Austin news

• Speaker Dustin Burrows assures school choice legislation will pass Texas House

  25-03-2025 23:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- For the first time in almost six years, the "Big 3" of Texas -- Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dustin Burrows -- held a news conference together to show their shared support in passing school choice legislation in the Lone Star State."If we are going to achieve our goal of being ranked the best state in America for educating our students, it starts this session by passing school choice," Abbott said to a packed room of media.Burrows assured the Texas Ho
  
  Read more

• City gathers feedback from e-scooter riders during open house

  25-03-2025 23:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city of Austin listened to community feedback on electric bikes and scooters in the city during a Monday open house. Residents were able to share their thoughts on the city's micro-mobility program to help improve safety and vehicle parking.The city is looking to update rules first established in 2019, when e-scooters first arrived on Austin's streets and sidewalks. Austin currently has two shared mobility partners for bicycles and scooters – Bird and Lime. Bird curren
  
  Read more

• Pecan Street Festival leaving Austin, moving to suburb

  25-03-2025 23:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After decades on Sixth Street in downtown Austin, the Pecan Street Festival is moving this spring. According to a press release, the festival will relocate to Bee Cave.It will take place at the Hill Country Galleria on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4. Organizers said the new location offers more space, a welcoming atmosphere, and ample free parking.According to the event’s website, the move is also due to the "recent restructuring" of Sixth Street. Those changes in
  
  Read more

• 'I literally cry with every single dog': Street dog rescue saves more than 1,000 Texas animals

  25-03-2025 22:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On a dark, rural road southeast of Austin, Sasha Aghili takes a deep breath before unloading the "gear" from her car: liquid smoke, a blanket, a kennel and a whole rotisserie chicken. These are all supplies she uses to lure and trap street dogs.For days, with the help of a neighbor, she has tracked and fed a black German Shepherd in the area. They believe the dog was dumped on the road more than a year prior. They hope the smell of the smoke and the promise of a meal help t
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Texas senators look into allowing 'abusive' students to face criminal charges

  25-03-2025 22:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)— A series of bills discussed by Texas senators on Tuesday would make it easier for disruptive students to be removed from the classroom, expelled to juvenile detention centers for alternative school or even charged with misdemeanors.But what's considered disruptive would be at the discretion of teachers and districts and would put more protections in place for educators.It comes as assaults on teachers and school related threats have risen in recent years. According to data f
  
  Read more

• Monarch butterfly numbers nearly double amid conservation policy debate

  25-03-2025 21:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- There is hope for monarch butterflies in Texas after the population nearly doubled in 2025, according to a news release from Commissioner Sid Miller's office.Miller said a survey that was released from the Wildlife Fund-Telmex Telcel Foundation Alliances (WWF) and the National Commission of Protected Natural Area in Mexico (CONANP) revealed "the population wintering in central Mexico's forests occupied 4.42 acres, up from 2.22 acres the previous winters." US wildlife officials p
  
  Read more

• Jasmine Crockett criticized over comment mocking Greg Abbott’s wheelchair

  25-03-2025 21:04 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (Texas Tribune) — U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, disparagingly called Gov. Greg Abbott “Hot Wheels” to mock his use of a wheelchair Saturday, prompting fierce backlash from Republicans.“Jasmine Crockett is despicable,” Attorney General Ken Paxton said on social media.“Shameful,” U.S. Sen. John Cornyn posted."Jasmine Crockett is the perfect spokesperson for today’s Democrats — out of touch and completely unhinged,” said
  
  Read more

• Lockhart parents push for change after sexual assault case at child care center

  25-03-2025 20:37 via kxan.com
  
  LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) -- A former daycare staff worker in Lockhart is set to be sentenced by a Caldwell County judge this week. This comes after the daycare's director received five years probation. In 2022, the Children's Center of Lockhart was at the center of a sexual assault investigation involving a 3-year-old. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Lockhart daycare investigated for alleged sexual assault on 3 year oldAmber and Karston Chatelain said they found out their 3-year-old daughter was assaulted at t
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Round Rock police identify woman killed in 10-vehicle crash on I-35

