Austin news

• Capitol Context: Abbott waited a record amount of time to fill Texas Congressman's seat, KXAN analysis shows

  07-05-2025 23:29 via kxan.com
  
  With the elections behind us, we’re shifting from providing you context from the campaign trail to context from the Texas State Capitol as the Texas legislature gets to work. Keep up with Capitol Context this legislative session as we examine bills being debated, the messages we’re hearing from elected leaders and how their votes impact us all.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two months after Congressman Sylvester Turner’s death, Texas’s 18th Congressional District seat sits vacant. A KX
  
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• Maternal Mental Health Week: Raising awareness for post-partum mental health disorders

  07-05-2025 23:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)—The first full week of May marks Maternal Mental Health Week to raise awareness for the difficulties new and expecting mothers can experience. According to the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, at least one in five women experience perinatal mental illness. READ MORE: High-risk pregnancies and mental health linkPostpartum depression (PPD) is the most widely-known condition. While its symptoms mirror those of clinical depression, PPD often revolves around the baby and motherhoo
  
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• Austin brothers to bike over 5,000 miles to raise funds for charity

  07-05-2025 22:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Mayor Kirk Watson declared May 5 as Jenkins Brothers' Bike Day in honor of Bobby and Raleigh Jenkins upcoming 5,500-mile bike ride from Anchorage, Alaska to College Station, Texas.Bobby Jenkins is the owner of ABC Home & Commercial Services, a local business that provides pest control, air conditioning repair and other services for homeowners.
  The trip will be the second cross-country bike ride the business owner has embarked on with his brother Raleigh. Bobby sa
  
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• 3 former officers acquitted in fatal beating of Tyre Nichols

  07-05-2025 22:56 via kxan.com
  
  MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — Three former Memphis police officers have been acquitted of state charges in the beating death of Tyre Nichols after he ran away from a traffic stop in 2023.It took more than eight hours over two days for a jury to reach its verdict, finding all three officers — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith — not guilty on all charges. Each former officer faced seven charges:One count of second-degree murderOne count of aggravated assault – act
  
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• Black smoke rises from Sistine Chapel chimney, conclave doesn't elect pope in first vote

  07-05-2025 22:52 via kxan.com
  
  VATICAN CITY (AP) — Black smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel chimney on Wednesday, signaling that no pope had been elected as 133 cardinals opened the secretive, centuries-old ritual to choose a new leader of the Catholic Church.The cardinals participating in the most geographically diverse conclave in the faith’s 2,000-year history took just one round of voting Wednesday evening. After failing to find a winner on the first ballot, they retired for the night and will re
  
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• Elon Musk faces backlash over 16-foot fence around Austin suburb mansion

  07-05-2025 21:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- Neighbors in an Austin suburb are frustrated by a 16-foot chain link fence around a nearly 7,000 square-foot property, widely reported to be owned by tech billionaire, Elon Musk.
  It is located off Stratford Reserve Place, which is on the edge of West Lake Hills' city limits. The debate over the fence made its way to West Lake Hills' Zoning & Planning Commission meeting on April 16.
  Tisha Ritta with Central Texas Permit Partners, LLC, served as the applicant representing the
  
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• University of Texas expert on the pope and politics as the papal conclave begins

  07-05-2025 21:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Catholics across the world -- along with religious scholars and global leaders -- are watching the Vatican, as cardinals gather to select a new leader of the Catholic Church. The conclave began Wednesday, where a group of 133 Cardinals secluded themselves to begin voting.Professor Eric McDaniel teaches in the Department of Government at the University of Texas at Austin and also researches how religion influences American politics. He talked to KXAN's Avery Travis and Will DuPre
  
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• Austin parks receives $8.4M check from 2024 ACL proceeds

  07-05-2025 21:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin City Limits music festival (ACL) contributes more to the city than just live music. The festival rakes in money that is later used to improve areas in the city, such as its parks.According to a report from the firm Angelou Economics, 2024's ACL brought in almost $535 million to the Austin economy, and since the festival started in 2002, it has made more than $4.1 billion for the city.The Austin Parks Foundation (APF) has partnered with ACL for 20 years, with an a
  
