Austin news

• How did each representative vote on education savings accounts?

  17-04-2025 23:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas House of Representatives gave final approval to Senate Bill 2 Thursday, the legislation that could create a universal education savings account program in Texas.The program would allow families to use taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition.The final vote was 86-61. All but two Republicans voted for the bill. Two others — Rep. Dade Phelan and Rep. Gary VanDeaver — joined all Democrats who were present to vote against. Three Democrats were ab
  
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• Austin FC takes on El Paso Locomotive FC in return to Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

  17-04-2025 23:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC's return to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup begins May 7 at Q2 Stadium against a Texas club from a different time zone.Verde and Black will host El Paso Locomotive FC in the Round of 32 at 7:30 p.m., marking the first team's return to the oldest ongoing soccer competition in the United States. Austin FC II competed in the U.S. Open Cup last season while the first team was in Leagues Cup. This season, however, only playoff teams from last season are in this year's Lea
  
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• APD hopeful about staffing despite audit claiming ineffective recruitment practices

  17-04-2025 23:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A city audit has called the Austin Police Department's recruitment process "not efficient," highlighting things like inconsistent data collection, a lack of a recruitment "pipeline" or recruitment and social media strategy.The police department had 330 vacancies as of January, and the audit said 41% of those positions had been open for more than a year.
  Still, Chief Lisa Davis has told KXAN things are going in the right direction and she expects vacancy rates to drop significant
  
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• 'Gut-wrenching': 152 dogs rescued from 'extremely poor' conditions in Utah home

  17-04-2025 22:28 via kxan.com
  
  OGDEN, Utah (KTVX) — Over 150 dogs were rescued from a home in Ogden, Utah, where they were reportedly living in "extremely poor and overcrowded" conditions, according to the Ogden Police Department.Lt. Will Farr with the Ogden Police Department said they responded to the home Tuesday after receiving a report of possible animal neglect. Upon arrival, the Ogden PD said officers rescued a total of 152 dogs. Lost toddler found miles from home by dog that guided him to safety, sheriff saysAll
  
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• Texas hospital brings prom to teen battling cancer making her dreams come true

  17-04-2025 22:18 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas – A Seagraves High School junior who thought she’d miss out on prom this year due to cancer treatment got the surprise of a lifetime when University Medical Center staff in Lubbock brought the celebration to the hospital.Jasmin Perez, 16, was diagnosed with cancer in early August. She’s spent much of her junior year in and out of treatment and thought prom wasn’t in the cards.“I just spent the night laughing with my friends,” Jasmin said.Thanks
  
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• Bill allowing grocery stores, gas stations to sell 'ready-to-drink' cocktails advances out of committee

  17-04-2025 22:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A bill in the Texas Senate to allow the sale of "ready-to-drink cocktails" (RTDs) at grocery and convenience stores passed a committee vote Wednesday.SB 2225 would allow stores that are licensed to sell beer and wine to apply for a certificate to sell liquor-based drinks. Those drinks would be limited to 17% alcohol by volume.Bill author Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-Fort Worth, wrote in her statement of intent that Texas' current alcohol laws, which allow the sale of beer and
  
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• Trump officials' defiance over Abrego Garcia's deportation is 'shocking,' appeals court says

  17-04-2025 22:09 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration’s claim that it can't do anything to free Kilmar Abrego Garcia from an El Salvador prison and return him to the U.S. “should be shocking,” a federal appeals court said Thursday in a scathing order.
  A three-judge panel from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously refused to suspend a judge's decision to order sworn testimony by Trump administration officials to determine if they complied with her instruction to facilitat
  
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• Wrong man, wrong bed, wrong treatment: Patient's death prompts medical board to discipline California doctor

  17-04-2025 22:04 via kxan.com
  
  BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – A California physician has been placed on five years’ probation by the state's medical board for administering a course of treatment to a patient that was intended for the patient in an adjacent hospital bed.
  His mistake led to the death of the patient who received the treatment in error.In September 2020, Dr. Rajeev Manu, a gastroenterologist with 50 years of experience in Bakersfield, California, ordered that unidentified “Patient 1,” a 67-y
  
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• High-tech advanced manufacturing center partners with ACC to unveil Tesla program

