Austin news

• Affidavit: PfISD employee charged with online solicitation of a minor, child grooming charges

  08-05-2025 23:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A Pflugerville Independent School District employee was arrested, according to the district, after she was accused of committing online solicitation of a minor and child grooming, according to arrest warrant affidavits from the Pflugerville Police Department.The employee was identified as 27-year-old Marissa Juarez, court records said.Attorney information was not available for Juarez, as of Thursday. We will update this if that changes.KXAN reached out to Pflugerville ISD for a
  
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• Affidavit: PfISD employee arrested on solicitation of a minor, child grooming charges

  08-05-2025 23:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A Pflugerville Independent School District employee was arrested after she was accused of committing online solicitation of a minor and child grooming, according to arrest warrant affidavits from the Pflugerville Police Department.The employee was identified as 27-year-old Marissa Juarez, court records said.Attorney information was not available for Juarez, as of Thursday. We will update this if that changes.KXAN reached out to Pflugerville ISD for a statement, and a spokesperso
  
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• First Warning: Hottest temperatures of 2025 next week

  08-05-2025 22:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The hottest temperatures of 2025 (so far) look set to build into Central Texas by the middle of May.Hottest days so far...The hottest temperatures we've had so far this year came in March with a high of 96º in Austin at Camp Mabry.Hottest temperatures of 2025 (so far) in AustinHigh pressure building inLow pressure that's helped bring multiple rain chances to Central Texas will continue pushing east while high pressure builds in from the south. That high pressure will cause
  
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• More Igloo coolers recalled after 26 fingertip amputations

  08-05-2025 22:35 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Igloo is expanding a February recall of over 1 million of its 90-quart Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers after the company says it has since received reports of 78 fingertip injuries, 26 fingertip amputations, bone fractures and slashes.Now, the company is recalling an additional 130,000 coolers in the U.S. over the same issue. According to the recall expansion, the cooler’s tow handle can pinch user fingertips, posing hazards of tip amputation and/or cuts. Customers ar
  
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• Lone Star Showdown to be played on Black Friday for first time since 2007

  08-05-2025 22:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Lone Star Showdown is back to being the day after Thanksgiving.Texas and Texas A&M will face off at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 28, at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in the Southeastern Conference finale. It's the first time since 2007 that the game will be played on Black Friday, the popular retail shopping day.Last season in the rivalry's SEC revival, it was Saturday of the holiday week at Kyle Field. Texas won the game 17-7 to advance to the SEC championship game the following we
  
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• With federal cuts, Austin could be 'underprepared' for significant measles outbreak

  08-05-2025 21:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As federal grants are eliminated and pandemic-related public health efforts are deemphasized by the Trump administration, Austin Public Health (APH) says it's losing capacity and staff to address infectious disease spread, "specifically in the areas of vaccine education and promotion."It comes at a time when the city is trying to fend off a significant measles outbreak like the one our neighbors in west Texas are seeing. While Austin has only confirmed three measles cases or exp
  
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• ‘Violent and disturbing’: Austin man found with 1.9k+ child sexual abuse videos now facing felony charges

  08-05-2025 21:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Police arrested a man May 2 on charges related to possession of child pornography, according to an Austin arrest warrant affidavit.Travis County court records show 31-year-old Daniel Nathan Downing faces two felony charges: possession of child pornography with more than 500 visual depictions, and possession with intent to promote child pornography.KXAN has reached out to Downing’s attorney. This article will be updated if a statement is received.The affidavit states a
  
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• Austin woman, KXAN Remarkable Women winner honored on Texas House floor

  08-05-2025 20:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Thursday, Austin resident - and the winner of KXAN's Remarkable Women contest for 2025 - Jeanette Valdez Duran was recognized with a resolution on the floor of the Texas House.House Resolution 900, filed by State Representative Lulu Flores, is to quote "recognize [Duran] for her exemplary efforts with Mobile Blessings from the Heart and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success with her important work."Mobile Blessings from the Heart is Duran's non-profit food p
  
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• Conclave that elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as pope was short – but not the shortest ever

  08-05-2025 20:39 via kxan.com
  
  VATICAN CITY (AP) — How long does it take to choose a pope? In this case, it took only two days for Catholic cardinals to elect a successor to Pope Francis. That's among the shortest conclaves in recent decades, but not the shortest ever.It’s hard to be precise, since the Vatican doesn’t publish official data on the number of votes or tallies in past conclaves, and sources compiling their own data are not in complete agreement.But historical figures provide a few
  
