Austin news

• Matthew McConaughey and other stars testify in House Committee to bring films to Texas

  23-04-2025 23:07 via new%20york%20t
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) - Actor Matthew McConaughey has become a familiar face at the Texas Capitol. McConaughey previously spoke before state senators to push for film incentive legislation. On Wednesday, McConaughey and other actors brought their support to the House.The Texas House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism discussed a bill that would increase funding to bring film and television projects to the state. McConaughey and others supported the bill as it was considered in the Texas Sen
  
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• Uvalde leaders approve $2M for Robb Elementary families in first settlement over 2022 attack

  23-04-2025 22:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (AP) — City leaders in Uvalde, Texas, approved a $2 million settlement for families of the victims of the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting, marking the first time one of the myriad lawsuits has led to financial compensation.Attorneys for the families first announced the terms of the settlement with the city in May 2024, and it was approved by the Uvalde city council Tuesday night. Funding now fully secured for construction of new Uvalde elementary schoolThe settlement with
  
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• Texas efficiency act becomes law: How it's different from DOGE, Sunset Commission

  23-04-2025 19:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is signing a bill Wednesday creating a permanent office dedicated to government efficiency in Texas.Senate Bill 14, referred to as the Regulatory Reform and Efficiency Act, was passed on April 14 and authorized the creation of the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office.The newly formed office will be separate from the committee formed in the Texas House of Representatives in February, called the Delivery of Government Efficiency (Texas DOGE) committee.While th
  
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• 'DOGE, Texas style': How new efficiency law is different from DOGE, Sunset Commission

  23-04-2025 19:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill Wednesday creating a permanent office dedicated to government efficiency in Texas.Senate Bill 14, referred to as the Regulatory Reform and Efficiency Act, was passed on April 14 and authorized the creation of the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office.The newly formed office will be separate from the committee formed in the Texas House of Representatives in February, called the Delivery of Government Efficiency (Texas DOGE) committee.While the sp
  
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• New aviation technology center to be led by the Texas A&M University System

  23-04-2025 18:55 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. (KXAN) — The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) will serve as the operating agency to initiate and manage the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT).U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) made the announcement today.“Texas is the perfect place for our new Center for Advanced Technologies. Under Senator Cruz’s leadership, the state has already established itself as
  
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• Police arrest an Austin mortuary owner accused of 'experimenting' on corpses

  23-04-2025 18:22 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: This story contains details related to mutilated corpses.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Police have arrested a woman investigators believe forged death certificates and cut limbs off of corpses to conduct embalming-related experiments.The suspect, Adeline Ngan-Binh Bui, 50, is charged with Abuse of Corpse Without Legal Authority and Tampering with Government Records. According to online court records, she is out on bond. Police say she turned herself in to the Travis County Jail on April 18."T
  
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• Austin mortuary owner arrested, accused of 'experimenting' on corpses

  23-04-2025 18:22 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: This story contains details related to mutilated corpses.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Police have arrested a woman investigators believe forged death certificates and cut limbs off of corpses to conduct embalming-related experiments.The suspect, Adeline Ngan-Binh Bui, 50, is charged with Abuse of Corpse Without Legal Authority and Tampering with Government Records. According to online court records, she is out on bond. Police say she turned herself in to the Travis County Jail on April 18."T
  
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• Austin mortuary employee arrested, accused of 'experimenting' on corpses

  23-04-2025 18:22 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: This story contains details related to mutilated corpses.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Police have arrested a woman investigators believe forged death certificates and cut limbs off of corpses to conduct embalming-related experiments.The suspect, Adeline Ngan-Binh Bui, 50, is charged with Abuse of Corpse Without Legal Authority and Tampering with Government Records. According to online court records, she is out on bond.
  "This case involves complexities that are not immediately apparent and sh
  
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• LIVE: Kristen's Classroom: Lightning truths vs. tales

  23-04-2025 15:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)—Lightning, it's one of the most underrated threats during severe weather season, and the frequency with which it is overlooked often results in grave injury to those who ignore it.Lightning factsPeople often think that lightning is attracted to metal objects, when in reality, lightning is attracted to height. That's often telephone poles, trees, tops of buildings, antennas, etc.Another common misconception is rubber tires of a vehicle can protect you from lightning. Unfortuna
  
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• Kristen's Classroom: Lightning truths vs. tales

  23-04-2025 15:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)—Lightning, it's one of the most underrated threats during severe weather season, and the frequency with which it is overlooked often results in grave injury to those who ignore it.Lightning factsPeople often think that lightning is attracted to metal objects, when in reality, lightning is attracted to height. That's often telephone poles, trees, tops of buildings, antennas, etc.Another common misconception is rubber tires of a vehicle can protect you from lightning. Unfortuna
  
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• Do cedar trees have more rights than homeowners? Texas lawmakers pushes new bills to remove protections

