Austin news

• Woman dies 4 days after southeast Austin hit-and-run

  27-02-2025 23:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said a 24-year-old woman died Tuesday after a hit-and-run that occurred Feb. 21.According to police, officers responded to a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of South Interstate 35 and East Ben White Boulevard at approximately 11:15 p.m.APD said the driver of the first vehicle left the scene, and the driver of the second vehicle, who was identified as Yoania Fernandez, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. She later di
  
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• Austin ISD executive charged with tampering with government records

  27-02-2025 22:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin Independent School District executive was arrested Wednesday and accused of “intentionally manipulating” records related to a suspected theft of thousands of dollars worth of district gift cards, according to court records.Amie Ortiz, 40, AISD's executive director of talent strategy, is accused of deleting data police requested – an accusation her attorney pushed back on when reached for comment. Former Austin ISD executive accused of stealing th
  
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• Vandegrift High School students stage walkout after Leander ISD budget cuts eliminate IB program

  27-02-2025 21:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A group of students walked out of Vandegrift High School on Thursday morning holding signs that read things like, "empower students, empower the future," and "our education is our future, not a budget line," while chanting messages they want school district leaders to hear.Earlier this month, Leander Independent School District Superintendent Bruce Gearing announced budget cuts equating to nearly $17 million as the district faces a higher-than-approved deficit in its budget this
  
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• LIST: Where to celebrate Mardi Gras in Austin

  27-02-2025 21:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Mardi Gras is just around the corner, and Austinites have plenty of ways to show up and show out ahead of the annual pre-Lenten tradition.Mardi Gras is the French translation for "Fat Tuesday," which signifies the final day before the start of the Christian Lent season. This year, the holiday will be observed on March 4 -- and several spots in town have in-person celebrations planned on and before the big day.Mardi Gras Mambo at The HiveCoffee, beer and wine spot The Hive (10542
  
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• Texas lawmaker files bill aiming to end retail pet sales in state, targeting puppy mills

  27-02-2025 21:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A Texas state senator filed a bill to ban the retail sales of dogs and cats to address overcrowding at animal shelters and discourage the practice of purchasing animals from puppy mills.Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) filed Senate Bill 1652, the Ethical Pet Sales Bill, to promote responsible breeding practices and reduce the number of families unknowingly purchasing unwell animals. If passed, lawmakers hope it would reduce the number of dogs coming into the state f
  
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• Documents reveal second arrest in Austin elementary school threat

  27-02-2025 20:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Angela Jacuinde, 18, faces a charge of conspiracy to commit Capital Murder in connection to a 2024 threat made against Graham Elementary School in northeast Austin.In August, KXAN reported on how law enforcement thwarted a possible attack at the school with the arrest of Giana Castillo, 17, who APD said made "concerning statements online… regarding the planning of an active shooter event,” according to Castillo's arrest affidavit.Giana Castillo, left, and Angela Jac
  
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• Man detained after woman with knife shot in north Austin

  27-02-2025 20:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police detained one person after officers responded to a call Thursday morning in north Austin.According to APD, officers found a person with gunshot wounds near the 12900 block of North Interstate 35 service road. Police said that person was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.APD said the initial investigation revealed that a woman was seen with a knife in the parking lot, and a man shot the woman.According to police, the man who fired the
  
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• Changes to NASCAR's Austin race expected to benefit fans

  27-02-2025 19:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After five years at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, NASCAR made a few changes that are expected to benefit fans. How to get tickets for the NASCAR racesThe length of the racetrack has been cut from roughly 3.5 miles down to 2.5 miles.“That's quite a bit more times you get to see the race cars go down into turn one, so I like that,” said Joey Logano, one of the drivers participating in NASCAR’s race.This is the first road course of the season, and it&rsq
  
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• How does Gen Z Texans' credit card habits compare to older generations?

