Austin news

• For Quinn Ewers, falling to last round in NFL draft presents an opportunity

  13-05-2025 23:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Quinn Ewers met with reporters after practice during the Dolphins' rookie minicamp and candidly said, "I didn't expect to fall as low as I did."
  He was referring to his pick in the NFL draft. But in the same breath, he turned the conversation to the opportunity to achieve a childhood dream. TRENDING: FOX says it will broadcast Texas-Ohio State in Week 1 of 2025 season. Fans do not approve"It is what it is, at the end of the day, and I have the same opportunity that everyone
  
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• Austin FC delays Wednesday's game due to intense heat, officials warn to be proactive

  13-05-2025 23:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)— Austin FC moved its game against Atlanta United on Wednesday back 30 minutes because of heat.The game set for 7:30 p.m. will now happen at 8 p.m.Possible record-breaking heat in Central Texas began Monday. The rest of the week is set to be warmer than usual this time of year.
  Austin and Travis County even came together to give a warning about heat on Tuesday.
  "We're used to hot days. We don't constantly think of being in the heat as an emergency," Eric Carter Travis County C
  
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• US agency asks Tesla questions about its Austin 'robotaxi' plan

  13-05-2025 22:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- Tesla will have to answer questions from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about its plans to launch automated driving systems in Austin.
  According to the NHTSA's letter sent on May 8, the agency requested certain information from Tesla regarding its development of driving automation technologies."As you are aware, NHTSA has an ongoing defect investigation (PE24031) into FSD collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions," the letter read.Tesla rea
  
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• Protest at Burnet Middle connected to potential loss of teachers, administrators

  13-05-2025 22:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Parents and students at Burnet Middle School made their voices heard Tuesday morning as they gathered to protest the potential firings of teachers and administrators.This comes as Burnet, Dobie and Webb middle schools face a critical school year ahead where they must show signs of improvement or face state intervention from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).Students and parents protested at Burnet Middle School on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, as the campus prepares for the loss of
  
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• Austin's Homeless Strategy Office announces $300K available for family support services

  13-05-2025 21:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) announced on Tuesday morning a new, one-time funding opportunity of up to $300,000.The office said the goal of the funding is to "provide supportive services and limited financial assistance to families experiencing homelessness." Austin’s homeless strategy office identifies $101 million needed for new strategies to address issuesThe money was made available through city of Austin General Fund dollars and approved b
  
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• TCSO investigating Monday murder, says suspect is victim's ex son-in-law

  13-05-2025 20:17 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The Travis County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a woman in her 50s was stabbed to death Monday afternoon.
  TCSO said it received multiple calls reporting that someone had been murdered on Monday, shortly after 4 p.m., at a home in the 14500 block of Oliphant Street. That's in the Austin's Colony neighborhood in eastern Travis County.
  When deputies arrived, they found a woman in her 50s with stab wounds. Life-saving measures were performed, but the woman wa
  
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• New parking shuttle to provide transport for Zilker Park, Barton Springs visitors

  13-05-2025 18:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austinites will soon have an easier way to access a congested part of Zilker Park and Barton Springs every weekend just in time for summer.Austin Parks and Recreation is launching the Zilker Loop May 24, a free service to transport visitors from a "less congested Stratford Parking Lot to popular areas in the park including Zilker Playground, Barton Creek and Barton Springs Pool."Zilker Loop will run every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. and will continue through Sept. 1,
  
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• Time to brush up on boating safety

  13-05-2025 17:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Summer's earlier arrival here means the lakes will be busy with boaters. The National Safe Boating Council has designated May 17-23 as Boating Safety Week. It is designed to ensure that all who take to the waters enjoy them safely.This summer pastime is one where families and friends come together to enjoy the serenity of being on the water. Some people enjoy the thrill of wakeboarding, while others will head out to their favorite waterway to enjoy the glistening sunsets th
  
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• TxLege data: How long do sessions last and how many bills are typically passed?