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• The least expensive airport to fly from in Texas: Data

  07-05-2025 20:45 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Though the Lone Star State has dozens of major airports across its wide expanse, one Texas airport was recently found to be the cheapest to fly out of in the state. With air travel growing more expensive with inflation, it's not a bad time to shop around when buying tickets.To determine America's most inexpensive airports, personal finance outlet FinanceBuzz combed through 2024 U.S. Department of Transportation airfare data for the country's busiest airports. Overall, FinanceBu
  
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• Former UT professor gets 12 years on child porn charges

  07-05-2025 20:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A jury found a former University of Texas professor guilty to charges of possession of child pornography on May 1.
  According to the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office, Mario Villarreal, 54, of Round Rock, was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison. He was also fined $10,000. The DA’s office said the sentence was related to five cases.Investigators executed a search warrant at Villarreal’s home in 2020. A “digital forensic examination of devi
  
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• 'Just an airplane ride away': APH gives update on measles cases in Central Texas

  07-05-2025 18:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In a public health committee meeting Wednesday, public health leaders gave an update on the spread of measles in our community.
  According to Janet Pichette, the chief epidemiologist at Austin Public Health (APH), there were more than 900 measles cases reported in the US as of Friday. Of those people, most are younger than 20 and unvaccinated.
  Texas represents roughly 75% of those nationwide cases, with 702 cases reported as of Tuesday, Pichette said. Two children have died in Te
  
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• ‘Sickening’: Hays County corrections officer arrested, facing child sex assault charges

  07-05-2025 18:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Hays County Sheriff’s Office said it terminated a corrections officer Tuesday after he was arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses.According to Guadalupe County jail records, 35-year-old George Jearld Snell, of New Braunfels, was booked on two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and two counts of indecency with a child involving sexual contact. Jail records showed he was held on a $2 million bond—$500,000 per charge.HCSO said it was awa
  
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• Texas State University plans to grow student body to 50,000 by 2033

  07-05-2025 17:53 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — Texas State University wants to increase its student body to 50,000 by 2033. The Texas State University System Board of Regents approved its new master plan earlier this month with growth in mind. The plan will guide the university system through the next decade, supporting projects across its five properties, including the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses. The university surpassed a major milestone in the Fall 2024 semester when it enrolled more than
  
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• Central Texas' air quality could use improvement

  07-05-2025 17:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The American Lung Association has, for 26 years, analyzed data from air quality monitors to compile the State of the Air report. Part of the goal of this report is to make citizens aware of the air they breathe in order to protect their health.Rich Segal spoke with Clean Air Force Executive Director Jim Stephens about the 2025 report. Stephens cited statistics and reasons for the grade this area received, along with potential solutions that could improve the grade.The report loo
  
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• How Texas will improve virtual learning for students, educators

  07-05-2025 15:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Tuesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 569 into law, effective immediately.According to the Texas Senate, SB 569:
  Creates Chapter 30B of the Education Code, replacing outdated virtual learning lawsAllows for AP, dual-credit or specialized elective courses to be taken virtuallyEnables students to complete up to two years of college coursework while in high schoolSupports flexible scheduling for apprenticeships, career training and early graduation through hybr
  
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• LIVE: Kristen's Classroom: Creating a tornado safety plan for your family

  07-05-2025 15:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - The first step in severe weather safety is preparedness. That begins with planning ahead of time, so there's no confusion or hesitation in an emergency.Does your family have a tornado plan?In the situation of a tornado, you'll want to identify your 'tornado safe room'. Ideally, this would be an underground shelter or basement. Given the fact that a lot of homes in Central Texas do not have basements, the next best place to be would be a small interior room on the bottom level. Mo
  
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• Kristen's Classroom: Creating a tornado safety plan for your family

