Austin news

• Texas bill proposes study on psychiatric facility needs

  08-04-2025 23:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Senators mulled legislation Tuesday that would authorize an expansive study of Texas’ inpatient psychiatric facilities, capacity and needs.Senate Bill 719, authored by Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, would direct the Health and Human Services Commission to conduct a study of the current use and future projected needs for inpatient psychiatric beds, including beds for juveniles, adults, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people waiting in jail
  
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• Austin ranks on list of challenging places to live with allergies

  08-04-2025 23:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Springtime in Austin brings high pollen counts, part of why it landed on a list of the most challenging places to live with allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Austin ranked 45 out of 100 — not as bad as Dallas (No. 13), Houston (26), McAllen (27) or San Antonio (37). The report based its ranking on pollen scores for tree, grass and weed pollen; use of over-the-counter allergy medication; and the number of allergy specialists in the ar
  
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• Texas-style food gets spotlight at Masters Club Dinner

  08-04-2025 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The world's top golf players have convened in Augusta, Georgia to battle it out for the 2025 Masters Tournament Champion title. The Masters is the first major golf tournament of the year, and the Lone Star State is getting a big spotlight as the players get ready to tee off on April 10.On Tuesday night, one of the Masters' most beloved traditions will take place: The Champions Dinner. The tradition reunites all previous winners of the green jacket at Augusta National Golf club,
  
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• Scottie Scheffler's Masters Champions Dinner menu has some Texas inspiration

  08-04-2025 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The world's top golf players have convened in Augusta, Georgia, to battle it out at the 2025 Masters Tournament. The Masters is the first major golf tournament of the year, and the Lone Star State is getting a big spotlight as defending champion Scottie Scheffler aims for his third Masters win in his last four appearances.On Tuesday night, one of the Masters' most beloved traditions will take place: The Champions Dinner. The tradition reunites all previous green jacket winners a
  
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• MCSO: 2 arrested in Rockdale woman's dog mauling death

  08-04-2025 21:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two people were arrested in connection with a Rockdale woman's death following a dog mauling in December 2024, according to the Milam County Sheriff's Office.Arrest warrants were issued for 61-year-old Joel Rubio and 65-year-old Terri Ann Frank on Monday on the second-degree felony charge of attack by dog resulting in death, which is known as Lillian's Law, according to a release from MCSO.KXAN is working to obtain attorney information for Rubio and Frank. We will update th
  
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• Austin Public Health outlines $15 million in funding, over 50 jobs lost due to federal funding cuts

  08-04-2025 21:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Public Health (APH) leaders last week outlined the impacts of cuts to federal funding during a regularly scheduled Public Health Committee meeting. Changes in funding at a federal level could translate to the loss of around $15 million and more than 50 jobs at APH.
  APH Director Adrienne Sturrup gave a presentation breaking down the impacts at an April 2 Public Health Committee meeting. The agenda and full details of what happened at the meeting can be viewed online. The p
  
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• Former MLB pitcher dies after being pulled from rubble of nightclub roof collapse: reports

  08-04-2025 21:20 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel is reportedly among the dozens who have died after the roof of an iconic nightclub collapsed early Tuesday morning in the Dominican Republic.As of early Tuesday afternoon, the death toll had climbed to 44, authorities in the capital city of Santo Domingo said. More than 160 others were initially said to have been injured when the roof collapsed during a merengue concert.
  Among those in attendance were politicians, athletes, and others. Latest: M
  
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• Texas measles outbreak passes 500 cases, DSHS reports

  08-04-2025 21:13 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas -- The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported 505 cases in the ongoing measles outbreak as of Tuesday, April 8. Second child passes away from measles in LubbockDSHS said 57 patients were hospitalized. EverythingLubbock.com reported on Sunday that a second child, an 8-year-old girl, passed away due to measles at a Lubbock hospital. The first death was reported in late February. Both children were unvaccinated and did not have known underlying health issues, accor
  
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• Boris Johnson pecked by ostrich

  08-04-2025 21:10 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) -- Boris Johnson had a fowl run-in at a wildlife park, with video posted online Sunday showing a feisty ostrich nipping at the former British prime minister's arm during a sightseeing excursion."Ow!" Johnson exclaimed while recoiling, seemingly followed by inaudible expletives.His wife, Carrie Johnson, posted the clip to her personal Instagram feed on Monday with the caption “Too funny not to share” and a crying-laughing emoji.During the encounter, Johnson's son, Wilfred,
  