  13-05-2025 17:22 via kxan.com
  
  This story is part of the KXAN Data Hub, where numbers help tell the whole story.
  We've created several data-driven stories and databases on topics including weather and climate, politics, education, sports and growth in Texas. Each story in the KXAN Data Hub is updated as new data becomes available.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Each legislative session, thousands of bills are filed by state lawmakers, but how many actually become law? And how long does each session typically last?KXAN dug through the
  
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• Former CDC director warns of measles risk as vaccine rates drop

  13-05-2025 16:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the measles outbreak has surpassed 1,000 cases nationwide, with the majority, 700, in Texas.“This is a disease that was considered eliminated from the United States,” said former acting CDC director Dr. Rich Besser. “The only reason that we're seeing this pop up in the way that we are is because vaccine rates have declined.”
  The CDC found that 96% of the 1,001 confirmed cases were
  
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• APD clears 100% of homicide cases from 2023, department says

  13-05-2025 16:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said it has cleared 100% of homicide cases from 2023 for the first time in 18 years. The last time the department cleared all homicide cases in a year was 2005.Chief Lisa Davis will hold a press conference with Det. Brice Bishop and Sgt. Nathan Sexton, both in APD's homicide unit, Tuesday morning.APD data shows 75 homicides were reported in 2023, up from 71 the previous year, but down from a record-high 90 in 2021. MORE DATA: Austin's homicides
  
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• 12-year-old, 13-year-old arrested in Del Valle homicide

  13-05-2025 15:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two juvenile boys were arrested and charged in connection with the homicide of a 20-year-old in early May.According to the Austin Police Department, 20-year-old Anthony Salas died after he was shot, then hit by a vehicle while he and a family member were trying to recover their stolen vehicle on Saturday, May 3. PREVIOUS: Austin police search for persons of interest after 20-year-old killed while trying to recover stolen vehiclePolice said it happened in the Sun Chase neigh
  
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• Solar energy to aid grid stability during May heatwave

  13-05-2025 14:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As temperatures rise earlier than usual in Austin, concerns about the energy grid's capacity to handle increased demand are growing.Energy experts are optimistic that solar power will help meet the heightened energy demand, thanks to the abundant sunshine forecasted for. This renewable source is expected to provide a significant boost to the power supply, easing the strain on the grid. Summer lawn maintenance to keep your grass healthy in hot weatherEnergy experts are monitoring
  
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• These Austin heat records could get smashed this week

  13-05-2025 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Central Texas is used to the heat...in the summer, but it's MAY! The type of heat we're forecasting isn't just rare, but some of the numbers we're expecting have never happened in Austin area history! How often does Austin hit 100°? Here’s a breakdown by date, month, year and decadeLet's walk through the escalating ways we can describe the heat this week...Hottest temperatures of the year (so far)Through May 12, our hottest days of the year have been in the middle and
  
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• FAA: Austin airport delays blamed on continued staffing issues

  13-05-2025 05:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) staffing issues continue to cause some problems in Austin according to the agency.
  On Mother's Day, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport dealt with some delays blamed on staffing by the FAA.
  "I know that this airport is understaffed, and I can see it when I travel," said Valentia Davalos who was dropping her mother off at the airport on Monday.The staffing issues continue to leave some fliers on edge, due to it being an ongoing pr
  
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• US Sen. Cornyn calls for release of Texas father detained in Russia

  13-05-2025 05:21 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS (KXAN)-- On Monday, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, called for the release of Texan David Barnes, who was wrongfully detained in Russia for more than four years, according to a press release. The call comes after recently-freed Russian prisoner Ksenia Karelina’s letter to President Donald Trump, urging the safe return of Barnes and two other Americans who were being held by Russia.“David Barnes, a Texas father of two sons, has been detained in Russia for far too long under
  
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• 'Shock to the system': Central Texans brace for intense heat this week

  13-05-2025 03:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- A potentially historic May heat begins on Tuesday. Most of Central Texas will be under a Heat Advisory. Potentially historic May heat begins TuesdayIt would be the first days of 100 degree temperatures this year, which usually doesn't come around until the first week of July.
  'A shock to the system'Medical experts said our bodies are not ready, and this sudden heat can catch both pets and people off guard.
  "Certainly is a shock to the system," said Emergency Department Medical
  