  23-04-2025 15:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas lawmakers are taking on cedar allergies during the 89th legislative session. Two bills, House Bill 3798 and Senate Bill 1927, aim to prevent a city from prohibiting the removal of an Ashe Juniper tree.MITSUSE, JAPAN - MARCH 02: Pollen spread from cedar trees on March 2, 1999, in Mitsuse, Saga, Japan. (Photo by The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images)
  "It's these liberal urban communities, like the city of Austin, who are trying to put cedar trees over private property rights an
  
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• Cedar trees might be easier to remove because of Texas law

  23-04-2025 15:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas lawmakers are taking on cedar allergies during the 89th legislative session. Two bills, House Bill 3798 and Senate Bill 1927, aim to prevent a city from prohibiting the removal of an Ashe Juniper tree.MITSUSE, JAPAN - MARCH 02: Pollen spread from cedar trees on March 2, 1999, in Mitsuse, Saga, Japan. (Photo by The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images)
  Ashe Junipers are found throughout Texas. Sometimes called Mountain Cedar, these trees are responsible for one of the state's mos
  
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• GPD: 3 injured in crash involving 18-wheeler on I-35

  23-04-2025 14:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Three people were injured after a crash involving an 18-wheeler and six other vehicles Wednesday morning in Georgetown, according to the Georgetown Police Department.According to GPD, the crash occurred on southbound Interstate 35 near the 257-mile marker near Southeast Inner Loop.Of the three people injured in the crash, police said two of them "have serious injuries." They were all transported to area hospitals, according to GPD.Shortly before 2 p.m., officials said on so
  
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• Georgetown Police respond to 18-wheeler crash on I-35

  23-04-2025 14:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Georgetown Police Department said first responders were working a crash involving an 18-wheeler and six other vehicles Wednesday morning.According to GPD, the crash occurred on southbound Interstate 35 near the 257-mile marker near Southeast Inner Loop.“All southbound lanes are closed at this time,” police said.Authorities said drivers should seek an alternate route.“We do not currently have an ETA for the roadway being cleared,” police said.
  
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• PHOTOS: Severe weather brings hail to Central Texas

  23-04-2025 13:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As severe weather moved through Central Texas overnight, some parts received substantial hail.KXAN Meteorologist Kristen Currie said there was only one severe storm last night, which impacted Williamson County.Here's a look at some hail photos sent in by KXAN viewers.4-22-25 | Hail in SE Georgetown (Credit: Holly B.)4-22-25 | Hail in Georgetown (Credit: Suzanne Bacci)4-22-25 | Hail in SE Georgetown (Credit: Holly B.)4-22-25 | Hail in Georgetown (Credit: Steven Hook)4-22-25
  
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• Travis County, DEA team up for drug take back event

  23-04-2025 13:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County said it would partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration, or DEA, on April 26 to collect expired, unused or unwanted over-the-counter and prescription drugs.According to the county, the effort was in partnership with National Take Back Day, which “allows residents to safely remove unneeded medications from their homes, which helps prevent drug misuse and reduces the risk of addiction.”Residents can drop off medications at any of the five Trav
  
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• Bill would standardize food truck operations, inspections statewide

  23-04-2025 13:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A rally is planned at the Texas Capitol Wednesday to support a bill that proposes a unified permit system for food trucks across Texas.House Bill 2683 aims to simplify operations for food truck owners by eliminating the need for multiple permits and inspections across different cities and counties.
  Currently, food truck operators face varying regulations depending on their location, which can complicate business operations.Operating a food truck in Texas currently requires sever
  
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• Unseasonably warm temperatures continue for several days

  23-04-2025 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The morning is overcast with areas of fog.CENTRAL TEXAS RAINFALL TOTALSClouds will slowly clear during the afternoon. There will be a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms moving in from the southeast. They'll travel to the northwest. Brief periods of heavy rain, along with dangerous lightning, will be possible like some of the area has seen in the past few days.Th
  
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• Some showers and storms, hot and humid weekend

  23-04-2025 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A few isolated showers and thunderstorms may briefly disrupt evening plans. Temperatures are warm in the 70s and 80s, with excessive humidity. Rain chances will drop to 10% overnight, with low temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s. Some patchy fog may reduce visibility late tonight.
  A few more showers are possible tomorrow, with high temperatures in the mid to up
  
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• Severe t-storm watch for northern counties until 8 pm

  23-04-2025 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As storms start arriving from northwest to southeast a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Burnet, Williamson, Lee and Milam Counties until 8 p.m.Severe Thunderstorm WatchThe main threats will be for damaging wind and large hail, but locally heavy rain may lead to some flooding in spots.Rain and storm coverage gradually rises late afternoon and into the eve
  
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• Scattered showers fading, but more possible Friday

