Austin news

• Eanes ISD applying to program to increase teacher pay

  18-04-2025 23:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Eanes Independent School District is looking into ways to reward teachers who are going above and beyond in the classroom through the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Teacher Incentive Allotment program."It does help reward teachers for the very hard work that we know they do every day in our classroom," said Eanes ISD Superintendent Jeff Arnett. Jarrell ISD teachers awarded thousands for top performanceThis week the district applied for the program.If approved, districts can i
  
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• ATCEMS responding to vehicle, motorcycle crash in southeast Travis County

  18-04-2025 22:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) is responding to a crash between a vehicle and a motorcycle in southeast Travis County on Friday.
  The agency said on social media it responded to the intersection of E Highway 71 and Wolf Lane around 1:50 p.m.ATCEMS medics reported CPR was in progress for one adult.Drivers should expect traffic delays in the area and seek alternate routes. No other details were available Friday.
  
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• Austin-Travis EMS temporary pilot program could free up ambulances

  18-04-2025 21:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a document obtained by KXAN, Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said that the agency continues "to innovate and challenge the status quo of EMS deployment" but that its current mode of operations are "not sustainable.""The department has become increasingly dependent on the use of overtime, on-call pay, and calling employees into work on their days off. As the department approaches full staffing, this model is not sustainable," he wrote.
  Luckritz explained in
  
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• APD seeks public help finding suspect connected to April 2 robbery

  18-04-2025 21:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is seeking public help to find a suspect wanted in connection with a robbery that happened earlier this month in southeast Austin.Shortly before 3 a.m. on April 2, APD said a suspect "aggressively attacked the victim, knocked her to the ground, and hit her several times before he stole her property" in the 3100 block of East Highway 71 service road eastbound.APD described the suspect as a Black man, who is approximately 40 years old, 5 feet 7 inches
  
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• The 'best' and 'worst' Texas cities for Easter celebrations, data shows

  18-04-2025 21:31 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — This weekend, millions of Americans will observe the Christian holiday of Easter — and though eggs might be more expensive this year, the celebrations will go on, regardless. But depending where in Texas you're located, your Easter celebration could either be a spring fling or a bunny hop flop.Recently, WalletHub analyzed the 100 largest U.S. cities across 11 different metrics to determine how ideal they were for Easter festivities. Cities were ranked on a 100-point scale
  
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• UT Austin Professor: US tariffs, threats 'absolutely' set up China for regional trade takeover

  18-04-2025 20:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On again, off again tariffs have been one of President Donald Trump's primary tools of international and domestic economic policy, with the stated means of bringing other countries to negotiations and putting tension on the manufacturing sector.The President announced his tariff plan on April 2, placing "reciprocal" tariffs on most U.S. trading partners. That followed other tariffs brought against Canadian, Mexican and Chinese imports to the US.Jeremi Suri, a public affairs
  
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• Why Austin will spend $80k to remove newly installed bike lanes

  18-04-2025 20:06 via kxan.com
  
  Austin (KXAN) -- The City of Austin is about to spend $80,000 to remove bike lanes installed six months ago because of the volume of complaints from Southwest Austin neighbors.But not every neighbor is against the new bike lanes."Since their installation, we started riding every single day to school," said Circle C Resident Greg Klipp.Greg Klipp has two students at Mills Elementary who will eventually go to Gorzycki Middle School. Those two schools were recently chosen for improvements by the ci
  
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• Austin police affidavit describes accused bombmaker's 'science experiments'

  18-04-2025 19:45 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above is a press conference related to the explosives found and detonated in a South Austin home.AUSTIN (KXAN) — In an arrest affidavit, an Austin Police Department detective claims a man who previously made explosives allegedly manufactured more while out on parole.The affidavit, filed Thursday with the Travis County District Court, describes APD officers finding alleged homemade explosives in a south Austin home and the bomb squad's decision to detonate some of t
  
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• Fire marshal reveals cause of northwest Austin house explosion

  18-04-2025 19:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A "substantial" propane gas leak led to a powerful explosion earlier this week that injured six people, destroyed a recently finished northwest Austin home and damaged others nearby, according to the Travis County Fire Marshal's OfficeThe explosion at 11:23 a.m. Sunday in the 10400 block of Double Spur Loop in Austin was heard as far as Cedar Park, Leander, Pflugerville and Georgetown. The Austin Fire Department said that day that 24 homes in the area also reported damage.
  