  25-03-2025 20:18 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: Above video shows the scene of crash on Interstate 35 on March 24, 2025.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Tuesday, the Round Rock Police Department identified a woman killed in a 10-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 on Monday. The crash also injured three others, according to police.Police identified the person who died as 35-year-old Alex White of Fort Cavazos. She was pronounced dead at the scene. RRPD: 1 dead, others injured in 10-vehicle crash on I-35 in Round RockPolice responded to the mult
  
  Read more

• Crashes up 22% in north Austin I-35 construction zone

  25-03-2025 18:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Transportation is overhauling Interstate 35 through Austin from the north side to the south side of the Travis County line. Construction began on the I-35 Capital Express North Project in March 2023.TxDOT data shows total crash numbers were higher in 2024 compared to the previous two years. According to the data, there were 727 crashes in 2022 on that stretch of I-35. In 2023, crashes dropped to 701, but in 2024, crashes went to 858, a 22% increase f
  
  Read more

• Suspected cause of death for former Yankees player's son ruled out: reports

  25-03-2025 18:08 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Officials in Costa Rica are reportedly walking back their previous suggestion that Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died of asphyxiation after “food intoxication” during the family’s recent trip to the country.Investigators initially believed the teen may have died of asphyxiation, an official with Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency said Monday, according to reports from ABC News and NBC News. An off
  
  Read more

• Suspected cause of death for former Yankees player's son in Costa Rica revealed

  25-03-2025 18:08 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Officials in Costa Rica have reportedly suggested that Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died of “food intoxication” during the family’s recent trip to the country.On Monday, an official with Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency said investigators suspect the teen died of asphyxiation, which was possibly a reaction to something he had eaten earlier, ABC News and NBC News reported. His family had previou
  
  Read more

• Mega Millions is changing: 7 things to know before April's price change, game overhaul

  25-03-2025 18:08 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Frequently play the Mega Millions? The national lottery jackpot game is about to be overhauled with the promise of bigger prizes, better odds and faster-growing jackpots — if you don't mind paying a higher ticket price.Mega Millions officials confirmed the pending changes in October, saying they would take effect in April. Now, we know what those changes entail.“Beyond big jackpots, players told us they want bigger non-jackpot prizes and that’s exactly what th
  
  Read more

• FBI launches Tesla vandalism task force

  25-03-2025 18:07 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) -- The FBI confirmed Monday it has established a task force to investigate the wave of vandalism and arson incidents targeting Tesla in recent weeks. “Director [Kash] Patel has been unequivocally clear: The FBI will be relentless in its mission to protect the American people,” the FBI said in a statement, confirming reporting of the task force.“Acts of violence, vandalism, and domestic terrorism — like the recent Tesla attacks — will be pursued with
  
  Read more

• 'Wiping out generations': Attorney for I-35 crash victims going after trucking companies, construction

  25-03-2025 17:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the criminal investigation continues into the truck driver who police say "barreled" through nearly stopped traffic on Interstate 35 earlier this month, killing five and injuring 11 others, lawsuits are now starting to emerge as well.Personal injury attorney Thomas J. Henry is representing family members of some of the individuals killed in the crash, as well as some of the victims who were seriously injured. PREVIOUS: Truck driver in fatal I-35 crash allegedly under influenc
  
  Read more

• Frontier Airlines to launch new nonstop between Austin and San Diego in June

  25-03-2025 16:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Frontier Airlines announced Tuesday it will begin nonstop service between Austin and San Diego in June.Flights will operate four times a week beginning June 13. The airline anticipates operating the new route year-round. AUS Data Hub: Passenger totals, busiest months and new flights in 2025"We are thrilled to announce another new route as we continue to grow our presence in Austin," said Josh Flyr, Frontier's vice president of network and operations design. "With Frontier&r
  
  Read more

• Suspect in December murder linked to shots fired incident at UT last July, other crimes

  25-03-2025 16:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A suspect who was arrested earlier this month and charged in connection to a murder that happened in southeast Austin last December has been connected to other crimes in Austin, according to the Austin Police Department and University of Texas Police Department.
  APD and UTPD held a joint news conference Tuesday afternoon to provide details surrounding the arrest of Juan Carlos Rodriguez-Gomez, 26.
  Rodriguez-Gomez was arrested on March 13 in Manor and charged with first-degree mu
  