  27-02-2025 19:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas' youngest spenders are generating more credit card debt than older generations, according to new insight from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas released last week.The report found borrowers born between 1997 and 2012 — known as Generation Z — are the most likely to max out available credit compared to older generations. Data on Texas' Gen Z spenders found they had the highest share of their cards being highly utilized "at 75 percent of their credit limits or a
  
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• Gene Hackman, wife Betsy Arakawa were dead for some time, found in different rooms, investigators say

  27-02-2025 18:59 via kxan.com
  
  SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Oscar-winner Gene Hackman, his wife and their dog were found dead in different rooms of their Santa Fe home, and they had apparently been dead for some time, according to investigators.Hackman, 95, was found dead Wednesday in a mudroom and his 63-year-old wife, Betsy Arakawa, was found dead in a bathroom next to a space heater, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office detectives wrote in a search warrant. There was an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on
  
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• West Campus could get taller high-rises

  27-02-2025 17:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) -- Buildings up to 600 feet tall — or more than 40 stories — could be on tap next to the University of Texas campus.That's because changes to the University Neighborhood Overlay, or UNO district, proposed by the Austin Planning Department would allow for them under certain conditions to create more housing.A map of the new boundaries proposed by city staff in updating the University Neighborhood Overlay. (Photo: City of Austin)Construction, demand cre
  
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• I-35 Construction near Lady Bird Lake begins soon

  27-02-2025 17:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new phase of I-35 construction in downtown Austin is starting. The I-35 Capital Express Central project is already underway at Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, and today the Texas Department of Transportation announced it's starting the next phase by Lady Bird Lake.
  Drivers will soon notice changes along I-35 from Holly Street to the intersection of I-35 and Hwy 71 down south, as TxDOT constructs two high-occupancy-vehicle lanes.
  The I-35 CapEx Central project will also recons
  
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• Hutto police investigating 'apparent murder-suicide' after 3 found dead

  27-02-2025 17:03 via kxan.com
  
  Content Warning: This article discusses suicide. Please return to the homepage if you are not comfortable with the topic. If you are in distress and need someone to talk to, please call 988, text HELLO to 741741, or visit the crisis hotline's website.HUTTO, Texas (KXAN) -- Police are investigating what they called an "apparent murder-suicide" in Hutto, where three people were found dead.During a press conference Thursday, the Hutto Police Department said someone called 911 reporting that he kill
  
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• Hutto police investigating after 3 found dead

  27-02-2025 17:03 via kxan.com
  
  HUTTO, Texas (KXAN) -- Police are investigating a scene in Hutto where three people were found dead.
  The Hutto Police Department said someone called 911 reporting that he killed two people. When officers arrived, they found three people dead inside a home.
  Hutto police said in a Facebook post around 9:30 a.m. that there was a large police presence on Carol Drive.
  Police also said in the post that there was no immediate danger to the public.
  KXAN has a news crew on the way to the scene to find ou
  
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• Austin leaders expected to vote on new short-term rental rules Thursday

  27-02-2025 16:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Thursday, Austin city council is expected to work through several proposed changes to how the city regulates short-term rentals (STRs) -- think Airbnb or VRBO. The proposed changes include collecting hotel occupancy tax (HOT) and requiring STR companies to provide city permit numbers on public listings."For a number of years, we have had short-term rentals that are operating in our city that are unlicensed. We're talking about more than 10,000 STRs running in our city that ar
  
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• Austin leaders delay implementation of some short-term rental changes

  27-02-2025 16:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Thursday, Austin city council worked through several changes to how the city regulates short-term rentals (STRs) -- think Airbnb or VRBO. Ultimately, some major changes proposed by the city were delayed until local leaders can get a better grasp of ongoing lawsuits and what the state legislature may do surrounding STRs."I want us to be in consistent dialogue with leaders at the Capitol regarding the best approaches to addressing regulation of STRs," Mayor Kirk Watson posted o
  
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• As thousands stay in short-term rentals for SXSW, Austin working through regulation changes

  27-02-2025 16:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Last month, Austin city council worked through several changes to how the city regulates short-term rentals (STRs) -- think Airbnb or VRBO. Ultimately, some major changes proposed by the city were delayed until local leaders can get a better grasp of ongoing lawsuits and what the state legislature may do surrounding STRs."We know we need to be doing more to regulate short-term rentals because our findings are that they make a difference in the quality of life in neighborhoods, b
  
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• How to keep your home 'pest free' this spring

