Council members received several major transportation updates during its Mobility Committee meeting Thursday including how federal grants may be impacted by changes in federal leadership and a progress update on Austin's light rail project.The committee also looked at the mobility project planning process and got a report from the Transportation and Public Works Department (TPWD) on mobility programs and projects in progress. You can find the full meeting details her
  
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• Liberty Hill ISD moves toward more 4-day weeks for 2025-26 school year

  20-02-2025 21:06 via kxan.com
  
  LIBERTY HILL, Texas (KXAN) -- The Liberty Hill Independent School District Board of Trustees approved the 2025-26 academic calendar during its regular meeting Tuesday evening.
  The district will move to a "hybrid approach" schedule next year by implementing four-day weeks throughout much, but not all, of the school year.PAST COVERAGE | Liberty Hill ISD discusses four-day school week at board meetingSpecific Fridays throughout the year were designated as teacher workdays. The months of Octobe
  
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• 2025 Texas Longhorns Beach Volleyball home matches to air live on KBVO

  20-02-2025 21:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Texas Longhorns fans will be able to watch the newest sport on the Forty Acres live on the free LHN app and on KXAN’s sister station, KBVO-TV, locally in Austin. UT’s multimedia rights holder, Learfield, has reached an agreement with KXAN to locally broadcast No. 15 Texas beach volleyball for 11 home matches this season.“We are beyond excited to have our home matches televised on KBVO in Austin and streamed worldwide on LHN. It’s a
  
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• Forum lays out upcoming road closures, changes in safety planning ahead of SXSW

  20-02-2025 20:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Downtown Austin Alliance held its Spring Festival Season Forum today, where members, alongside event planners, city officials, and first responders, talked about their plans to handle this year's spring festival season, specifically with a focus on South by Southwest.Event organizers noted that one major difference when it comes to road closures was that Riverside Drive would be closed the first weekend of the event, as opposed to the second weekend like in years past.Meanwh
  
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• Austin semiconductor operation receives $23M grant

  20-02-2025 19:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Silicon Labs, an Austin-based semiconductor manufacturing company, recently received a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant of $23,250,000.The grant is for the company’s new research and development operation, which is expected to create more than $80 million in capital investment, according to Gov. Greg Abbott’s office.Abbott said Silicon Labs’ investment would “further cement Texas' position as a trailblazer in technological advancement and ke
  
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• Victor Wembanyama expected to miss remainder of season after blood clot diagnosis, Spurs announce

  20-02-2025 19:46 via kxan.com
  
  San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama is not expected to play again this season after a blood clot condition was found in his right shoulder, a massive blow to the league and the second major health-related hit for the Spurs this season.
  Wembanyama's condition — deep vein thrombosis — was diagnosed this week after he returned from the All-Star Game, the Spurs said Thursday. It is almost always treated with blood-thinning medication, which typically precludes a player from participating
  
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• VIDEOS: 'Earful' of cedar waxwings flock around Austin birdbaths

  20-02-2025 19:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A group of crows is a murder, a group of grackles is a plague, and a group of cedar waxwings is an earful.And you may have heard an earful around Central Texas lately. KXAN viewers have sent in photos and videos showing large groups of cedar waxwings around birdbaths and pool covers.The 'earful' name is quite apt — Texas Parks and Wildlife says the species is often heard before they're seen because of their high-pitched calls.An earful of cedar waxwings flock around a
  
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• Spurs star Victor Wembanyama expected to miss remainder of season

  20-02-2025 19:09 via kxan.com
  
  San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder, the Spurs announced Thursday.
  It is a massive blow to the Spurs, who are contending for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
  The condition was diagnosed this week after Wembanyama returned from the All-Star Game, the Spurs said.
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  AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
  
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• Steve Sarkisian says no to Texas Longhorns spring football game

  20-02-2025 18:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns won't hold a spring football game this year, head coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday morning.Sarkisian, fresh off a new seven-year contract extension, broke the news during a live interview with Kay Adams on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams! LIST: Texas Longhorns invited to the NFL scouting combineThe Longhorns coach cited the number of games his teams have played over the last two seasons and the evolving landscape of college football as reasons
  
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• UT MD Anderson, Texas Children's team up for pediatric cancer care

  20-02-2025 18:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children’s Hospital announced a joint venture dedicated to pediatric cancer care that is expected to launch in early 2026.The goal of the collaboration is to end childhood cancer, according to MD Anderson.“While the two organizations have collaborated for years, this new effort will expand access while offering the nation’s largest complement of pediatric subspecialty care and services to children
  