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• At least 58 dead, 160 injured in after nightclub roof collapses in the Dominican Republic

  08-04-2025 21:07 via kxan.com
  
  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — At least 58 people died and 160 others were injured in the Dominican capital early Tuesday when the roof collapsed at an iconic nightclub where politicians, athletes and others were attending a merengue concert, authorities said.Crews were searching for potential survivors in the rubble at the one-story Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, said Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations.“We presume that many of th
  
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• At least 44 dead, 160 injured in after nightclub roof collapses in the Dominican Republic

  08-04-2025 21:07 via kxan.com
  
  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — At least 44 people died and 160 others were injured in the Dominican capital early Tuesday when the roof collapsed at an iconic nightclub where politicians, athletes and others were attending a merengue concert, authorities said.Crews were searching for potential survivors in the rubble at the one-story Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, said Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations.“We presume that many of th
  
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• Hays County voters to consider $1.6 billion worth of bond packages across 3 school districts

  08-04-2025 20:27 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – Booming Hays County has elections on May 3 for three independent school districts to support current and future growth. The bond packages for Hays CISD, Dripping Springs ISD, and Wimberley ISD add up to $1.6 billion combined. Hays CISDHays CISD voters will consider the largest of the three bond packages in the county. Voters are being asked to approve a $968.35 bond package to support the anticipated growth of Hays County’s biggest school district.Dis
  
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• 5 extinct species we hope science never brings back

  08-04-2025 20:10 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — This week, a Texas-based biosciences company, which aims to "de-extinct" animal species of the past (and ones that will go extinct in the future), said it managed to engineer three dire wolves — which have been extinct for over 10,000 years.Though Colossal Biosciences has described the scientific feat as "bringing back the first animal from extinction," there are others in the community who disagree with the viability of the concept. This includes University of Buffalo bi
  
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• Texas senators consider $10,000 fine for superintendents who don’t report suspected sexual misconduct

  08-04-2025 19:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – At a Senate committee meeting on Tuesday, lawmakers showed bipartisan support for multiple bills that would increase penalties for school leaders who fail to report suspected sexual abuse and a bill sparked by a KXAN investigation, which would increase the Texas Education Agency’s authority to investigate school contractors accused of unlawful acts.During the public hearing, where multiple witnesses detailed their personal experiences with sexual misconduct on a schoo
  
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• Tesla creating 'ecological paradise' by Gigafactory

  08-04-2025 18:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Tesla has plans to create an "ecological paradise" by its Gigafactory (GFTX) in Travis County, according to a Tesla report provided to Travis County.Dubbed the "GFTX Riverfront," the area will consist of constructed treatment ponds, walking and biking trails, community engagement stations and more. This space aims to serve over 70,000 residents around GFTX, the documents said. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory plans major constructionThe report said 53 area
  
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• Funding now fully secured for construction of new Uvalde elementary school

  08-04-2025 18:30 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is KXAN's previous coverage of design renderings for Legacy Elementary School in Uvalde.UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) -- Nearly three years after the tragedy of the Uvalde school shooting, the community has reached a milestone in the process of moving forward.Leaders announced Tuesday morning the costs of the physical building and construction of the new elementary school are now fully funded. New Uvalde elementary school approved, construction planning beginsLegacy Element
  
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• Bats play an important role in Texas' ecosystem

  08-04-2025 17:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Did you know that the Mexican free-tailed bat is Texas' official flying mammal?These bats are beneficial to the state, helping with insect control and pollination. Bats pollinate through their elongated snouts and tongues. This helps them take on a collection of nectar. They get this nectar on their faces and bodies as they move from flower to flower. Find out what Texas plants bloom at nightRich Segal spoke Tuesday with Shannon Casey, who is the marketing and outreach specialis
  
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• Court to review Round Rock Juneteenth shooting case

  08-04-2025 17:05 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A Williamson County District Court will be reviewing the case of an 18-year-old man involved in a shooting that happened during a Juneteenth celebration in Round Rock last June at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.Keshawn Dixon was charged with two counts of murder and 13 counts of aggravated assault in the shooting that happened at Old Settlers Park on June 15, 2024, according to the Round Rock Police Department (RRPD). RRPD said the victims were innocent by
  