  27-02-2025 15:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Meteorologist Tommy House sat down with Alan Brown, who is a Board Certified Entomologist to learn about how to keep homes protected from pests as spring approaches.The below transcription of their conversation has been edited for grammar.
  Meteorologist Tommy House: We’re here with Alan Brown, a board-certified entomologist. We’ve talked before about preparing our homes for the winter months, but with spring approaching, it’s time to shift focus. Alan, you&rsqu
  
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• Weekend Watch: NASCAR at COTA plus a car & plane show

  27-02-2025 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - This is the weekend racing fans have been waiting for all year. NASCAR returns to Circuit of the Americas for a weekend filled with concerts, fun, and the Echopark Automotive Grand Prix. If that wasn't enough, there is a car and antique plane show in Georgetown for the entire family!Weekend ForecastThe weekend will start great after a front flies through early Thursday morning. This will take our temperatures down a few degrees but give us a northerly wind. As the weekend progres
  
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• LIVE: Weekend Watch: NASCAR at COTA plus a car & plane show

  27-02-2025 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - This is the weekend racing fans have been waiting for all year. NASCAR returns to Circuit of the Americas for a weekend filled with concerts, fun, and the Echopark Automotive Grand Prix. If that wasn't enough, there is a car and antique plane show in Georgetown for the entire family!Weekend ForecastThe weekend will start great after a front flies through early Thursday morning. This will take our temperatures down a few degrees but give us a northerly wind. As the weekend progres
  
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• Austin airport gears up for NASCAR, SXSW, spring break travel rush

  27-02-2025 14:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The busy travel season is about to take off at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. While the airport said NASCAR weekend by no means is a record-breaker, it's gearing up for it and everything happening after.The airport estimates around 29,000 people will fly to or from Austin during the race weekend. Spokesperson Sam Haynes said that while that number might seem high, it's low by airport standards. AUS Data Hub: Passenger totals, busiest months and new flights in 2024Things
  
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• The change of seasons starts with warm temperatures

  27-02-2025 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Today marks the beginning of Meteorological Spring. It lasts until May 31st. The weather reflects this with a mostly sunny sky and most highs in the low 80s.
  A cold front will silently move south today providing nothing more than a wind shift. There will be a drop in temperatures between today as most highs Sunday will peak in the mid to upper 70s.A bright warm day S
  
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• 'Potentially historic' fire conditions on Tuesday

  27-02-2025 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Mostly cloudy and muggy weather continues into tonight as a southerly breeze pumps humid air into Central Texas. A spotty shower is possible into the mid-evening, but coverage and intensity would be very low with skies generally staying mostly cloudy.Late tonight rain chances gradually tick up ahead of a Pacific Cold front that arrives Tuesday morning.That front will
  
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• Mostly sunny, pleasant weekend ahead

  27-02-2025 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Mostly clear skies and calm winds have temperatures out the door this morning 15°-25° cooler than yesterday morning, 30s in the Hill Country and 40s in the Austin metro area.
  Throughout the day today, there will be mostly sunny skies with pleasant temperatures in the low to mid 70s. Winds will be calm.
  High temperature today
  The weekend will be warm, with hig
  
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• Mostly cloudy Monday, rain chances returning

  27-02-2025 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- High temperatures on Sunday were warmer than normal. Camp Mabry reached 80°, and Austin Bergstrom climbed to 81°. Our normal high temperature is 70°.
  Tonight, cloud cover will increase, and temperatures will only drop to the mid 60s. Rain chances will return but remain low at around 10%.On Monday, high temperatures are expected to stay mild, reaching the
  
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• Milder temperatures set to continue next week

  27-02-2025 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Temperatures today were close to record-breaking in Central Texas. Camp Mabry reached 85°, and Austin Bergstrom fell just shy at 84°. The current record-high in Camp Mabry is 87°.
  Overnight tonight, temperatures will cool down to the mid 50s with mostly clear skies with calm wind. Tomorrow morning will begin mostly sunny, with partly cloudy skies by the a
  
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• Critical wildfire threat setting up for Tuesday

  27-02-2025 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Nearly all of Central Texas will be under an extreme wildfire threat tomorrow. More on that coming up.Today will be mainly cloudy with just a 10% chance of rain. Most highs will be in the upper half of the 70s.Upper-level moisture coming in from the southwest flow will increase the chance of showers and a few isolated thunderstorms tonight. It will be followed by a P
  