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• Report: Confirmed EF0 Tornado touched down in Milam County Tuesday

  08-05-2025 20:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado that touched down in Milam County on May 6 was an EF0.Milam County Tornado DetailsThe classification is based on several factors, including wind speed and the damage the storm caused. Latest KXAN Weather ForecastAccording to the NWS office, the storm formed southeast of Cameron in Milam County at approximately 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, and was on the ground for 11 minutes. Based on the survey, trees were damaged, along with some o
  
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• Robert Prevost, first pope from US in history of the Catholic Church, takes the name Leo XIV

  08-05-2025 20:04 via kxan.com
  
  VATICAN CITY (AP) — Robert Prevost, an missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and took over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the first pope from the United States in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.Prevost, a 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order, took the name Leo XIV.
  In his first words as Pope Francis’ successor, uttered from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, Leo said, “Peace be with you,” and emph
  
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• How to keep your pet safe during tick season

  08-05-2025 19:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As we continue to enter tick season in Central Texas, it's important to keep up to date with medications for your pet to keep them safe.
  KXAN Meteorologist Tommy House sat down with Angela Laws, who is the Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters to learn more.Meteorologist Tommy House: My first question for you today is, what should pet owners avoid when it comes to over-the-counter parasite prevention products, specifically for ticks?Angela Laws: Okay, so the best advice is al
  
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• Pflugerville ISD to offer free summer meals for children

  08-05-2025 18:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Pflugerville ISD said it would offer open breakfast and lunches to children this summer.The summer meals program is available to any child under the age of 18. Registration is not required.“Summer is an exciting time for kids to enjoy playtime with friends, a week at camp, a family vacation, or time at the pool. However, for many children who receive free or reduced-price meals at school, summer can mean hunger. Just as learning doesn't end when school ends, neither d
  
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• White smoke pours out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the election of a new pope

  08-05-2025 18:37 via kxan.com
  
  VATICAN CITY (AP) — White smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the great bells of St. Peter's Basilica tolled Thursday after cardinals elected the 267th pope to lead the Catholic Church on the second day of their conclave.The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers, priests made the sign of the cross and nuns wept as the crowd shouted “Viva il papa!” after the white smoke wafted into the late afternoon sky at 6:07 p.m. Waving flags from around the
  
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• Getting to the Longhorns baseball game through MLK & I-35 construction zone

  08-05-2025 17:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Longhorns baseball team is hoping for a sweep this week as they take on Florida, but fans may strike out on their drive to and from the stadium as they navigate construction on MLK Jr. Boulevard at Interstate 35.As the sun set on the night of April 25, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) took a major step and demolished the north side of the MLK Jr. Boulevard bridge over I-35."Right now, it's a phased, methodical demolition of the MLK Boulevard bridge," Jeffr
  
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• Cardinals return to Sistine Chapel for more rounds of voting after failing to elect a new pope

  08-05-2025 17:14 via kxan.com
  
  VATICAN CITY (AP) — Cardinals failed again Thursday morning to find a successor to Pope Francis, sending black smoke billowing up through the Sistine Chapel chimney after two more inconclusive rounds of conclave voting.
  With no candidate securing the necessary two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, the world will need to wait longer for a new leader of the Catholic Church. The 133 cardinals took a lunch break before returning to the Sistine Chapel for Thursday's afternoon voting session, where
  
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• Weekend Watch: Park day with mom and a Sunflower Festival

  08-05-2025 15:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - It's Mother's Day Weekend, and events are popping up left and right for you to spend time with family or ensure your mom has a great weekend. From fun at the park with friends playing basketball, to a Mother's Day treat at LBJ, there is tons to do outdoors!Weekend ForecastAfter tornadoes and thunderstorms over the past few weeks, this weekend is set to be calm and perfect to get outdoors with Mom—sunny skies and beautiful temperatures head back up into the 80s. Those sunny
  
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• LIVE: Weekend Watch: Park day with mom and a Sunflower Festival

  08-05-2025 15:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - It's Mother's Day Weekend, and events are popping up left and right for you to spend time with family or ensure your mom has a great weekend. From fun at the park with friends playing basketball, to a Mother's Day treat at LBJ, there is tons to do outdoors!Weekend ForecastAfter tornadoes and thunderstorms over the past few weeks, this weekend is set to be calm and perfect to get outdoors with Mom—sunny skies and beautiful temperatures head back up into the 80s. Those sunny
  