  17-04-2025 21:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A new high-tech manufacturing center completed construction in east Austin. The Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing (HICAM) is a 52,000-square-foot facility aimed at fostering modern innovation and increasing workforce development in manufacturing. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: High-tech advanced manufacturing center setting up in east AustinHICAM is the economic and workforce development nonprofit behind the project.
  The facility will serve as a co-working sp
  
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• Raccoon in San Marcos tests positive for rabies, residents urged to vaccinate pets

  17-04-2025 20:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A raccoon found in a San Marcos neighborhood on April 14 tested positive for rabies, according to the City of San Marcos.Rabies is a deadly virus that can infect mammals and is spread through an animal’s saliva.According to the city, the raccoon was found in Coers Circle, near Old Ranch Road 12 and Franklin Drive. It was then collected and sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory in Austin for testing. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detected
  
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• Raccoon in a San Marcos tests positive for rabies, residents urged to vaccinate pets

  17-04-2025 20:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A raccoon found in a San Marcos neighborhood on April 14 tested positive for rabies, according to the City of San Marcos.Rabies is a deadly virus that can infect mammals and is spread through an animal’s saliva.According to the city, the raccoon was found in Coers Circle, near Old Ranch Road 12 and Franklin Drive. It was then collected and sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory in Austin for testing. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detected
  
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• 'The consequences were dire': Republican lawmaker alludes to political pressure over school choice vote

  17-04-2025 20:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- A Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives explained to his constituents in a comment on a Facebook post that he voted to approve Senate Bill 2, the school choice bill, because all of his bills and appropriations were "at risk," echoing allegations made against the Governor Wednesday night.The bill would create a $1 billion program where families could apply to use taxpayer money to help pay for private school tuition and school supplies.
  Early Wednesday mornin
  
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• Construction officially starts on new Austin Convention Center

  17-04-2025 19:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Just weeks after South by Southwest ended, construction has already begun on the new Austin Convention Center. Austin leaders hosted an official event Thursday.
  "Today is the official closure of the Austin Convention Center. We are unveiling Unconventional ATX, which is the new Austin Convention Center project," said Trisha Tatro, director of the Austin Convention Center Department.The city of Austin first released renderings of the new space earlier this year. City leaders
  
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• Two dead, multiple people hospitalized after gunman opens fire at Florida State University

  17-04-2025 18:46 via kxan.com
  
  TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (NEXSTAR/WFLA) – At least two people have died and six people are hospitalized after a gunman, who is now in custody, opened fire at Florida State University Thursday, according to police.The two people who died were not students at the university, but the shooter is believed to be a 20-year-old student who is also the son of a local sheriff's deputy, according to Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil. The suspected shooter allegedly used his mother's service weapon in the shoo
  
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• Two dead and 6 injured in Florida State shooting; gunman is deputy's son, police say

  17-04-2025 18:46 via kxan.com
  
  TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (NEXSTAR/WFLA) – At least two people have died and six people are hospitalized after a gunman, who is now in custody, opened fire at Florida State University Thursday, according to police.The two people who died were not students at the university, but the shooter is believed to be a 20-year-old student named Phoenix Ikner, son of a local sheriff's deputy, according to Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil.Ikner allegedly used his mother's former service weapon in the shooting.
  
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• Suspect in custody after shooting at Florida State University leaves multiple injured

  17-04-2025 18:46 via kxan.com
  
  TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (NEXSTAR/WFLA) – Multiple people are hospitalized and a suspect is reportedly in custody following an active shooter alert at Florida State University.The emergency notification system for FSU had not indicated whether a suspect had been apprehended as of 2 p.m., but law enforcement sources for CNN and the Associated Press indicated that at least one suspect had been taken into custody. A Tallahassee Police spokesperson confirmed those reports, according to Nexstar's WFLA
  
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• Suspect in custody after shooting at Florida State University: AP

  17-04-2025 18:46 via kxan.com
  
  TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (NEXSTAR/WFLA) – Multiple people are hospitalized and a suspect is reportedly in custody following an active shooter alert at Florida State University.The emergency notification system for FSU had not indicated whether a suspect had been apprehended as of 2 p.m., but law enforcement sources for CNN and the Associated Press indicated that at least one suspect had been taken into custody.A local hospital also confirmed that at least six people had been hospitalized, with on
  