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• Homicide investigation: Police identify man reported 'face down' below bridge

  18-04-2025 18:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Monday, the Austin Police Department identified the man following his body being found below a bridge in east Austin Friday. Police said they were investigating his death as a homicide.In a news release Monday, police identified the victim as Angel Santos-Martinez. Detectives believe Martinez was in his early 20s.APD responded to the 2900 block of Lovell Drive, which is just northeast of the Morris Williams Golf Course, at 9:50 a.m. after someone who was walking their do
  
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• Homicide investigation: Person walking dog called APD reporting man 'face down' below bridge

  18-04-2025 18:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said it's investigating the shooting death of a man below a bridge in east Austin late Friday morning as a homicide.APD responded to the 2900 block of Lovell Drive, which is just northeast of the Morris Williams Golf Course, at 9:50 a.m. after someone who was walking their dog nearby called 911 and reported seeing a man face down near a creek below a bridge.Corporal Jose Mendez provided as many details as he said was possible Friday afternoon, t
  
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• Death investigation: Person walking dog called APD reporting man 'face down' below bridge

  18-04-2025 18:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department responded to a scene in east Austin late Friday morning after reports of a deceased person.According to APD, the call was near the 2900 block of Lovell Drive.Corporal Jose Mendez provided as many details as possible Friday afternoon, though there weren't many to share as the investigation was only about two hours underway, he said.
  Mendez said APD responded to the area just after 10 a.m. after someone who was walking their dog nearby called 911
  
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• APD responds to reports of deceased person in east Austin

  18-04-2025 18:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said detectives were responding to a scene in east Austin after reports of a deceased person.According to APD, the call was near the 2900 block of Lovell Drive.Police are expected to hold a briefing at a later time.This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN for more details.
  
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• Tariffs and policies create new challenge for UT Austin's Longhorn Racing teams

  18-04-2025 16:34 via kxan.com
  
  Longhorn Racing team members add decals to their gas powered racer. (Eric Henrikson./KXAN)
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A University of Texas known for attracting students and finding them jobs is facing new challenges this year.
  "Given the current relationship with China, a lot of electronics products that we're trying to pull in, they can get more expensive. They get delayed," said Kellen Cao, Combustion Team Captain with Longhorn Racing.Longhorn Racing has operated since the 1980's, helping students bui
  
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• Longhorn Racing unveils next-gen vehicles designed by new generation of engineers

  18-04-2025 16:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- University of Texas students are designing the cars of the future. On Saturday, April 19, three models of vehicles will roll out to the public from the Longhorn Racing team.Three teams part of a student chapter of the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers and the American Solar Challenge based at UT Austin will compete to build three types of cars: a combustion engine, an electric and a solar-powered vehicle.The three vehicles will take part in several competitions, including
  
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• 'No one's done this before,' Texas beach volleyball in top 10 heading into final home tournament

  18-04-2025 16:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In its first official season, the University of Texas beach volleyball team has already defeated some of the sport's powerhouses. That includes No. 5 Florida State University, No. 2 Loyola Marymount University and No. 9 University of California.
  "I don't know how to explain it any better than it’s record-breaking and no one’s ever done this before," said Head Coach Stein Metzger, who comes to Texas from UCLA - the current No. 1 seed. ‘Tough and together’:
  
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• Algae popping up in waterways again; why it happens, how to protect yourself, pets from toxins

  18-04-2025 16:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Warmer weather in Central Texas usually means a few things: Bluebonnets start blooming, severe weather activity picks up, and algae pops up in waterways. If you're a fan of water-related activities, you should especially be aware of the latter of those Spring occurrences.While some algae contain toxins that are harmful to people, animals and the environment, not all algal blooms are toxic. A harmful algal bloom occurs in bodies of freshwater when Cyanobacteria, also called blue-
  
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• LIVE - Inside the Investigation: Texas DOGE wants audit, sanctions for Medicaid contractor accused of spying