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• Attempt to decriminalize fentanyl testing strips in Texas could stall in the Senate for a third time

  08-05-2025 15:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — Fentanyl test strips are among the cheapest and easiest ways to prevent overdoses, but multiple attempts to legalize them — even with Gov. Greg Abbott’s support in the past — have failed in the Senate.This year, legislation to legalize these test strips faces similar challenges.“I think that there’s a different stream of thought that feels like if you give an inch, you give a mile, and that any sort of lessening of prohibition sta
  
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• Country's elite scoop up memberships, real estate at this Austin surf club neighborhood

  08-05-2025 15:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (ABJ) — Entrepreneurs, actors, sports figures and social media influencers are paddling proverbially to the private surf-and-condominium park that's rising down the road from Austin's airport — not far from Tesla's gigafactory.Matthew McConaughey, Drew Brees and Tony Hawk are among those tied to the coveted 400 real estate or membership slots at the Austin Surf Club, according to documents obtained by the Austin Business Journal, as well as a review of public records.Over the
  
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• 'Totally different beast.' Austin musicians worry about industry amid SXSW changes

  08-05-2025 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  Project SummaryIn the Live Music Capital of the World, a harsh reality hits a high note: some music industry workers say they’re underpaid by SXSW — one of the largest festivals of its kind. While the event claims to pump hundreds of millions into Austin’s economy each year, KXAN investigates the striking gap between SXSW’s financial effect on the community and the paychecks of those who help make it happen.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Aaron Lack stood on the corner of 10th an
  
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• Sold Out: SXSW musician pay highlights industry struggle

  08-05-2025 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In the Live Music Capital of the World, a harsh reality hits a high note: some music industry workers say they’re underpaid by SXSW — one of the largest festivals of its kind. While the event claims to pump hundreds of millions into Austin’s economy each year, KXAN investigates the striking gap between SXSW’s financial effect on the community and the paychecks of those who help make it happen. EXPLORE the multimedia project
  
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• 'People can die of exposure.' Is musician payout worth the prestige of playing SXSW?

  08-05-2025 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  Project SummaryIn the Live Music Capital of the World, a harsh reality hits a high note: some music industry workers say they’re underpaid by SXSW — one of the largest festivals of its kind. While the event claims to pump hundreds of millions into Austin’s economy each year, KXAN investigates the striking gap between SXSW’s financial effect on the community and the paychecks of those who help make it happen.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Late on a Tuesday in early March, Curtis
  
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• Creativity 'the North Star' of SXSW, but some Austin musicians feel eclipsed during event

  08-05-2025 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  Project SummaryIn the Live Music Capital of the World, a harsh reality hits a high note: some music industry workers say they’re underpaid by SXSW — one of the largest festivals of its kind. While the event claims to pump hundreds of millions into Austin’s economy each year, KXAN investigates the striking gap between SXSW’s financial effect on the community and the paychecks of those who help make it happen.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – South by Southwest Headquarters, located
  
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• No new pope elected yet after black smoke pours out of Sistine Chapel's chimney

  08-05-2025 13:54 via kxan.com
  
  VATICAN CITY (AP) — Cardinals failed again Thursday morning to find a successor to Pope Francis, sending black smoke billowing up through the Sistine Chapel chimney after two more inconclusive rounds of conclave voting.
  With no candidate securing the necessary two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, the world will need to wait longer for a new leader of the Catholic Church. The 133 cardinals took a lunch break before returning to the Sistine Chapel for Thursday's afternoon voting session, where
  
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• Austin ranked No. 1 BBQ city in the US by Yelp

  08-05-2025 04:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- Austin is known for its smorgasbord of food scenery, but one that tops all is its legendary barbecue joints- and Yelp confirms it. Recently, Yelp rolled out its rankings for the best barbeque in the U.S., presenting Austin as No. 1 in the Top 10 list. Yelp reviewers “praised” the smoked brisket and other delicious items found at restaurants throughout the city. High demanded spots, such as Franklin Barbeque and Michelin-rated La Barbeque, earn its reputation
  
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• Keeping Dobie Middle School open could cost teachers their jobs

  08-05-2025 04:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Showing support for teachers and their principal, students at Dobie Middle School staged a walkout Wednesday airing their frustration over the future of the school.In August 2024, Dobie was identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement under the Federal Accountability System for the third consecutive year. A campus that fails to exit CSI for multiple years is required to prepare a campus Turnaround Plan.Dobie and the discussion about what the district will do moving
  
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• Police: Cedar Park 16-year-old no longer missing

  08-05-2025 03:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Cedar Park Police Department said a previously missing 16-year-old who was last seen leaving his house Wednesday morning was found safe.The department said the teen was found by officers.
  