  07-05-2025 15:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - The first step in severe weather safety is preparedness. That begins with planning ahead of time, so there's no confusion or hesitation in an emergency.Does your family have a tornado plan?In the situation of a tornado, you'll want to identify your 'tornado safe room'. Ideally, this would be an underground shelter or basement. Given the fact that a lot of homes in Central Texas do not have basements, the next best place to be would be a small interior room on the bottom level. Mo
  
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• Storm chances on the decline as the week goes on

  07-05-2025 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --Partly to mostly cloudy for the day as showers and storms start to take a backseat to sunshine.
  DOWNLOAD THE KXAN WEATHER APPWe start the day with a mostly to partly cloudy sky and mild temperatures (50s/60s). We'll stick with a mix of sun and clouds through the day and a few isolated storms possible this afternoon and evening. Computer models are pretty pessimistic about coverage but any storm that does develop has the potential to turn severe.Low risk of a few isolated severe s
  
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• Spotty showers possible through Saturday

  07-05-2025 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Some beneficial light rain showers moved through parts of Central Texas Thursday evening, but drier weather takes over the rest of the night. CENTRAL TEXAS RADARNear or just after midnight rain chances disappear with skies turning partly cloudy to mostly clear as drier weather takes over.Friday looks warm and mostly dry with only a 10% rain chance for the afternoon as a couple spotty showers could develop. Otherwise, plan on a lot of sun along with some scattered clouds.Friday's
  
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• Shower chances this evening through Saturday

  07-05-2025 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Scattered light showers continue to move through Central Texas with a very low risk for lightning. CENTRAL TEXAS RADARScattered (30% coverage) showers continue this evening, mainly for areas west of I-35, but parts of the Austin metro counties may see light showers too. Those that see rain should only find limited rainfall totals under a quarter of an inch.Showers favor southern and western areas this eveningLater in the night rain chances drop back down with skies turning partl
  
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• Rain chances decline with a sunnier weekend ahead

  07-05-2025 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A few showers in the Hill Country this afternoon but so far, it has been a partly cloudy and calmer day. Things should ramp up as the evening goes on.DOWNLOAD THE KXAN WEATHER APPToday will feature a mix of sun and clouds, light north/northeasterly winds and warm afternoon temperatures (mid- to upper 80s). There's potential for a few storms and showers later today, mainly south and west of Austin, but coverage and intensity looks limited (20%).Thursday afternoon forecast highs B
  
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• Limited shower chances continue through Saturday

  07-05-2025 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A few showers and isolated storms remain possible on the western and southern fringes of the KXAN viewing area into this evening. CENTRAL TEXAS RADARMost of us will just see a mix of sun and clouds continue through the end of the afternoon with highs in the mid 80s.Widely scattered (20% coverage) showers continue this evening in the western Hill Country and our counties south of Austin through midnight. Those that see rain should only find limited rainfall totals under a quarter
  
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• Isolated storms midweek but drier, sunnier by the weekend

  07-05-2025 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --A couple more rounds of isolated storms before drier and sunnier weather takes hold for the weekend.DOWNLOAD THE KXAN WEATHER APPWe start the day with a mostly to partly cloudy sky and mild temperatures (50s/60s). We'll stick with a mix of sun and clouds through the day and a few isolated storms possible this afternoon and evening. Computer models are pretty pessimistic about coverage but any storm that does develop has the potential to turn severe.Low risk of a few isolated seve
  
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• A few showers or storms south on Thursday

  07-05-2025 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Plenty of sunshine to wrap-up the day, but some cumulus building in the Hill Country may just squeeze out a shower into the early evening. Rain chances are at 10% or less as dry weather should prevail for most of us.DOWNLOAD THE KXAN WEATHER APPTonight will be a partly cloudy and mostly dry night with lows dropping into the 60s.Tonight's forecastWe'll have a mix of sun and clouds on Thursday with more clouds during the second half of the day.
  Thursday's forecastOur rain/storm ch
  
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• A few more storms ahead of Mother's Day weekend