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• FOX says it will broadcast Texas-Ohio State in Week 1 of 2025 season. Fans do not approve

  13-05-2025 02:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Typically, fans get upset about most things involving their favorite team. Fan is short for fanatic, after all.
  But the level of anger and frustration by fans on the platform X after it was announced that FOX would broadcast the Week 1 college football game between Texas and Ohio State on Aug. 30 could even make the most reasonable person blush. Sarkisian recaps NFL draft, says recruiting will ‘hammer’ state of Texas at Houston eventNeither the network nor the s
  
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• Dementia prevention institute legislation heads to governor's desk

  13-05-2025 01:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- A top priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), will now head to the governor's desk after the Texas Senate approved minor changes to the legislation on Monday.Texas voters will have to approve the creation of DPRIT on the Texas ballot in November. If approved by Texans, the institute would receive $3 billion from the general revenue fund over the next 10 years to help accelerate research into Dementia and finding cure
  
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• Police: Road closure in Cedar Park for gas leak repairs

  13-05-2025 01:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A gas leak near E New Hope Drive and County Road 180 in Cedar Park caused roads to be closed, according to the Cedar Park Police Department.Police were at the scene assisting traffic for the gas leak. CPPD said westbound lanes of E New Hope Drive were closed from Cottonwood Creek Trail to 183A Toll while crews make repairs. Drivers were encouraged to avoid the area and expect delays. 
  
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• Texas House backs bill to expand access to low-THC medical cannabis

  13-05-2025 00:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — On Monday, the Texas House voted 118-16 to advance a bill addressing perceived issues with Texas' Compassionate Use Program (CUP). House Bill 46, authored by State Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, will now head to a third reading in the House before getting sent to the Texas Senate.Making the program easy-to-access statewide"The program has been set up, but it's never been made functional or accessible," King said.King's concerns derive from the lack of accessibility to the pr
  
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• Texas House moves to eliminate STAAR test, change school accountability system

  13-05-2025 00:36 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: A correction was issued to reflect the House took a preliminary step to eliminating the STAAR test.
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- The Texas House of Representatives took one more step Monday to eliminate the state's current standardized testing program and changes the system that judges a school's performance."Members, this bill eliminates the STAAR test," State Rep. Brad Buckley, R - Salado, said to the House floor as he laid out House Bill 4. His statement was received by cheers from lawm
  
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• LIVE: Austin prepares for incoming heat wave

  13-05-2025 00:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- The National Weather Service on Monday issued a Heat Advisory for most of Central Texas. Following this alert, the city of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office notified unsheltered people in the community where they can go to stay cool in the upcoming days. According to a recent KXAN weather forecast,temperatures could reach triple-digits by the end of this week. Temperatures are expected to be the highest Wednesday in the Austin area.In a press release, the city of Austi
  
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• Cooling centers open across Austin amid early heatwave

  13-05-2025 00:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Recreation centers and libraries around Austin are being used as cooling centers as triple-digit temperatures reach across Texas.
  Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said the city was planning its yearly press conference to remind residents about the dangers posed by high temperatures, but Mother Nature had other plans. Instead, the city held its heat awareness press conference Tuesday, May 15 -- two weeks ahead of schedule."We went from cool evenings… to record-breaking heat, liter
  
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• Austin prepares for incoming heat wave

  13-05-2025 00:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- The National Weather Service on Monday issued a Heat Advisory for most of Central Texas. Following this alert, the city of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office notified unsheltered people in the community where they can go to stay cool in the upcoming days. According to a recent KXAN weather forecast,temperatures could reach triple-digits by the end of this week. Temperatures are expected to be the highest Wednesday in the Austin area.In a press release, the city of Austi
  
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• Texas Children's Hospital hosts Legacy Golf event

  13-05-2025 00:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It was a beautiful day at Lion's Municipal Golf Course for the first annual Legacy Golf Event, put on by Texas Children's Hospital.The event was held to raise money for the hospital's Child Life Program here in Austin.The Child Life Program strives to alleviate stress and anxiety while promoting positive coping for patients and families during their time at the hospital.Event organizers tell us they were hoping to raise about $100,000, but ended up exceeding that amount and
  
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