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• Court reviewing 18-year-old's case for deadly shooting during Juneteenth celebration

  08-04-2025 17:05 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A Williamson County District Court will be reviewing the case of an 18-year-old man involved in a shooting that happened during a Juneteenth celebration in Round Rock last June at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.Keshawn Dixon was charged with two counts of murder and 13 counts of aggravated assault in the shooting that happened at Old Settlers Park on June 15, 2024, according to the Round Rock Police Department (RRPD). RRPD said the victims were innocent by
  
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• Court review for Round Rock Juneteenth shooting case rescheduled to May

  08-04-2025 17:05 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A Williamson County District Court initially planned to review the case of an 18-year-old man involved in a shooting that happened during a Juneteenth celebration in Round Rock last June on Tuesday. The hearing is now rescheduled for May 27, 2025, at 1:30 PM.Keshawn Dixon was charged with two counts of murder and 13 counts of aggravated assault in the shooting that happened at Old Settlers Park on June 15, 2024, according to the Round Rock Police
  
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• US Army intensifies recruitment for new National Guard troops

  08-04-2025 16:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The U.S. Army is stepping up its recruiting efforts aimed at what it calls the new generation of prospective National Guard soldiers.The “Uncommon is Calling” campaign is made up of five films featuring real soldiers in emergency scenarios based on Army National Guard missions.“I didn't really see military in my future at first,” said Sergeant Claudia Napier, who joined the Tennessee Army National Guard as a military police officer.“After
  
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• LIVE: 'Blaze star' might go nova soon; what to expect

  08-04-2025 15:46 via kxan.com
  
  SPACE (KXAN) -- A rare nova could occur in the next few nights. Called T Coronae Borealis, the "Blaze Star" and "T CrB" by astronomers, the binary star system could produce an explosion visible to the naked eye.Located about 3,000 light years from Earth, the "Blaze Star" is actually two stars. One is a white dwarf star, dead and shriveled, about the size of Earth. The other is an ancient red giant star that's slowly being devoured by the smaller star.According to NASA, during a nova event, the w
  
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• 'Blaze star' might go nova soon; what to expect

  08-04-2025 15:46 via kxan.com
  
  SPACE (KXAN) -- A rare nova could occur in the next few nights. Called T Coronae Borealis, the "Blaze Star" and "T CrB" by astronomers, the binary star system could produce an explosion visible to the naked eye.Located about 3,000 light years from Earth, the "Blaze Star" is actually two stars. One is a white dwarf star, dead and shriveled, about the size of Earth. The other is an ancient red giant star that's slowly being devoured by the smaller star.According to NASA, during a nova event, the w
  
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• US withholding water from Mexico to address debt, official says

  08-04-2025 15:20 via kxan.com
  
  MERCEDES, Texas (Border Report) -- The United States is holding back water payments to Mexico in order to send a message, the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commissioner told Border Report.Teacher-turned-drug lord ‘La Tuta’ fighting extradition to US
  "The first action that the State Department has done is in denying water deliveries to Mexico in the Tijuana area," U.S. IBWC Commissioner Maria-Elena Giner told Border Report last week when she visited South Texas."We wanted to s
  
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• UT students reach across the aisle in an era of deep division

  08-04-2025 14:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As tempers flare over President Trump's flurry of executive actions and the Democratic Party's response, some University of Texas students are coming together to bridge partisan divides.The student organization Bridge Texas is bringing people together to debate the news of the day, as Atidna, another student organization, does the same for supporters of Israel and Palestinians.Both organizations have emerged against a backdrop of divisive politics and deep polarization throughou
  
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• LIVE: UT students reach across the aisle in an era of deep division

  08-04-2025 14:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As tempers flare over President Trump's flurry of executive actions and the Democratic Party's response, some University of Texas students are coming together to bridge partisan divides.The student organization Bridge Texas is bringing people together to debate the news of the day, as Atidna, another student organization, does the same for supporters of Israel and Palestinians.Both organizations have emerged against a backdrop of divisive politics and deep polarization throughou
  
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• Bill to repeal Texas’ ban on ‘homosexual conduct’ resurfaces in new session