  18-04-2025 15:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas lawmakers are calling for an immediate audit of a state Medicaid contractor that provides coverage for sick and disabled children -- after emails publicly revealed the company might have been spying on state lawmakers and private citizens. This week on Inside the Investigation, midday anchor and Investigative reporter Avery Travis explains the broader implications of the state’s investigation.Related reading:Insurance company accused of spying on customers, lawmakers
  
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• Inside the Investigation: Texas DOGE wants audit, sanctions for Medicaid contractor accused of spying

  18-04-2025 15:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas lawmakers are calling for an immediate audit of a state Medicaid contractor that provides coverage for sick and disabled children -- after emails publicly revealed the company might have been spying on state lawmakers and private citizens. This week on Inside the Investigation, midday anchor and Investigative reporter Avery Travis explains the broader implications of the state’s investigation.Related reading:Insurance company accused of spying on customers, lawmakers
  
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• Ending crashes, pedestrian deaths is the goal for construction on Burnet Road Corridor

  18-04-2025 15:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With construction bids on a segment of the Burnet Road Mobility Program opening in a few weeks, the City of Austin's already started advertising for the improvements it says will make the major road safer for drivers and pedestrians.The first phase of the program established a Corridor Mobility Plan for Burnet Road, it laid out that improvements would be made in several segments over several years.Construction bids will open May 8 for the C4 Segment of the Burnet Road Corri
  
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• Texas hemp farmers fear full THC ban would nip industry in the bud

  18-04-2025 15:07 via kxan.com
  
  (The Texas Tribune) -- Andrew Hill, who studied and farmed hemp in California before it was legal in Texas, was a keynote speaker at the state’s first-ever agricultural hemp expo in Dallas in 2019. Amid considerable hype and excitement that followed the recent federal legalization of hemp, Hill tried to warn farmers that the industry wasn’t as profitable as state officials and seed vendors were pitching.“There were guys running around telling farmers they could make $2,500 to $
  
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• Our wettest month: Will this May live up to the hype?

  18-04-2025 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- So far this spring has not brought the rains that our wettest season usually does.By the mid-point of meteorological spring on April 15 we already had a 2"+ rainfall deficit which continues to grow.Rain during the first half of springAt the same point our drought continues to expand with slight worsening in some of our eastern counties with the latest drought report.Drought reportWhile April looks set to end wetter-than-normal, it probably wouldn't be nearly enough to make a sig
  
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• Activists to 'resist' military presence on border with marches, public engagement

  18-04-2025 13:01 via kxan.com
  
  EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – Community activists are launching a public engagement campaign to counter what they perceive as the growing “militarization” of the Texas-Mexico border.It includes a two-week span of marches and community meetings called “Journeys of Resistance” in El Paso, Laredo, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Austin from May 3-17. A database to document abuse and demand accountability from government agencies also is in development.Border Report
  
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• Abrego Garcia's wife on domestic violence protective order: 'No one is perfect'

  18-04-2025 05:17 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — The wife of a Maryland man who the United States government mistakenly deported to a mega-prison in El Salvador stood in defense of her husband while acknowledging that she filed for a civil protective order four years ago. "After surviving domestic violence in a previous relationship, I acted out of caution following a disagreement with Kilmar by seeking a civil protective order, in case things escalated. Things did not escalate, and I decided not to follow through with
  
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• Video shows 'Call on Jesus' bus explode in ball of flames along Louisiana road

  18-04-2025 05:14 via kxan.com
  
  SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Authorities are investigating after a commuter bus wrapped with the message "Call on Jesus" caught fire Wednesday, sparking a massive explosion in North Shreveport, Louisiana.The Shreveport Fire Department (SFD) said the first call came in at 2:37 p.m., and, on arrival, responders found a Shreveport Area Transit System (SportTran) bus was actively burning, with a relief valve open and flames erupting from one of the vehicle’s compressed natural gas (CNG)
  
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• Reese Atwood blasts Texas' first walk-off grand slam in 7-3 win over LSU