  23-04-2025 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Scattered storms and showers continue to move through the area, but they've really struggled to strengthen even close to severe limits.A Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued by the National Weather Service has been cancelled early as storms failed to reach severe weather criteria.Rain coverage won't bring everyone rain, but roughly a third of the area could see rain this
  
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• Rounds of showers and storms this afternoon

  23-04-2025 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- While it's challenging to pinpoint the exact location, scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely to impact afternoon and evening plans in Central Texas.
  These storms will likely be non-severe. However, localized flooding, numerous lightning strikes, and small hail are possible.
  High temperatures this afternoon will be in the mid 80s, with a mix of clouds and sun
  
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• Off and on showers continue through the weekend

  23-04-2025 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Clouds continue to build this evening with a few isolated showers.Scattered showers and thunderstorms return in the late evening hours, bumping rain chances up to 40%. We are currently within the general thunderstorm category with a slim chance of severe weather.This weather pattern of scattered thunderstorms will continue through the rest of the work week, with high
  
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• Conditional round of storms this evening

  23-04-2025 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Although hard to pinpoint exactly when and where, storm chances are likely to return later today... if, and only if, storms to our north hold together long enough.A few isolated storms will continue clearing the northwest Hill Country this morning. We're likely to stay fairly quiet through the first half of today, with any storm action holding off until this afternoo
  
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• A few thunderstorms continue through the work week

  23-04-2025 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A linear structure of heavy rain and thunderstorms swept through Central Texas earlier this morning, bringing localized flooding and numerous lightning strikes. Local rain gauges recorded up to 2"+ of liquid gold.
  Clouds will continue to dissipate through the late morning hours, with rain chances dropping to near 10%. High temperatures this afternoon will be in the m
  
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• A few more storms on Friday before a mostly dry weekend

  23-04-2025 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Scattered showers and storms are generally done for the rest of the night. Only a low (10%) rain chance continues through early Friday morning. Otherwise plan on mostly cloudy skies with generally dry weather the rest of the night.Tonight's forecastFriday's forecastFriday's rain coverage looks more limited with only very isolated showers in the morning and only widel
  
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• A few more isolated storms ahead of hot, humid weekend

  23-04-2025 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We start our Friday with dense fog and overcast skies in many parts of Central Texas. CENTRAL TEXAS RAINFALL TOTALSClouds will slowly clear during the afternoon. There will be a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms moving in from the southeast. They'll travel to the northwest. Brief periods of heavy rain, along with dangerous lightning, will be possible like some
  
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• A couple more rounds of storms this week

  23-04-2025 11:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows the latest forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After a healthy drink of water this morning, we now wait for our next round of storms expected as early as this afternoon.Morning storms and showers will continue to push east and are expected to be east of our area just after sunrise. It'll take a little while for our atmosphere to regroup and recover... but we could see a few isolated storms pop up by late afternoo
  
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• FDA hiring contractors to replace terminated safety inspection staffers

  23-04-2025 05:43 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — When Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced sweeping job cuts at his department last month, he said that safety inspectors who oversee U.S. foods and drugs wouldn't be impacted.Those employees remain at the Food and Drug Administration, but dozens of others who supported their work are gone. The departed staffers include people who booked complex international trips to remote Indian pharmaceutical plants, lab scientists wh
  
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• Will your student loans be sent to collection? What to know about Education Department changes

  23-04-2025 05:34 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — If you haven’t been making payments on your federal student loans, you could soon find yourself sent to collection with your wages garnished following the return of a Department of Education program. The department announced Monday that it would restart collections in two weeks, on May 5, a process that has been on hold since the start of the COVID pandemic. While the Education Department has warned that defaulted borrowers could be sent to collections, it has offere
  
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• Former child actress Sophie Nyweide dies at 24

  23-04-2025 05:26 via kxan.com
  
  (KTLA) – Former child actress Sophie Nyweide, who starred in films like "Mammoth" and "An Invisible Sign," has passed away. She was 24 years old.Nyweide's cause of death was not clear Tuesday; her mother told TMZ that autopsy results are still pending.In an online obituary, Nyweide was described as "creative, athletic and wise" person who was beloved by friends and family. Nyweide died April 14, according to the obit.
  The tribute also added that the 24-year-old had been dealing with unspec
  
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• APD searching for suspects connected with north Austin grocery store robbery

  23-04-2025 05:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department said on Tuesday it was requesting the public's help to identify three suspects connected with an Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon at a north Austin grocery store located at 8237 Research Boulevard.APD said the robbery occurred on April 9 just before 10 p.m.
  The suspects were all armed with handguns when they entered the grocery store and forced victims to the ground, according to authorities. One of the suspects then forced a victim to the cas
  
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• CapMetro approves big changes to bike share fares, student discount