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• Clear night to see 7 planets before a warm weekend

  27-02-2025 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- What a beautiful way to wrap up the work week!. Sunshine and mid to upper 70s will be replaced by clear skies and great viewing of 7 planets visible in the night sky. Uranus and Neptune may require a telescope, but the remaining 5 can be seen with the naked eye. Skies should be clear and temperatures pleasant for standing outside and observing the wonders of our gala
  
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• Clear night gives way to a warm weekend

  27-02-2025 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Hope you got the chance just after sunset to try and see all 7 other planets in the night sky. If you're reading this now several of those planets have now set and are out of view.Overnight lows tonight drop into the low 50s and upper 40s under a mostly clear sky.The weekend will be warm, with high temperatures on Saturday in the 80s with upper 70s on Sunday along wi
  
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• Chilly start to a sunnier and warmer Friday

  27-02-2025 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Tonight will be the coolest night of the week with lows dropping into the mid 40s. We can't rule out some isolated upper 30s in the Hill Country, but we currently don't expect any freezes.Friday morning temperatures NEW BLOG: Wildflower Center issues spring wildflower forecastSunshine returns Friday giving us a comfortable and beautiful day of weather to wrap-up the
  
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• A warm Texas Independence Day

  27-02-2025 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Highs were in the 80s Saturday afternoon. Camp Mabry's high of 85° came within two of the record. Today's highs will be a few degrees lower but still warmer than today's normal of 70°.Most of the afternoon will be bright. Clouds will slowly increase during the mid- to late-afternoon ahead of a very weak cold front. The front may trigger a little rain in parts
  
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• A cold night ahead before a beautiful weekend arrives

  27-02-2025 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Tonight will be one of the coldest we have seen in a while with temperatures expected to drop back down into the 40s for the first time in days. This is thanks to a front that arrived early Thursday morning.
  Friday morning temperatures NEW BLOG: Wildflower Center issues spring wildflower forecastAfternoon highs will return to the 70s by Friday afternoon.The weekend l
  
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• 70s make a quick return after cooler, cloudier day

  27-02-2025 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Today will be the coolest day of the next 7... but our next warming trend won't wait too long to kick in. NEW BLOG: Wildflower Center issues spring wildflower forecastAfternoon highs will get stuck in the 60s today courtesy of northerly winds and limited sunshine. Despite the 15° drop from yesterday, today's temperatures are very seasonable.Afternoon highs will r
  
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• When do measles patients require hospitalization?

  27-02-2025 05:40 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas-- With measles cases rising in West Texas, parents are raising concerns about the virus, including when measles requires hospitalization. Child dies from measles, marking first death in West Texas outbreakCovenant Health and the City of Lubbock hosted a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the measles outbreak. Covenant Health's Chief Medical Officer, Lara Johnson, discussed how to measure the severity of the virus."We've had patients who've required treatment with s
  
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• Lubbock experts advise against home remedies as a solution to the measles

  27-02-2025 05:37 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas -- The measles outbreak in Texas has led to a rise in confirmed cases, reaching 124, and the Lubbock health department reported at least 67 people getting the MMR vaccine at their drive-up clinic; however, there were posts floating around online highlighting how Vitamin A could treat the measles, which health experts advised against. One of those experts was Chris Hobart with Highland Pharmacy who addressed the posts."They're all false unfortunately. You need to go to your doctor
  
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• South Korean city honors Williamson County with street sign

  27-02-2025 05:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A South Korean city now has a little bit of Texas after it named one of its streets after a Texas county.Last week, elected officials and economic development professionals traveled to South Korea to discuss business opportunities in Williamson County, according to a news release from the county.While in South Korea, Williamson County Pct. 4 Commissioner Russ Boles was presented with a Williamson County Boulevard sign, which is located in Yongin City, the "Sister City" of Willia
  
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• Artists celebrated at Texas Medal of Arts Awards