  07-05-2025 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One more round of notable storm chances before our pattern turns relatively quiet and pleasant heading into the weekend.DOWNLOAD THE KXAN WEATHER APPToday will feature a mix of sun and clouds, light north/northeasterly winds and warm afternoon temperatures (mid- to upper 80s). There's potential for a few storms and showers later today, mainly south and west of Austin, but coverage and intensity looks limited (20%). BLOG: May forecast: Will our wettest month live up to the hype?R
  
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• APD: 1 injured in shooting involving officers

  07-05-2025 12:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One person was injured following a shooting involving police officers shortly before 1 a.m. Wednesday in north Austin, according to the Austin Police Department.APD said the incident occurred at approximately 12:40 a.m. in the 800 block of E. Braker Lane following a traffic stop. A man, woman and child were inside the vehicle at the time of the stop, according to police.APD said during a pat down of the man, he tried to turn away and reach for a weapon, resulting in the off
  
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• Texas women's golf finishes 2nd at regional, makes NCAA tournament field

  07-05-2025 05:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns women's golf team punched a ticket to the national tournament with a second-place finish at the NCAA regional tournament Tuesday at The Rawls Course in Lubbock, Texas.The sixth-ranked Longhorns finished four shots behind champions Wake Forest, led by sophomore Farah O'Keefe. She shot a 4-under 212 over three rounds, three shots behind the Demon Deacons' Carolina Chacarra. Junior Cindy Hsu finished the tournament tied for fifth at 1-over and senior Bohyun
  
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• Westlake wins UIL 6A boys golf title after one round due to rain, course conditions

  07-05-2025 04:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Westlake claimed its 14th state title in a rain-shortened UIL Class 6A boys golf championship Tuesday at White Wing Golf Club in Georgetown.To avoid forecasted storms Tuesday, tournament officials decided the field would play both rounds Monday. That would have worked except it rained just as hard, if not harder, on Monday than it did Tuesday. Golfers completed the first round and three holes of the second before play was suspended, and with more rain Tuesday morning, cours
  
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• After a hard reset, Texas softball ramps up for SEC tournament run

  07-05-2025 01:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following three tough losses to rival Oklahoma two weeks ago, Texas had to hit the reset button. Things didn't feel right, and the team needed to refocus.The Longhorns got back on track, thrashing Kentucky with a series sweep at home, and are now recalibrated to make their run back to Oklahoma City and the Women's College World Series. That starts Thursday at the Southeastern Conference tournament in Athens, Georgia. Scott’s memorable day in Texas softball’s big
  
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• Texas considers requiring citizenship proof for voter registration

  07-05-2025 01:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas lawmakers are reviewing legislation that would require people to show proof of citizenship to register to vote.
  Some activist groups said they're concerned the policy outlined in Senate Bill 16 and House Bill 5337 will end up blocking eligible Texans from voting.The bills do not provide a way to submit documentation online. It can only be done in person, through mail or over the phone, according to SB 16.Under the legislation, voters would need to provide the following whe
  
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• Texas House approves bill to help increase state's housing supply

  07-05-2025 00:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- The Texas House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that will make it harder for homeowners to block projects to build new homes near their neighborhood.House Bill 24 -- introduced by State Rep. Angelia Orr, R - Angelina -- will weaken a 100-year-old law to help increase the amount of high-density housing, a Republican initiative to address skyrocketing house prices in Texas.Since the 2020 pandemic, housing prices in Texas have gone up about 40% across the state, said Em
  
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• Bill to modernize child support services headed to governor 

  07-05-2025 00:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Legislation aimed at helping families dealing with child support challenges passed the Texas House Tuesday. In a vote of "123 Yea's," lawmakers sent the legislation to Governor Greg Abbott. Senate Bill 1403 would allow the Texas Office of the Attorney General to expediate procedures and reduce unnecessary delays in delivering child support services to families.  RELATED: Senate passes bill to help Texas families with child support services
  The legislation authoriz
  
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