  18-04-2025 05:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Reese Atwood's only hit of the game against Louisiana State on Thursday ended up in the Texas softball record book.She blasted the first walk-off grand slam in Longhorns softball history, lifting No. 3 Texas to a 7-3 victory over the No. 9 Tigers at McCombs Field. BASEBALL: Texas’ path to the top of the polls began at the top of the moundAtwood's line drive homer to win the game bounced off the graduate student apartments beyond the left field fence, almost 300 feet f
  
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• APD identifies victim in east Austin vehicle, motorcycle crash

  18-04-2025 05:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department identified the victim who died in a crash earlier this week that happened near Lady Bird Lake.The victim was identified as 34-year-old Cavione Marice Ranson, the agency said in a news release Thursday. One dead after crash involving moped, vehicle in east AustinThe crash happened around 5 p.m. Tuesday in the 500 block of Pleasant Valley Road in east Austin. Officers responded to the crash between a vehicle and a motorcycle. Police identified Ranson a
  
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• CCSO: Lockhart man arrested, accused of sexual performance of a child

  18-04-2025 04:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A man who was "recently employed as a volleyball coach" in Lockhart was arrested earlier this week after he was accused on a charge of sexual performance of a child, according to the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office.That man was identified as Aaron Aguilar, according to a news release from the agency.Aaron Aguilar (Photo: Caldwell County Sheriff's Office)The sheriff's office urged parents who had children coached by Aguilar to speak to them about "any inappropriate behavior."Inv
  
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• One of the Texas Longhorns' most prolific scorers in transferring with year of eligibility left

  18-04-2025 02:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With one year of eligibility left, Texas place kicker Bert Auburn is leaving the program.He announced on social media Thursday that he will enter the transfer portal, leaving behind one of the most prolific kicking careers by a Longhorn.Texas place kicker Bert Auburn (45) kicks a field goal to tie the game against Georgia during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore
  
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• Texas' path to the top of the polls began at the top of the mound

  18-04-2025 01:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns' ascent to the top of the national polls has undoubtedly been driven by their huge improvement on the mound from last year.
  With an ERA of 2.97, No. 2 in Division I, the Longhorns have combined it with steady offense to enter a three-game series with No. 8 Auburn atop the Southeastern Conference at 13-2 and 30-5 overall. Only Western Kentucky has a lower ERA (2.69) in top-flight college baseball. Texas Longhorns rise to top of D1Baseball.com Top 25AUSTIN
  
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• A bill targeting overpumping in Hays County progresses in the Texas legislature 

  18-04-2025 01:04 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) –  A bill seeking to charge water wholesalers per gallon of water pumped and curtail them from over-pumping in the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District passed in its committee and is on the Senate calendar for Tuesday. State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, filed Senate Bill 2660 in part to try to increase the revenue streaming into the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, which covers the western half of Hays County.  PREVIOUS: F
  
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• Suspect in explosive material case was on 'low supervision' according to TDCJ

  18-04-2025 00:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — During a press conference on Thursday, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis recapped a hectic 24 hoursinvolving a home where explosive material was found.
  "On Tuesday evening a call was received from a concerned citizen about potential bomb material inside a residence," Davis said.This call triggered a multi-agency investigation involving local and federal agencies and led to the arrest of a man previously convicted after an explosion at a Williamson County home."The suspect is 6
  
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• The Texas House passed school choice. What comes next?

  18-04-2025 00:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — On Thursday afternoon it was official, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are coming to Texas.
  "There being 86 ayes and 68 nays, SB 2 is finally passed," Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrows announced before a smattering of cheers rang through the chamber.
  While Texas Gov. Greg Abbott -- who allegedly threatened Republican members to vote for the bill -- eagerly awaits the final bill to reach his desk, there's still one final step in the Legislative process to close
  
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• Police seek public help finding suspect connected to Round Rock assault

  18-04-2025 00:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Round Rock Police Department is seeking public help to find a suspect wanted in connection with an assault that happened in January in Round Rock.RRPD said on social media that officers responded to the Main Street Bar, located at 101 E. Main St., for the assault on Jan. 24 around 2 a.m.According to police, a victim was in a verbal altercation with an unknown man outside the bar when the suspect walked up to the victim from behind and "struck him in the head-- commonly refer
  
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