  08-04-2025 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  Project Summary: In 2023, a fifth of the country’s state-level bills impacting the LGBTQ+ community were filed in Texas, according to a Human Rights Campaign analysis. Equality Texas tracked a record 141 such bills this year up from just 12 in 2015. Some policies passed and several others progressed substantially in the most recent legislative session. KXAN’s team of journalists – many LGBTQ+ staff members with unique, developed and inside perspectives providing nuance to our
  
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• I-35 in WilCo reopens after crash closes southbound lanes for hours overnight

  08-04-2025 07:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A crash in Williamson County at southbound Interstate 35 at Farm-to-Market Road 972 on Monday night resulted in all lanes being shut down for several hours overnight, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the call occurred at 10:42 p.m.TxDOT said in an updated social media post at 1:48 a.m. that all lanes were back open.
  KXAN has reached out to DPS and the Williamson County Sheriff's Office for more details.
  
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• Crash in Williamson County leaves all lanes closed, TxDOT says

  08-04-2025 07:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A crash in Williamson County at southbound Interstate 35 at Farm-to-Market Road 972 on Monday night resulted in all lanes being shut down, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the call occurred at 10:42 p.m.KXAN has reached out to DPS and the Williamson County Sheriff's Office for more details. We will update this story when and if more details are shared.
  
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• VIDEO: 6-year-old found wandering alone with dog in Florida; mom, 1 other charged

  08-04-2025 05:08 via kxan.com
  
  DELTONA, Fla. (WFLA) – A 6-year-old girl and her dog were found wandering alone on Friday afternoon in Deltona, Florida, according to the Volusia Sheriff's Office.Deputies responded to a call from a woman who said she saw the child walking around her front yard and then sitting down in her carport.The woman and a neighbor brought food, water and clean clothes for the girl after she said she was hot, thirsty and hungry, the sheriff's office said.
  When asked by deputies where her mom and dad
  
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• Senator says he was joking about using violence against journalists

  08-04-2025 04:35 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation) — Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., suggested in a video posted this weekend that a lot "less false stories" would be written by journalists if they got into physical altercations with politicians.Mullin later said he was joking after The Oklahoman wrote a story about his remarks.
  "Thanks for watching my videos. Imagine being a newspaper *this* out of touch with Oklahoma," he wrote on X, sharing a picture of a map of the state with every county shaded red. What is ‘Black M
  
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• Man killed in downtown Austin shooting, person of interest in custody

  08-04-2025 04:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One man is dead after a shooting in downtown Austin on Monday evening, according to the Austin Police Department. The incident took place near the intersection of Third Street and Nueces Street.
  APD's Leah Ratliff said the call came in just before 7:30 p.m., with officers arriving one minute after the initial call.
  When officers arrived, they found a man with "obvious signs of trauma", according to authorities.Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) attempted to perform life-saving me
  
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• 'Brief exchange' led to deadly downtown Austin shooting, APD says

  08-04-2025 04:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police said a 16-year-old was arrested after a deadly shooting in downtown Austin on Monday night, the Austin Police Department said. The incident happened near the intersection of Third Street and Nueces Street.APD said Tuesday the motive for the shooting is "unknown," and investigators believe there was only a "brief exchange" between the victim and the suspect before the shooting.When officers arrived at the scene around 7:30 p.m. Monday, police found a man in his
  
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• APD: Man killed in downtown Austin shooting, person of interest in custody

  08-04-2025 04:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One man is dead after a shooting in downtown Austin on Monday evening, the Austin Police Department said during a media briefing. The incident happened near the intersection of Third Street and Nueces Street.APD's Public Information Officer Leah Ratliff said the call came in just before 7:30 p.m., with officers arriving one minute after the initial call.When officers arrived, they found a man with "obvious signs of trauma," according to authorities. Austin-Travis County EMS (ATC
  
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• APD conducting death investigation in downtown Austin

  08-04-2025 04:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department on Monday evening said it was actively conducting a death investigation in downtown Austin, according to a social media post.
  The investigation was being conducted near the intersection of Third Street and Nueces Street, according to police.
  While it was not immediately clear what happened leading to the investigation, Austin-Travis County EMS told KXAN's Grace Reader that the agency responded to a call for a gunshot wound.“ATCEMS Medics transp
  
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• Idaho mom who killed 2 of her kids goes on trial over husband's death