  27-02-2025 05:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday night, artists across the state were celebrated at the Texas Medal of Arts Award at The Long Center for the Performing Arts.
  The event celebrated 118 Texas leaders who helped pave the way and opened the doors for the next generation of artists through their creative talents, according to a press release.The Texas Cultural Trust presented the 2025 honorees with their medals. The honorees included Dennis Quaid, Richard Linklater, Mercedes Bass and Sandy Duncan, among
  
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• Lake Travis ISD school board names interim superintendent

  27-02-2025 04:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Lake Travis Independent School District school board in a special meeting on Wednesday named Dr. Steve M. Flores as interim superintendent.
  This comes after the board voted to remove former superintendent Paul Norton earlier this month. Norton was placed on paid leave back in December after allegations of misconduct, according to the district.As a result of Norton's dismissal, Pam Sanchez became the acting superintendent while LTISD conducted its search for a replacement.
  Th
  
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• Advocates gather at Texas Capitol for hands-free cellphone legislation

  27-02-2025 03:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Another rally happened outside the Texas Capitol Wednesday in support of a bill to restrict phone usage on the road.AAA, alongside others, showed its support for Senate Bill 47, which is also known as the Allie's Way Act. SB 47 would require all drivers in Texas use their cellphones in hands-free mode while driving. Round Rock mother shares tragic story in hopes of ending distracted drivingThe bill is named after Allie White, a young girl who was killed in September 2019 when a
  
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• 'You're on the list': Local veteran among those fired in IRS worker layoffs

  27-02-2025 01:51 via kxan.com
  
  SALADO, Texas (KXAN) --- For 13 years, Daniel Santiago served this country. He joined the military back in 2011.
  "I wanted to help people. Back in that time, you're hearing all these stories about soldiers coming back that were blown up. They were hurt," Santiago said. "The best thing to do is to serve my country and become a medic."Santiago said he was released from the army because of injuries during his time serving. He said he's now a disabled veteran. Texas Rep. Doggett confirms Austin IRS
  
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• How to watch the NASCAR races at Austin's Circuit of the Americas

  27-02-2025 01:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austinites are off to the races as NASCAR at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) begins this week, Feb. 28 through March 2. Ross Chastain hopes Austin gives him another reason to destroy a watermelonHow to watch the NASCAR races in personFans who are looking to see the races in person can purchase tickets online. Ticket prices can vary depending on seating and the day that you choose to attend.How to watch the NASCAR races at homeIf you're looking to watch the NASCAR races at COT
  
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• 'A gut-wrenching feeling': Family learns two data centers coming to rural Hays County

  27-02-2025 01:27 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – After finding out that two data centers are coming to a rural part of Hays County, a community is worried about how it will affect their lives. CloudBurst Data Centers announced in early February it had plans to build in 2025 an AI data center outside of San Marcos. Through county appraisal and Texas Secretary of State records, KXAN has confirmed the site location is on Francis Harris Lane, bordering Hays County and Guadalupe County. “We own a pr
  
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• Texas woman applies to change last name on passport, receives unasked for sex marker change

  27-02-2025 01:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin woman who tried to update her passport with a new last name said she unexpectedly received a new passport that listed a different sex marker than her previous one.Alexis Pratchett, who is transgender, filed the name update in December, but an issue required her to re-submit paperwork in early January. That caused a delay in the agency's processing of her passport."By the time [the State Department] got around to it, it was the new administration, and they'd alread
  
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• Missouri man arrested, accused of sending threatening emails to Texas Ag Commissioner

  27-02-2025 01:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A 27-year-old Missouri man was arrested and accused of sending threatening emails to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller earlier this month, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.Mitchell Ryan Melber was charged with terroristic threat and was booked into the Travis County jail on Feb. 20 on a $25,000 bond, according to online court records.KXAN reached out to Miller's office for a statement. We will update this if one is received.Melber sent an email on Feb. 12 to
  
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• 'Make Texas Healthy Again' push begins in Senate

  27-02-2025 00:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Texas Senators unveiled a bill package that will push to provide healthier food options for Texans while also creating a committee tasked with studying the links between nutrition and chronic diseases.
  On Tuesday, a group of lawmakers presented three bills filed in the Texas Senate that are part of the Make Texas Healthy Again initiative that mirrors a similar federal push.Texas Nutrition Advisory CommitteeSenate Bill 25, filed by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R - Brenham, would make
  
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