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• Active shooter reported at Florida State University; multiple hospitalized

  17-04-2025 18:46 via kxan.com
  
  TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – An active shooter was reported at Florida State University on Thursday. The reported shooter was located in the area of the Student Union, according to university police.Police said they had responded to the scene as of 12:20 p.m. ET. As of 12:39 p.m., those in the area were being told to "continue to shelter in place."
  People on the campus and in the immediate area were also being told to lock and stay away from all windows and doors, according to an alert issue
  
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• Active shooter reported at Florida State University

  17-04-2025 18:46 via kxan.com
  
  TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – An active shooter was reported at Florida State University on Thursday.The reported shooter was located in the area of Student Union, according to university police.Police said they had responded to the scene as of 12:20 p.m. ET. As of 12:39 p.m., those in the area were being told to "continue to shelter in place."
  People on the campus and in the immediate area were also being told to lock and stay away from all windows and doors, according to an alert issued by
  
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• Pflugerville man to appear on 'Wheel of Fortune'

  17-04-2025 17:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In one week from Wednesday, Central Texans will want to tune in to "Wheel of Fortune" right here on KXAN. One of the contestants who will step up and spin the iconic wheel is from right here in Central Texas.Before you watch him compete, we're giving you a chance to get to know him. Gregory Harrington joined our Will DuPree and Avery Travis to talk about how he's feeling about the episode of "Wheel of Fortune" airing April 23.Read a transcription of the interview below, or watch
  
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• Suspect in south Austin explosives incident was on parole for related charges: APD

  17-04-2025 17:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A Tuesday night 911 call from a concerned citizen reported possible explosives in a south Austin home, triggering a multi-agency investigation involving local and federal agencies. Previous: APD, ATF safely detonate explosives in south AustinAt a Thursday press conference, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said that APD's bomb squad was on the scene within a few hours. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
  
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• Live updates: City, APD to provide details on explosive detonation in south Austin

  17-04-2025 17:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- City of Austin leaders on Thursday are set to host an 11 a.m. press conference to provide an update on explosives detonated in the 2400 block of Vintage Stave Road in south Austin.The city emphasized that the incident was not related to the northwest Austin explosion on Sunday. They also said there was no current threat to the public.
  Speakers for the press conference will include city Mayor Kirk Watson and Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, according to a city press release. RELEV
  
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• LIVE: City, APD to provide details on explosive detonation in south Austin

  17-04-2025 17:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- City of Austin leaders on Thursday are set to host an 11 a.m. press conference to provide an update on explosives detonated in the 2400 block of Vintage Stave Road in south Austin.The city emphasized that the incident was not related to the northwest Austin explosion on Sunday. They also said there was no current threat to the public.
  Speakers for the press conference will include City Mayor Kirk Watson and Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, according to a city press release. RELEV
  
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• City, APD to provide details on explosive detonation in south Austin

  17-04-2025 17:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- City of Austin leaders on Thursday are set to host an 11 a.m. press conference to provide an update on explosives detonated in the 2400 block of Vintage Stave Road in south Austin.The city emphasized that the incident was not related to the northwest Austin explosion on Sunday. They also said there was no current threat to the public.
  Speakers for the press conference will include City Mayor Kirk Watson and Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, according to a city press release. RELEV
  
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• Reactions after Texas House passes education savings accounts program

  17-04-2025 15:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Shortly after 2:00 a.m. Thursday, the Texas House voted to approve its version of Senate Bill 2, otherwise known as the education savings accounts program. Texas House passes education savings accounts programSB2 allows families to use taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition. Read statements regarding the vote below, including ones provided by Texas officials, President Donald Trump and labor unions.Texas Governor Greg Abbott“For the first time in
  
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• Weekend Watch: Austin FC home game, UT Beach Volleyball, and Reggae Fest

  17-04-2025 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - This weekend is packed with things to do: Austin FC is playing at Q2 stadium, and UT Beach Volleyball wraps up its regular season again at three different schools. Plus, Reggae Festival returns and celebrates its 30th anniversary event.Weekend ForecastThis weekend may bring a few showers and thunderstorms. Rain chances start to ramp up at midday on Saturday, with storms possible all night long with a 40% chance. Sunday is when we expect more storms with a 50% chance. Keep your um
  
