Austin news

• 'I hope its temporary': Rep. McCaul weighs in on tariffs ahead of Trump's address

  04-03-2025 23:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — In a brief interview ahead of President Donald Trump's Tuesday night 'Address to Congress,' Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said he hopes tariffs on Mexico can be lifted in exchange for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum cooperating with Trump's 'Remain in Mexico' policy."Mexico is (Texas') number one trading partner...there's a lot at stake here," McCaul said. "I hope these tariffs will get the desired outcome, and that is, 'we will work with you on 'Remain in Mexico', w
  
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• BLOG: Wildfires spark in Central Texas amid extreme fire danger

  04-03-2025 23:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Crews are battling wildfires in Central Texas Tuesday as the region is experiencing a day of "potentially historic" fire conditions, according to the National Weather Service.Although rain swept through parts of Central Texas in the morning, high winds, dry air and dry brush and trees on the ground are contributing to the risk of fire in the area.
  On Tuesday morning, the Texas A&M Forest Service put most of our area in an extreme (5 out of 5) wildfire risk, with red fla
  
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• Two 14-year-olds charged after south Austin shooting seriously injures other teen

  04-03-2025 22:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A teenager suffered serious injuries, and two people were "detained" and charged after a reported shooting in south Austin, according to the Austin Police Department.Officers responded to the report of a shoot/stab hotshot call around 2:22 p.m. near a bus stop in the 10700 block of South First Street. That's near Akins High School, APD said in a news release.Officers arrived and found the 17-year-old with a gunshot wound, and other juveniles fleeing the scene according to APD. P
  
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• Two 14-year-olds charged after shooting near south Austin school seriously injures another

  04-03-2025 22:54 via kxan.com
  
   AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A 17-year-old Akins High School student has serious injuries- but is expected to survive - after a shooting just off campus, according to the Austin Police Department.Two other minors, both 14, now face charges in the shooting. It happened near a bus stop just outside of Akins High School, police said."School was in session," said AISD Police Chief Wayne Sneed. The shooting happened just before 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.According to Austin-Travis County EMS Captain Christa Sted
  
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• APD: Teen seriously injured in south Austin shooting

  04-03-2025 22:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A teenager suffered serious injuries, and another person was "detained" after a reported shooting in south Austin, according to the Austin Police Department.Officers responded to the report of a shoot/stab hotshot call around 2:20 p.m. near a bus stop in the 10700 block of South First Street. That's near Akins High School, APD said in a news release.KXAN reached out to the Austin Independent School District, and a spokesperson confirmed Akins High School is on a hold due to the
  
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• MAP: More than 400 acres have burned in Central Texas wildfires in 2025

  04-03-2025 22:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 400 acres have burned in wildfires across Central Texas so far in 2025, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.A total of nine fires have burned 410.5 acres in the 15-county KXAN viewing area. Weather Interactives: How much rain has Austin received this year?KXAN is keeping track of wildfires. Follow along with the map and database below. We'll keep them updated as new information becomes available. Fires that are still uncontained are red on the map. Evacu
  
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• MAP: More than 300 acres have burned in Central Texas wildfires in 2025

  04-03-2025 22:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 300 acres have burned in wildfires across Central Texas so far in 2025, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.A total of eight fires have burned 332.5 acres in the 15-county KXAN viewing area. Weather Interactives: How much rain has Austin received this year?KXAN is keeping track of wildfires. Follow along with the map and database below. We'll keep them updated as new information becomes available. Fires that are still uncontained are red on the map. Evac
  
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• AFD's SIZE wildfire prevention evaluation: How it helps prevent homes from burning

  04-03-2025 21:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Jennifer Marchman's was worried about wildfire risk to her home, so she decided to start looking into ways to prevent one from destroying it.Marchman, who lives in the greenbelt, said she requested a Structure Ignition Zone Evaluation (SIZE) from the Austin Fire Department.
  Jennifer Marchman has lived in her home near the greenbelt since 2009. (KXAN photos/Tim Holcomb). Jennifer Marchman has lived in her home near the greenbelt since 2009. (KXAN photos/Tim Holcomb).
  "They g
  
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• Power outages slam Central Texas due to high winds

  04-03-2025 21:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Multiple outages were reported in the Central Texas area beginning Tuesday as high winds moved through the area. Strong winds blowing dust with an extreme fire riskWind gusts were reported at 30-50 miles per hour, and the National Weather Service (NWS) called the fire conditions "potentially historic," according to the KXAN First Warning Weather Team.This blog is no longer being updated.Wednesday, March 5, 20251:50 p.m.Oncor reported 68 customers were affected in Williamson Coun
  