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• Texas House files its version of education savings account program

  20-02-2025 16:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- State Representative Brad Buckley, R-Salado, filed his version of the education savings account (ESA) program along with two other education bills that relate to public school financing and accountability.Buckley's version of the ESA would provide each eligible student with "85% of the estimated statewide average amount of state and local funding per student in average daily attendance for the applicable school year," according to HB 3, the ESA bill.Students with a disability
  
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• Weekend Watch: Austin FC season kick-off and a new play at Austin Playhouse

  20-02-2025 15:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - After freezing conditions this week, many are ready to get out of the house and check out what the weekend has to offer. Soccer returns in Austin, a new energy drink drops, and a musical about a boy in a new town takes the stage at Austin Playhouse.Weekend ForecastThe week kept us indoors bundled up, but the end of the weekend is looking much better. Even with temperatures still very cold Saturday morning, by the afternoon we are rebounding a bit leading to a wonderful Sunday.
  Te
  
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• LIVE: Weekend Watch: Austin FC season kick-off and a new play at Austin Playhouse

  20-02-2025 15:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - After freezing conditions this week, many are ready to get out of the house and check out what the weekend has to offer. Soccer returns in Austin, a new energy drink drops, and a musical about a boy in a new town takes the stage at Austin Playhouse.Weekend ForecastThe week kept us indoors bundled up, but the end of the weekend is looking much better. Even with temperatures still very cold Saturday morning, by the afternoon we are rebounding a bit leading to a wonderful Sunday.
  Te
  
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• How to give your input on the City of Austin's next budget

  20-02-2025 15:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austinites can share their opinions with city leaders on what priorities should be set for the next city budget.City Manager T.C. Broadnax will host a series of town hall meetings designed to gather community input on city budget priorities, according to a city announcement.
  There are five scheduled installments of the town hall series, called “Your Budget, Your Priorities:  Community Conversations with T.C. Broadnax." They will be held at different location
  
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• Her 12-year-old texted her about a school shooting. Police charged her kid with false alarm

  20-02-2025 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) – Within minutes of Rosemary Moreno’s 12-year-old texting her about an active shooter, she was out the door and headed to Lockhart Junior High School.Moreno had already texted her daughter back: “Are you sure ...” The reply was yes. She told her mom the school had not put them on lockdown yet, but someone was carrying a real gun. Rosemary Moreno looks through her phone (KXAN Photo/Chris Nelson)
  When Moreno got to the school, she was confused. There
  
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• Academy announces more Oscar presenters: Here's who they are

  20-02-2025 05:58 via kxan.com
  
  (KTLA) -- More names have been added to the lineup of presenters for the 97th Academy Awards.On Wednesday morning, it was announced that Selena Gomez, Oprah Winfrey, Goldie Hawn, Ben Stiller, Ana de Armas, Sterling K. Brown, Willem Dafoe, Lily-Rose Depp and Connie Nielsen will take to the Oscar stage presenters.Conan O’Brien will host 2025 OscarsThe new additions will join Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, June
  
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• New, cheaper iPhone 16e has 'best battery life ever,' Apple says

  20-02-2025 05:52 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – The iPhone 16e, unveiled by Apple on Wednesday, has AI features, a high-resolution camera, and the "best battery life" of any iPhone of its size, the company said.
  "iPhone 16e has the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, lasting up to six hours longer than iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours longer than all generations of iPhone SE," Apple said in its announcement.
  The standard iPhone 16, released last fall, is also a 6.1-inch model. Apple says it has up to 22 hours of video p
  
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• Viral video shows Indiana police punch man during arrest. Here's what we know

  20-02-2025 05:50 via kxan.com
  
  MARION COUNTY, Ind. (WXIN) — A viral video shows Indiana police officers punch a suspect several times while trying to arrest him in a Walmart parking lot in Lawrence. A police report claims the man instigated the violence by punching officers before bystanders started recording.William Jerome Armstrong was arrested Tuesday afternoon in the parking lot of a Walmart after police say they saw his car parked in an emergency fire lane. New, cheaper iPhone 16e has ‘best battery life ever,
  
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• New memory care unit opens in Elgin, fills a growing need

  20-02-2025 05:43 via kxan.com
  
  ELGIN, Texas (KXAN) --- A new memory support unit just opened in Central Texas. This comes as the Alzheimer's Association said the disease is a growing public health crisis across the state.
  The Elgin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center now has its new unit for those needing that specialized care.
  "If we build it, they'll come because there's just no, there's no availability."Seth Ferguson, Regional Director of Sales and Business DevelopmentRegional Director of Sales and Business Development Seth
  