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• Texas beach volleyball star grateful for parents' perspective

  17-04-2025 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas native Maddison Parmelly spent her first four beach volleyball seasons at Florida Gulf Coast. Then, some pretty big news came her way courtesy of a parent."My dad calls me and is like, 'I told you Texas was going to have a beach team!'" Parmelly said. "And that was before I knew I was going to transfer." ‘Tough and together’: UT beach volleyball ready to create legacyParmelly ended up transferring to Texas and is a big part of the Longhorns' success as the
  
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• LIVE: Weekend Watch: Austin FC home game, UT Beach Volleyball, and Reggae Fest

  17-04-2025 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - This weekend is packed with things to do: Austin FC is playing at Q2 Stadium, and UT Beach Volleyball wraps up its regular season again at three different schools. Plus, Reggae Festival returns and celebrates its 30th anniversary event.Weekend ForecastThis weekend may bring a few showers and thunderstorms. Rain chances start to ramp up at midday on Saturday, with storms possible all night long with a 40% chance. Sunday is when we expect more storms with a 50% chance. Keep your um
  
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• How often should you replace your wiper blades?

  17-04-2025 14:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Replacing windshield wiper blades depends on a few factors, but most experts recommend replacing them within a certain timeframe.Meteorologist Tommy House sat down with Daniel Armbruster, who is a spokesperson for AAA Texas, to learn more about windshield wiper maintenance.Read an edited version of the conversation below or use the video player above to listen.House: How often should you replace your windshield wipers?Armbruster: AAA did a study a couple of years ago, and did yo
  
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• Lanes reopen after 2-vehicle crash on Highway 71

  17-04-2025 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Lake Travis Fire Rescue (LTFR) issued a traffic alert Thursday following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 71 heading east.According to Austin-Travis County EMS, six people were involved in the crash. Three people were ejected from their vehicle, and four people have been taken to the hospital related to the crash. Two people refused transport.Delays were expected in the area as first responders continued to work, but the highway was reopened by 10 a.m.According to LTFR, the c
  
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• 2-vehicle crash on Highway 71 closes eastbound lanes

  17-04-2025 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Lake Travis Fire Rescue (LTFR) issued a traffic alert Thursday following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 71 heading east.According to Austin-Travis County EMS, six people were involved in the crash. Three people were ejected from their vehicle, and four people have been taken to the hospital related to the crash. Two people refused transport.Delays are expected as first responders continue to work.According to LTFR, the crash occurred near the 15000 block of the highway, whi
  
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• 2-vecicle crash on Highway 71 closes eastbound lanes

  17-04-2025 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Lake Travis Fire Rescue (LTFR) issued a traffic alert Thursday following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 71 heading east.LTFR said six people have been taken to the hospital related to the crash, and delays are expected as first responders continue to work.According to LTFR, the crash occurred near the 15000 block of the highway, and the eastbound lanes were shut down while law enforcement complete the investigation. The westbound lanes of the highway are open.LTFR said law
  
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• Here's the staggering amount of money UT student athletes have made on NIL since 2021

  17-04-2025 14:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (ABJ) — From Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. to H-E-B LP to Wrangler, big brands are increasingly turning to University of Texas student athletes to hawk and promote their products.In fact, University of Texas student-athletes have already earned $17.6 million this school year, the highest single-season amount since they became eligible to profit off their name, image and likeness in 2021, according to data obtained by the Austin Business Jou
  
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• McDonald's teases Snack Wrap return date — sort of

  17-04-2025 05:13 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — McDonald's has finally teased a re-release date for a once-popular menu item. Kind of.In a relatively cryptic post to X on Tuesday, the fast-food chain announced the beloved Snack Wraps would return on the 14th. However, the company didn't reveal which month the fan-favorite item would return, just that it would be sometime this year.When fans started guessing release dates in the comments of McDonald's X post, the company only offered cheeky responses like, "I cannot
  
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• Handyman named person of interest after missing woman's body found buried in concrete