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• BLOG: Power outages slam Central Texas due to high winds

  04-03-2025 21:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Multiple outages were reported in the Central Texas area Tuesday as high winds continue to soar.Austin Energy expects more outages to happen between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. as winds pick up, the agency told KXAN.Wind gusts were reported at 30-50 miles per hour, and the National Weather Service (NWS) called the fire conditions "potentially historic," according to the KXAN First Warning Weather Team. Those high winds are expected until 5 p.m.The live blog is actively being updated2:45 p
  
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• Multiple injured in 'major collision' involving Austin fire truck near airport

  04-03-2025 21:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County EMS is responding to a "major collision" involving an Austin Fire Department truck near the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Tuesday afternoon, medics shared in a social media post.KXAN viewer photos depict an Austin Fire Department truck and a vehicle involved in a crash outside the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Tuesday afternoon. (Courtesy Chase Duhon)KXAN viewer photos depict an Austin Fire Department truck and a vehicle involved in a
  
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• 1 dead after crash involving Austin fire truck near airport

  04-03-2025 21:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One person died after a crash involving an Austin Fire Department truck and another vehicle near the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Tuesday afternoon, Austin Police said.KXAN viewer photos depict an Austin Fire Department truck and a vehicle involved in a crash outside the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Tuesday afternoon. (Courtesy Chase Duhon)KXAN viewer photos depict an Austin Fire Department truck and a vehicle involved in a crash outside the Austin-Bergs
  
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• 'Bigger. Better. Texas.': Gov. Abbott lays out plan to grow state's economy

  04-03-2025 21:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — On Tuesday morning, Gov. Greg Abbott and his Texas Economic Development (EDP) & Tourism Office released a 155-page plan for the immediate future of the world's eight-largest economy (excluding the U.S.).Texas' PresentFirst the report touched on where Texas currently is, highlighting its recent growth in industry, entrepreneurship, workforce and infrastructure. It also discusses Texas' diversity, noting "no single industry sector in our economy currently generates mor
  
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• ATCEMS: Opioid deaths declining in Travis County for 1st time in nearly a decade

  04-03-2025 21:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Opioid-related deaths are declining for the first time in nearly a decade as opiate bridge programming enrollment has increased, Austin-Travis County EMS officials confirmed at the city's Public Safety Commission Monday.ATCEMS Assistant Chief Stephen White said the agency is reporting a "steady decline" in overdoses and opioid-related deaths, on trend with similar figures at the state level."We are seeing a decline, finally," White said Monday. "It has been since 2016 that
  
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• Texas Senate passes bill to boost future of dementia research

  04-03-2025 19:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas Senators passed legislation Wednesday toward creating the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), an initiative that will infuse $3 billion of state money over the next 10 years to find a cure for one of the most cruel diseases impacting Texans.Senate Bill 5 passed with bipartisan support.The legislation is a top priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, is carrying the bill and points out the elderly population in the Un
  
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• Future of dementia research up for a vote in Texas Senate

  04-03-2025 19:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Texas Senators will convene in the high chamber on Wednesday morning to debate and vote on the creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), an initiative that will infuse $3 billion of state money over the next 10 years to find a cure for one of the most cruel diseases impacting Texans.The initiative has bipartisan support in the Senate and is a top priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, is carrying the bill and p
  
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• Sneak peek: Firefly Aerospace reveals first video from lunar landing

  04-03-2025 19:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The first POV video of a lunar landing in decades has been revealed. On Sunday, Cedar Park-based Firefly Aerospace landed on the moon, making it the first commercial lander to successfully make the trip without incident.Blue Ghost One touched down on the lunar surface around 2:30 a.m. CST on March 2.The video, released March 3, shows the last minutes of Blue Ghost's journey as it settles on the surface. The video ends with the lunar lander looking back toward Earth.Blue Gho
  
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• It rained in Central Texas. Why is there still a wildfire risk?

  04-03-2025 18:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We have been talking for the past few days about Tuesday's somewhat rare weather day and the fact that our rainy morning hasn't eliminated our wildfire risk.The day started with rain and thunderstorms that ended between 9 and 10 a.m. In spite of the rain there still exists an extreme wildfire danger for much of the area the rest of today. Why? For starters, the rain totals were low, with most locations averaging around .10" to .25".Strong wind gusts and very low humidity = criti
  
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• Memo: Police data shows Sixth Street safety pilot has 'positive effects' so far

  04-03-2025 18:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After a brief period of testing reopening Sixth Street to cars, Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis said in a memo to the mayor and city council that preliminary data gathered during the period shows "several positive effects."The city of Austin in mid-January opened Sixth Street up to vehicular traffic as part of a pilot program, which wrapped up over the weekend. Prior to this test-run, police would block the street to cars from Brazos Street to Red River Street on Thurs
  