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• Cedar Park police searching for missing 16-year-old

  08-05-2025 03:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- The Cedar Park Police Department is looking for 16-year-old Adrian Ramos, who was last seen leaving his house off Sterling Heights Court Wednesday morning. According to Cedar Park police, Ramos was walking towards Grand Oaks Loop.Ramos is diagnosed with Autism and may be confused or disoriented, said police. He was last seen wearing a dark blue sweatshirt, black shorts and an LA Dodgers ball cap.If you see him or have information, please call 911. Adrian Ramos, 16 (Phot
  
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• Abbott pushes bail reform, warns Democrats not to back 'dangerous criminals'

  08-05-2025 03:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — To get his bail reform priorities passed, Gov. Greg Abbott needs to convince at least 12 House Democrats to join all the House Republicans. On Wednesday, Abbott hinted he still needs those votes."There's progress, but not sufficient progress," he said. Abbott also didn't shoot down the idea of going to special session over bail reform. "We'll make decisions like that as they arise. My expectation is that no Democrat, no Republican, wants to have on their record that they
  
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• SOURCES: ICE sends family of five to Mexico, including US-born kids, after DPS detainment near Austin school

  08-05-2025 02:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Immigration and Customs Enforcement sent a mother and her three children, two of whom are U.S. citizens, to Mexico following a traffic stop last week near Dobie Middle School in north Austin, according to multiple sources, including the Texas Civil Rights Project and Immigrant Legal Resource Center.A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper assigned to a strike team alongside Homeland Security conducted the traffic stop over expired plates, according to DPS. The agency sai
  
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• SOURCES: ICE deports family of five, including US born kids, after DPS detainment near Austin school

  08-05-2025 02:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported a mother and her three children, two of whom are U.S. citizens, following a traffic stop last week near Dobie Middle School in north Austin, according to multiple sources, including the Texas Civil Rights Project and Immigrant Legal Resource Center.Both groups told KXAN they have since provided legal support to the family. ILRC’s senior staff attorney, Cori Hash, said the Texas Department of Public Safety pulled the family&
  
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• Ole Miss upsets Florida, earns quarterfinal spot vs. Texas in SEC softball tournament

  08-05-2025 02:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An upset in the Southeastern Conference softball tournament means third-seeded Texas will play a team Thursday it hasn't faced this season.Mackenzie Pickens smashed a 3-run home run in the top of the eighth inning to lift Ole Miss past sixth-seeded Florida 6-3 in the second round at Jack Turner Softball Stadium in Athens, Georgia. The Rebels take on the Longhorns at 4 p.m. CDT, Thursday in the quarterfinals. After a hard reset, Texas softball ramps up for SEC tournament run
  
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• How college baseball media outlets are projecting the postseason for the Texas Longhorns

  08-05-2025 01:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With two weeks left of the regular season before conference tournaments get underway, college baseball's postseason picture is starting to come into focus. While there's still plenty of ball left, it's projection season, and two national publications are weighing in.At this moment, D1Baseball.com and Baseball America generally agree on who should get national seeds with a couple of exceptions. They also agree that Arkansas' sweep of Texas in Fayetteville wasn't enough, at l
  
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• Annual Elgin Arts & Culture kicks off Thursday

  08-05-2025 00:10 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city of Elgin is gearing up to host its annual Explore Elgin Arts & Culture event. The event slated from May 8-11 will include a weekend full of art, music and history.Elgin Mayor Theresa McShan said in a press release the weekend has been a highly anticipated event for residents and visitors.McShan said, “We all look forward to Explore Elgin Arts & Culture every year because we have the opportunity to experience the work of all so many of Elgin’s most ta
  
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• Travis County tax assessor-collector sues to collect $2M in delinquent taxes from Nate Paul

  08-05-2025 00:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar Celia Israel filed lawsuits Monday against eight businesses owned by Austin real estate investor Nate Paul, according to a news release from Israel's office.Israel sued to collect over $2.3 million in delinquent taxes Paul owes, according to the release. Austin real estate investor Nate Paul sentenced in bank fraud case"Nate Paul has shown a disregard for playing by the rules – that includes paying his property taxes
  
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