  08-04-2025 04:21 via kxan.com
  
  PHOENIX (AP) — Lori Vallow Daybell, who was convicted of killing her two youngest children and conspiring to murder a romantic rival, is on trial again Monday. This time, she's accused in Arizona of conspiring to murder her estranged husband.In opening statements the prosecution said that Vallow Daybell conspired with brother Alex Cox to kill Charles Vallow and cash in on a life insurance policy, while espousing the belief that Charles was possessed by an evil spirit.The case has draw
  
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• China threatens countermeasures after Trump threatens additional 50% tariff

  08-04-2025 04:08 via kxan.com
  
  BEIJING (AP) — China threatened Tuesday to take countermeasures against the United States "to safeguard its own rights and interests” in response to President Donald Trump’s threat of an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports.The Commerce Ministry statement said the U.S.‘s imposition of “so-called ‘reciprocal tariffs’” on China is “completely groundless and is a typical unilateral bullying practice.”China has taken retaliatory tariffs
  
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• 'A revolutionary milestone': Colossal Biosciences announces de-extinction of the dire wolves

  08-04-2025 03:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Dire wolves are back from the dead after Dallas-based company, Colossal Biosciences, effectively performed the world's first de-extinction.The company brought back a species of wolf that roamed the earth more than 12,000 years ago with a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull, which rebirthed the wolves, according to a news release from Colossal Biosciences.Picture of Colossal’s Dire Wolves; Romulus and Remus at age one months. Born 10/1/2024 (Courtesy: Colossal
  
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• Burrows, House honor swearing in of 'DJ' Daniel at Texas Capitol

  08-04-2025 02:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Monday, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Texas House Representatives honored Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel at the Texas Capitol as part of "DJ Daniel Day."DJ is a 13-year-old Texan battling brain cancer and had a dream of one day becoming a police officer.
  He has now been sworn in by over 900 law enforcement agencies across Texas and the nation, according to the press release.Texas House of Representatives honor Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, a 13-year-old Texan
  
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• Dylan Volantis named SEC freshman of the year for 2nd time in 3 weeks

  08-04-2025 01:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas freshman Dylan Volantis has emerged as one of the key pieces in the Longhorns' bullpen this season, and the Southeastern Conference knows it.For the second time in the last three weeks, Volantis picked up SEC freshman of the week honors after he helped shut down one of the most prolific offenses in college baseball, the Georgia Bulldogs. Volantis was honored as freshman of the week March 24 as well. Texas baseball moves near the top of latest Top 25 pollVolantis picke
  
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• Gov. Abbott announces special election for Sylvester Turner's seat

  08-04-2025 01:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A date is now set to fill the seat after the late Congressman Sylvester Turner died last month, and Gov. Greg Abbott proclaimed it will be held Nov. 4.Abbott missed the state’s deadline for hosting the special election during the May 3 election.This comes after U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffires, D-New York, told reporters during a press conference last week that House Democrats would likely sue Abbott over not holding a special election for House Distric
  
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• Future of THC up in the air at Texas Capitol as store owners call for regulation over bans

  08-04-2025 01:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Members of the Texas House Committee on State Affairs listened to hours of public testimony over the future of THC as lawmakers decide if the hemp-made products will be completely banned or regulated.
  As of 5 p.m. Monday, lawmakers were still listening to members of the public about House Bill 28, which would ban all THC consumables, like vapes and edibles, but would regulate THC-infused drinkables. Texas Rep. Ken King, R - Canadian, filed the bill. Also scheduled for testimo
  
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• Atomic age goes smaller: Austin company unveils next-generation nuclear power plant

  08-04-2025 01:00 via kxan.com
  
  Project Summary: This story is supported by the Pulitzer Center and is part of the “Texas Energy Crossroads” project, a partnership between The Hill and Nexstar Texas stations examining the oil and gas industry and the politics surrounding it following President Trump’s second inauguration.`; $("header.article-header").prepend(cat4markup); const socialIcons = document.querySelectorAll("span.social-share__icon > svg > path");socialIcons.
  
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• 'Delete, delete, delete.' How you can weigh in on FCC's regulations

  08-04-2025 00:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Federal Communications Commission is asking Americans to weigh in on regulations, helping it determine what to keep, revise or eliminate.FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the "Delete Delete Delete" initiative last month. According to the public notice, people have until April 11 to provide their comments.The FCC regulates "interstate and international communications through cable, radio, television, satellite and wire," according to its website. Those regulations appl
  
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