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• US tariffs take effect and Mexico, Canada and China retaliate with their own tariffs on the US

  04-03-2025 18:13 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump launched a trade war Tuesday against America’s three biggest trading partners, drawing immediate retaliation from Mexico, Canada and China and sending financial markets into a tailspin as the U.S. faced the threat of rekindled inflation and paralyzing uncertainty for business.
  Just after midnight, Trump imposed 25% taxes, or tariffs, on Mexican and Canadian imports, though he limited the levy to 10% on Canadian energy. Trump also doubled the t
  
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• BlackRock strikes deal to bring ports on both sides of Panama Canal under American control

  04-03-2025 17:47 via kxan.com
  
  (AP) — The Hong Kong-based conglomerate that operates ports near the Panama Canal has agreed to sell shares of its units that operate the ports to a consortium including BlackRock Inc., after President Donald Trump alleged Chinese interference with the operations of the critical shipping lane.In a filing, CK Hutchison Holding said Tuesday that it would sell all shares in Hutchison Port Holdings and all shares in Hutchison Port Group Holdings. The two units hold 80% of the Hutchison Ports g
  
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• Trees to think about planting with the changing climate

  04-03-2025 17:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Did you know there are certain shrubs and trees you can plant to help in the ongoing fight against climate change?Rich Segal found out from Will Johnston that there are. Johnston is a local arborist who also manages Davey Tree in south Austin.He said when thinking about the types of trees to plant, homeowners should consider trees in the oak family. Trees like Bir Oaks, Humble Live Oaks and Monterrey Oaks will do well, but he also said there are a couple of oaks that are in
  
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• Here's why 'Excessive Heat Warnings' are going away

  04-03-2025 15:20 via kxan.com
  
  KXAN (AUSTIN) -- As part of the National Weather Service's "Hazard Simplification Program," Excessive Heat Watches and Excessive Heat Warnings will be undergoing a name change starting March 4, 2025.Going forward the word "Excessive" will be replaced by the word "Extreme" in these warnings.Heat Alert consolidationThe National Weather Service said the change will "align our terminology with the Extreme Cold Watch and Warning products" and provide more consistency among weather partners.Just last
  
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• 33-year-old man killed in 4-vehicle crash in Liberty Hill over the weekend

  04-03-2025 15:16 via kxan.com
  
  LIBERTY HILL, Texas (KXAN) — A man died Friday night after a four-vehicle crash in Liberty Hill that may have involved racing, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.DPS troopers responded to the crash around 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, in the intersection of State Highway 29 and U.S. Highway 183.According to DPS, a black Ford F-250 was traveling eastbound on SH 29 approaching US 183 when it hit a blue Ford F-250 in the intersection of the two highways. The blue F-250 then hi
  
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• Texas company genetically engineers mice with thick hair like the extinct woolly mammoth

  04-03-2025 14:16 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Extinction is still forever, but scientists at the biotech company Colossal Biosciences are trying what they say is the next best thing to restoring ancient beasts — genetically engineering living animals with qualities to resemble extinct species like the woolly mammoth.Woolly mammoths roamed the frozen tundras of Europe, Asia and North America until they went extinct around 4,000 years ago. Colossal Biosciences valued at more than $10B after latest funding roundCo
  
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• Waymo, Uber officially roll out driverless rides in Austin

  04-03-2025 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Beep beep -- Uber rideshare users can now book a driverless ride around Austin, as the ridehailing company officially launches its partnership with Waymo.Waymo and Uber announced in September the planned collaboration between the two companies, with rollouts poised in both Austin and Atlanta in 2025. Beginning Tuesday, Uber users can match with one of Waymo's Jaguar I-PACE vehicles while booking an UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort or Uber Comfort Electric vehicle.Demonstration on
  
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• 115K gallons of wastewater overflow near northwest Austin neighborhood

  04-03-2025 05:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Around 115,000 gallons of wastewater overflowed near a northwest Austin neighborhood Monday morning, and Austin Water officials are urging those to avoid coming into contact with areas affected by the overflow.Crews responded to a broken 16-inch wastewater sewer main, which is located at 5806 Cyrilla Drive, AW said in a news release Monday night. The agency said the overflow was discovered around 9:30 a.m., and then crews worked to stop and contain it.The wastewater overflowed "
  
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• AFD prepares for extreme wildfire risk on Tuesday