  17-04-2025 05:09 via kxan.com
  
  OLYMPIA, Wash. (WFLA) — A missing woman was found buried and partially encased in concrete more than a week after she went missing. Now, deputies are questioning her handyman for his possible role in her disappearance and death.The family of 82-year-old Marcia Norman last heard from her on April 1. Three days later, the Thurston County Sheriff's Office received a missing person report from Norman's family and launched an investigation.Officials described the state of Norman's home near Ten
  
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• Temu and Shein say they're raising prices due to tariffs

  17-04-2025 05:01 via kxan.com
  
  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — China-founded e-commerce sites Temu and Shein say they plan to raise prices for U.S. customers starting next week, a ripple effect from President Donald Trump's attempts to correct the trade imbalance between the world's two largest economies by imposing a sky-high tariff on goods shipped from China.Temu, which is owned by the Chinese e-commerce company PDD Holdings, and Shein, which is now based in Singapore, said in separate but nearly ide
  
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• Whooping cough case confirmed at Del Valle High School, APH says

  17-04-2025 04:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Public Health (APH) on Wednesday confirmed one case of whooping cough (pertussis) in a person who attends both Del Valle High School and Del Valle Early College High School. APH said it is currently seeing an uptick in whooping cough cases.APH said the schools have issued notification letters about the case and are actively monitoring the situation."Austin Public Health reminds residents that vaccination remains the best protection against serious illness. Seek medical ca
  
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• From Lollapalooza to Detention Camps: Meet the Tent Company Making a Fortune Off Trump’s Deportation Plans

  17-04-2025 03:52 via kxan.com
  
  (ProPublica) -- In June 2005, a former employee from the Federal Emergency Management Agency toured the grounds of the Bonnaroo music festival in rural Tennessee. He wasn’t there to see the headliners, which included Dave Matthews Band and the lead singer of the popular jam band Phish. He was there to meet the guys setting up the toilets for the throng of psychedelics-infused campers in attendance: Richard Stapleton, a construction industry veteran, and his business partner Robert Napior,
  
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• Central Texas Food Bank hit with $5.5M in federal funding cuts

  17-04-2025 02:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In early March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cut half a billion in funding for food purchasing programs. As a result, the Central Texas Food Bank said it will lose $5.5 million in funding for the upcoming fiscal year.The USDA cancelled 40 deliveries of food to their facility, which equals about 761,000 meals.Some Texas families impacted by SNAP cuts; food banks brace for direct hit'We're the front line for our families. So if we don't exist, our families don't eat."Sari Va
  
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• Texas to have sales tax holiday on emergency supplies from April 26-28

  17-04-2025 02:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the severe weather season quickly approaches, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar told Texans they will be able to purchase certain items tax free during the state's tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies.The holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on April 26 and will end at midnight on April 28, according to the press release.“While we can’t know in advance when the next fire, flood, tornado or hurricane may occur, we can make sure our families, homes and businesses
  
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• Pflugerville police investigating after 2 found dead in residence

  17-04-2025 01:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two people are dead, and the Pflugerville Police Department said it's investigating.According to police, the deaths happened at a residence on Noatak Trail in Pflugerville. Authorities said there was no threat to the public.Police said this was an "isolated family event," and the investigation remained ongoing. No other details were available Wednesday.
  
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• Samsung: Taylor plant still on schedule for 2026, no delays in development

  17-04-2025 00:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After news from a South Korean news outlet claimed Samsung's Taylor plant development was delayed, Samsung has rejected those claims.
  Samsung, in a statement to KXAN on Wednesday said, "The original article from the Korean 'The Elec' has since updated their article to correct the misinformation.  We still maintain the end of 2026 as our operational target."The city of Taylor added that the Samsung plant has been meeting its obligations under its economic development incenti
  
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• Texas DOGE considers bill to prohibit 'surveillance' by state contractors

  17-04-2025 00:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A committee of Texas lawmakers will consider prohibiting state contractors and vendors from conducting “unauthorized surveillance” of lawmakers, state employees or anyone raising concerns or complaints about state operations.House Bill 5061 also aims to prevent contractors from engaging in “intimidation, coercion, extortion, undue influence, or other similar conduct intended to influence, silence, or retaliate against” those people. The proposal explicitl
  
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