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• VIDEO: AFD responding to 3-alarm fire in south Austin

  20-02-2025 03:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Fire Department is responding to a 3-alarm fire at a condo complex in south Austin.AFD said on social media it responded to a "roof fire" shortly before 8 p.m. located in the 1500 block of Barton Springs Road. Around 8:30 p.m., AFD said one person was rescued from the fire.AFD said those nearby should avoid the area and expect delays.KXAN photojournalist Andy Way captured video nearby, which shows visible flames on the roof. We are working to get more information.The
  
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• AFD: 3-alarm fire 'knocked down,' crews to continue monitoring

  20-02-2025 03:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A 3-alarm fire at a condo complex in south Austin has been "knocked down," and the Austin Fire Department said it is continuing to look for "additional hazards."AFD said on social media it responded to a "roof fire" shortly before 8 p.m. located in the 1500 block of Barton Springs Road. Around 8:30 p.m., AFD said one person was rescued from the fire. Then, around 8:50 p.m., AFD said there were two patients "as a result of this fire," and both of them were being evaluated by EMS.
  
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• AFD: 15 displaced in south Austin condo complex fire

  20-02-2025 03:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Fifteen people were displaced and are not allowed back into their homes after the Austin Fire Department responded to a 3-alarm fire in south Austin Wednesday night.AFD Assistant Chief Andre De La Reza said during a media briefing this was due to electricity being shut off for the entire complex, which has a total of 15 units.De La Reza said one person in the unit next to the one on fire was rescued by crews who used a ladder to the balcony. He also said a dog was rescued, and a
  
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• AFD: 1 rescued in south Austin condo complex fire

  20-02-2025 03:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Residents of a south Austin condo complex were not allowed back into their homes Wednesday night after the Austin Fire Department responded to a three-alarm fire.AFD Assistant Chief Andre De La Reza said during a media briefing this was due to electricity being shut off for the entire complex, which has a total of 15 units.De La Reza said one person in the unit next to the one on fire was rescued by crews who used a ladder to the balcony. He also said a dog was rescued, and anot
  
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• Lt. Gov. says Texas Lottery will end if mobile lottery apps aren't banned

  20-02-2025 02:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- "It is a hard line, couriers have to go," Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said on Wednesday. The statement comes on the heels of an $83.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot, the fifth-highest in the game's history, which was won through the app Jackpocket -- a DraftKings subsidiary."(Courier services) violate the spirit of the law," Patrick said. "I don't care what kind of changes they want to make, it does not solve the issue. The was the lottery was established was to have cash tickets so
  
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• Taste of home for Spurs in Austin at Moody Center

  20-02-2025 02:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - The San Antonio Spurs are set to get a slight taste of home cooking in the midst of their annual rodeo road trip as they will play two games at Moody Center on Thursday and Friday.After an eventful All-Star break that featured San Antonio players in the slam dunk contest and skills challenge, the Spurs head to Austin for the fourth season playing games at Texas' basketball arena. Why Kevin Durant thinks Austin is a ‘basketball city’"It's exciting just for us," said Sp
  
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• Why Kevin Durant thinks Austin is a 'basketball city'

  20-02-2025 01:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Kevin Durant spent one year as a Texas Longhorn, and granted it was one of the greatest seasons in program history, his connection to the team and Austin runs deeper than his one-and-done 2006-07 season.Durant is back in Austin as a member of the Phoenix Suns, and they'll take on the San Antonio Spurs in the first game of this season's I-35 Series on Thursday at Moody Center. He remembers his days on campus, playing inside the Frank Erwin Center and all the people he met wh
  
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• APD identifies man in fatal vehicle, pedestrian crash

  20-02-2025 01:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department identified the victim in a fatal crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian that happened Tuesday morning in southeast Austin, per a news release from the agency.That victim was identified as 29-year-old Isiah Turner, according to police.Officers responded shortly before 9 a.m. to the crash that happened in the 1900 block of East Ben White Boulevard service road eastbound, according to police.Police said Austin-Travis County EMS also responded to the s
  
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• DHS fires roughly 400 probationary employees

  20-02-2025 00:40 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — The Department of Homeland Security has fired approximately 400 probationary employees across the department, pledging to remove more.The firings came after the Office of Personnel Management directed agencies to fire probationary employees, typically those who have been on the job for up to one year. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are making sweeping cuts and reform across the federal government to eliminate egregious waste and incompetence that has
  
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