  Read more

• Police to share details on arrest of man accused in Austin murder, shooting near UT campus

  25-03-2025 16:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department and University of Texas Police Department are hosting a joint news conference Tuesday afternoon to provide details surrounding the arrest of a man who was accused in a southeast Austin murder that happened late last year and a shooting within UTPD's jurisdiction, according to police.
  Officers from the APD Homicide Unit and UTPD will give an "overview regarding the arrest of Juan Carlos Rodriguez-Gomez in connection to the homicide investigation at 25
  
  Read more

• LCRA park to celebrate bluebonnets

  25-03-2025 15:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The spring season is a time when wildflowers are in bloom. This is especially true of the official state flower of Texas, the lovely bluebonnets.Sometimes the wildflower fields are flush with bluebonnets and other beautiful colors like Texas paintbrushes. It affords people the chance to find places where pictures can be taken of children and pets. You might even get a holiday card in December from people who have used the bluebonnets and other wildflowers to snap photos of
  
  Read more

• Bill would keep unsubstantiated police misconduct allegations confidential

  25-03-2025 14:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – To disclose or not to disclose… certain records of police misconduct allegations. That is the question at the core of legislation the Senate Criminal Justice Committee is hearing Tuesday.Senate Bill 781, authored by Phil King, R-Weatherford, would create a uniform statewide confidentiality policy for records of alleged misconduct against law enforcement officers that weren’t sustained with sufficient evidence. In certain jurisdictions, these records can be kept
  
  Read more

• Woman arrested, charged with DWI after fatal auto-ped crash over the weekend

  25-03-2025 14:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A woman was arrested and charged in connection with a crash over the weekend that left one person dead.
  The crash happened around 8:12 p.m. in the 8700 block of Menchaca Road, near Davis Lane. According to the Austin Police Department, an unidentified male was hit and killed by a vehicle in the area.PREVIOUS: Person dies after vehicle hits them in south AustinAPD's watch command told KXAN on Saturday that a person had been taken into custody, but did not have further details tha
  
  Read more

• Space Day Texas at State Capitol celebrates 25 years of the International Space Station

  25-03-2025 13:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Outer space is taking over the Texas Capitol on March 25. Space Day Texas recognizes the state's special role and impact on human space exploration.Composite photo of a total lunar eclipse seen from the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, on March 14, 2025. (KXAN Viewer Photo)
  Beginning at 9 a.m., NASA and a variety of aerospace companies will host events at the State Capitol. Exhibits can be found on the "The Great Walk," Southwest Lawn, and in the Reverse Rotunda.Live space
  
  Read more

• What to do when it floods in Austin, Central Texas

  25-03-2025 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Central Texas lies in a region that has a greater threat for flooding than any other in the country -- earning it the nickname "Flash Flood Alley."The risk of flooding begins in the spring, as severe thunderstorms become more likely. Those storms can produce sizeable hail, damaging winds and even tornadoes, plus lots of rain that the ground isn't always able to absorb. ‘I got hit with a wall.’ Granger tornado victim takes rare step for protectionOur soil is clay-rich
  
  Read more

• 'Turn Around, Don't Drown.' What to do when it floods in Austin, Central Texas

  25-03-2025 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Central Texas lies in a region that has a greater threat for flooding than any other in the country -- earning it the nickname "Flash Flood Alley."The risk of flooding begins in the spring, as severe thunderstorms become more likely. Those storms can produce sizeable hail, damaging winds and even tornadoes, plus lots of rain that the ground isn't always able to absorb. ‘I got hit with a wall.’ Granger tornado victim takes rare step for protectionOur soil is clay-rich
  
  Read more

• April showers? Here's the forecast for next month

  25-03-2025 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We're working our way through a dry start to spring and a dry start to 2025. The latest outlook from the Climate Prediction Center does not seem to spell much relief.April is typically one of our driest months of the year, but this year it looks to be even drier.The April forecast released last Thursday suggests a continuation of the warmer and drier pattern that has settled in for much of March (so far).April Temperature Forecast (CPC)April rainfall forecast (CPC)Drought to wor
  