  04-03-2025 05:04 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The transcript of this live Q&A has been edited for brevity and clarity.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A drought, low humidity, and strong winds are coming to a head on Tuesday to produce an extreme wildfire risk, according to the National Weather Service.KXAN's Tom Miller spoke with the Austin Fire Department's Wildfire Division Coordinator Chris Dibrell about AFD's preparations ahead of Tuesday and what Central Texans can do to protect their homes.Tom Miller: As a firefighter when y
  
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• Trump pauses aid to Ukraine amid clash with Zelensky

  04-03-2025 04:51 via kxan.com
  
  President Trump has ordered a pause on U.S. aid going to Ukraine in its war against Russia, a consequential move as he clashes with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about the path to ending the conflict."The President has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well," a White House official said in a statement. "We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution.”The pause applies to all military a
  
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• Dolly Parton mourns death of husband Carl Dean: 'Words can't do justice'

  04-03-2025 04:48 via kxan.com
  
  (AP) – Carl Dean, Dolly Parton's husband of nearly 60 years, died Monday in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 82.According to a statement provided to The Associated Press by Parton's publicist, Dean will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending.“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy," Parton wrote in a statement.The family has asked for r
  
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• Williamson, Travis County judges order outdoor burn ban for Tuesday

  04-03-2025 04:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Monday evening, Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell signed orders declaring a local state of disaster for their respective counties, which prohibited outdoor burning.KXAN's First Warning Weather Team said the Red Flag Warning for very high fire danger would last from Tuesday morning and continue through Tuesday night.Travis County Judge Brown urged the public to exercise caution and follow the burn ban.“Protecting life and property is
  
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• 'Alamo' focused LBJ hoops one win from San Antonio

  04-03-2025 04:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Before the season started for LBJ high school boys basketball, the Jaguars were crystal clear on their goal. That led to a group decision that kept the group focused throughout the year."We were planning on making it to the Alamo before the season even started, so we just started breaking down to it," said Jaguars senior guard Ja Shawn Waters.To end every practice for the entirety of the season, the Jaguars have broken down as a team by saying "1, 2, 3, Alamo!" The state champion
  
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• Up to $5K reward offered after Spectrum lines 'intentionally cut' in north Austin neighborhood

  04-03-2025 01:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Spectrum is offering up to a $5,000 reward after one of its telecommunications lines was "intentionally cut" last week in north Austin, according to a spokesperson with Charter Communications.On Feb. 26, the line cut happened in the 2300 block of Gracy Farms Drive, which resulted in a "multi-hour outage" for residents in the neighborhood, the spokesperson said.
  Charter Communications said it is working with the Austin Police Department and offering a reward for any information t
  
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• $5K reward being offered after Spectrum lines 'intentionally cut' in north Austin neighborhood

  04-03-2025 01:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Spectrum is offering up to a $5,000 reward after one of its telecommunications lines was "intentionally cut" last week in north Austin, according to a spokesperson with Charter Communications.On Feb. 26, the line cut happened in the 2300 block of Gracy Farms Drive, which resulted in a "multi-hour outage" for residents in the neighborhood, the spokesperson said.
  Charter Communications said it is working with the Austin Police Department and offering a reward for any information t
  
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• Texas' Rori Harmon named finalist for country's top point guard honor

  04-03-2025 01:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Longhorns senior point guard Rori Harmon is one of the top point guards in the country, and she has the nomination to prove it.Harmon is one of five finalists for the Nancy Lieberman Award, given to the most outstanding point guard in NCAA Division I women's basketball for the past 26 years by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. No. 1 Texas clinches share of SEC regular season title in 1st seasonHarmon is fourth in the country with 189 assists and sixth in assist-to
  
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• Authorities in search of missing man last seen in Round Rock

  04-03-2025 01:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Williamson County Emergency Communications is actively searching for 40-year-old Jeffery McBride, who was last seen on Sunday in Round Rock.Jeffrey McBride, 40 | Photo provided by Texas Department of Public Safety
  McBride was seen wearing a gray t-shirt, gray basketball shorts, and black and white crocs, according to authorities. McBride is believed to have an intellectual disability.Officials said he was last seen at 3:45 p.m. on Sunday in the 4300 block of Fairway Path in Roun
  
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• Assistant principal with IDEA Public Schools arrested, accused of inappropriately touching student

  04-03-2025 00:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An assistant principal with IDEA Public Schools in Round Rock was arrested after he was accused of "inappropriately touching a student on school property last month," according to the Round Rock Police Department.RRPD said on social media that 49-year-old Aaron Freeman was charged with indecency with a child by contact, which is a second-degree felony. He remained in the Williamson County Jail Monday, according to police.Online court records did not show an attorney for Freeman,
  
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