  23-04-2025 04:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – CapMetro, Austin's public transit authority, announced big changes to its fare structure for the city bike share on Wednesday.CapMetro previously offered different payment options for residents including pay-as-you-ride, a one-day pass, a 31-day pass, an annual pass, and a student discount exclusive to the University of Texas. Under the new structure, the bike share will retain all previous payment options, but with lower up-front fares and included ride times cut from 60 t
  
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• TCSO: Gas leak in Pflugerville leads to road closure

  23-04-2025 01:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A gas leak in Pflugerville on Tuesday evening has resulted in a road closure near the intersection of Dessau Road and Wells Branch Parkway, according to the Travis County Sheriff's Office.TCSO said Immanuel Road at Magic Hill Drive to Immanuel Road at Rendova Lane has been closed and there is no estimated time for its reopening.
  A utility company is currently at the scene working to resolve the issue, according to authorities.
  This is a developing story. Check back with KXAN.com
  
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• Steve Sarkisian weighs in on former Longhorns expected to be picked in 2025 NFL Draft

  23-04-2025 01:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In two days, dreams could come true for former Texas Longhorns hoping to hear their name called in the 2025 NFL draft.The Longhorns had 11 players drafted in 2024 and could see as many as 14 this year, which would be a school record. Something head coach Steve Sarkisian seems to be proud of."I tell these guys when we're recruiting them, this is one of the few times in high school where you get to choose where you get to go to school," Sarkisian said Tuesday. "This is a diff
  
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• Steve Sarkisian weighs in on former Longhorns expected be picked in 2025 NFL Draft

  23-04-2025 01:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In two days, dreams could come true for former Texas Longhorns hoping to hear their name called in the 2025 NFL draft.The Longhorns had 11 players drafted in 2024 and could see as many as 14 this year, which would be a school record. Something head coach Steve Sarkisian seems to be proud of."I tell these guys when we're recruiting them, this is one of the few times in high school where you get to choose where you get to go to school," Sarkisian said Tuesday. "This is a diff
  
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• Texas legislature looks to help rural hospitals struggling to stay open

  23-04-2025 00:55 via kxan.com
  
  LA GRANGE, Texas (Nexstar) -- Right on Highway 77, a few miles from downtown La Grange, sits a hospital that once provided emergency services and orthopedic surgery. Now, the St. Mark's Medical Center is an empty building with a sign on the front door that reads, "Sorry, we're closed."The hospital closed in October 2023 because of “ongoing inability to meet its financial obligations,” according to a news release that announced the closure.
  St. Mark's was the only hospital in Fayette
  
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• State secures more than 3,000 acres for new park in Central Texas

  23-04-2025 00:55 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The photo featured in this story shows the existing Colorado Bend State Park, which is located across the river from the planned state park.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said on Monday it finalized the second phase of purchases that included 1,100 acres in Lampasas and Burnet counties, according to a news release.In January, Texas initially purchased a 2,020-acre property from Burnet County for the park. With this purchase, the new state park will now be
  
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• Man charged with impersonating officer, using stun gun on people in downtown Austin

  23-04-2025 00:45 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: This video contains shows a man using a stun gun. Viewer discretion advised.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A man accused of impersonating an officer and pointing a stun gun at people in downtown Austin April 13 was arrested by the Austin Police Department on multiple charges.Around 2 a.m., APD responded to multiple 911 calls about a man reportedly pointing a stun gun at people near West Sixth and Nueces Streets.Jason Parnell, 35. (Courtesy: Austin Police Department)
  When officers got there, the
  
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• Eeyore's Birthday Party celebrates 60 years

  23-04-2025 00:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - It's an annual tradition Austinites look forward to each year and this year is an especially special as Eeyore's Birthday Party celebrates 60 years.Taking place at Pease District Park, the family-friendly free event started off as a UT student's dream after reading the famous Winnie-the-Pooh book. Heather Hampton, the president of the Friends of Forest Foundation, says each year it's grown bigger and bigger."It has been happening since 1964 whenever an English class at UT led by
  
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• Texas Speaker pulls constitutional amendments after reported Democratic threat

  23-04-2025 00:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Leading up to the anticipated Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) vote last Wednesday, the Texas Tribune said more than 50 House Democrats threatened to vote against every proposed constitutional amendment if Republicans didn't help them put the ESA legislation to a public vote.The vote to pass passed on party lines. On the Republican side, only former Speaker Dade Phelan, R – Beaumont, and Gary VanDeaver, R – New Boston, voted against the bill. Ahead of pivota
  
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• APD seeking public help to find suspect connected to southeast Austin Subway robbery

  23-04-2025 00:00 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 at a southeast Austin Subway, the agency said in a news release.Police said the alleged robbery happened April 5 between 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Subway located at 1931 E. Ben White Boulevard.The suspect "jumped on top of the counter and demanded cash while he threatened that he was armed with a gun," according to police. Then, police said
  
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