  Read more

• Columbia student sues Trump admin over efforts to deport her

  25-03-2025 04:12 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) – Columbia University student Yunseo Chung is suing the Trump administration amid its efforts to deport the 21-year-old, who has been in the U.S. since she was 7 and has lawful permanent resident status.  A lawsuit was filed Monday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) got an administrative warrant for Chung's arrest and told the South Korean native that her status was being “revoked,” even though only an immigration judge can take away a green card. &
  
  Read more

• Kidnapped 6-year-old girl discovered during traffic stop: Kansas troopers

  25-03-2025 04:05 via kxan.com
  
  WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A trooper's discovery during a routine traffic stop last month led to the rescue of a 6-year-old girl who had been kidnapped for weeks, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. The KHP said Saturday in a social post that the incident occurred when the trooper pulled over an SUV for a traffic violation.Two men in their 60s and a young girl were in the vehicle. The post said a routine check revealed that one of the passengers had an outstanding warrant in the
  
  Read more

• Witnesses, family grapple with aftermath of Las Cruces shooting

  25-03-2025 03:59 via kxan.com
  
  EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Nearly 72 hours have passed since Friday night’s shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces, which killed three teenagers and injured 15 other people.UPDATE: 4 suspects arrested in park shooting in Las CrucesKTSM spoke with witnesses of the shooting -- some caught in the crossfire, others who followed their instincts to try and render aid to those shot. "So once I hear the pops stop, I jump out of my car, pop my trunk back, and I'm looking for anything I can us
  
  Read more

• Amber Alert issued for 15-year-old reported missing in Dallas

  25-03-2025 03:48 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS, Texas (KETK) - The Rowlett Police Department has issued an Amber Alert for Colton Kahan who was last seen in Dallas.Photo of Colton Kahan, courtesy of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
  Colton is described as a 5'11" white boy with brown hair and brown eyes who weighs around 180 pounds. Colton was last seen wearing blue shorts, a grey shirt and red Crocs.He was last seen at 2525 Victory Ave in Dallas at 9:18 a.m. on Monday. Anyone who sees Colton is asked to call 911 or Rowlett Polic
  
  Read more

• 'Weird reactions': Austin Tesla owner talks about hate he's received after buying car

  25-03-2025 03:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Buying a Tesla has been a years-long goal for John Serrao. He was able to make it happen in December."They've come way down in price. I was like, I just got to do it someday," Serrao said. "So my wife encouraged me, and they had a great deal."Up until last month, he said it's been smooth sailing.
  "Things kind of got weird in February," Serrao said. "I've seen some pretty weird reactions. So wasn't expecting that as part of owning a vehicle."Austin Tesla Driver John Serrao said h
  
  Read more

• Bill aims to expand DPS Capitol patrols in downtown Austin

  25-03-2025 03:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A bill lawmakers have discussed this month could expand the patrol area for the Texas Department of Public Safety's (DPS) Capitol division."I've seen some incidents recently around the Capitol that are probably common to residents but to legislators who don't live here, a lot of our visitors, some of our staff, has alarmed me," said Rep. Carl Tepper, R-Lubbock, who authored the legislation.The Capitol division is in charge of the Capitol grounds, annex buildings and Capitol Mall
  
  Read more

• 'I will not stop,' Texas mom who lost son fights for fentanyl education

  25-03-2025 01:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) - Stefanie Roe has spent a lot of time at the Texas Capitol.In 2023, she pushed for legislation named for her son, Tucker, who died from fentanyl poisoning. He was 19 years old. In June 2023, Roe sat beside Gov. Greg Abbott as he signed Tucker’s Law, which requires Texas school districts to educate students in grades 6-12 about the drug. Texas lawmakers push for decriminalization of fentanyl test stripsBut passing the law was just part of the fight to honor her son and sav
  
  Read more

• Rural healthcare bill considered by Texas House Committee

  25-03-2025 00:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) - The Texas House Public Health Committee met Monday morning to discuss a bill that aims to make sure rural Texans have access to hospital and health care services.House Bill 18, known as The Rural Health Stabilization and Innovation Act, provides a comprehensive plan for ensuring that rural Texans receive adequate medical care. The committee heard from the bill’s author, Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston, as well as numerous stakeholders.“Members, there are Texans w
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!