Austin news

• 6 pickleball courts now open in Williamson County

  30-04-2024 22:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Several pickleball courts are now open in Williamson County, after county officials celebrated its completion of the project on Tuesday.Officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday at Williamson County Regional Park in Leander to celebrate all six pickleball courts now being open to the public, a news release from the county said.Williamson County officials celebrated the opening of six pickleball courts in the county on Tuesday with a ribbon cutting. (Courtesy: Williamso
  
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• Rural Texas nursing program aims to help recruit and retain nurses

  03-06-2024 19:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new state program is trying to help address the nursing shortage in rural Texas communities.
  On Monday, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) announced applications are open for the Rural Nursing Recruitment & Retention Program (RNRR).This comes a few weeks after Gov. Greg Abbott announced $17 million in grant funding awarded to rural hospitals by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Abbott: $17M in grant fu
  
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• What to know about fawn season in Central Texas

  03-06-2024 19:14 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Monday, June 3, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Doe, a deer, a female deer! It's the thick of fawn season here in Central Texas, and plenty of does are welcoming their newest bundles of joy. But amid the warmer weather and burgeoning wildlife, The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is stressing Texans educate themselves on the dos and don'ts of fawn season.Here in Texas, TPWD estimates there are approximately 5.3 million wh
  
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• Is ADHD over diagnosed? UT pharmacy expert breaks down statistics

  03-06-2024 17:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found about one million more children received an ADHD diagnosis in 2022 than in 2016.
  Dr. Ashley Garling from the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy dug into the new report with KXAN anchors Jennifer Sanders and Mike Rush.
  "Are we actually diagnosing it more because there's more education and awareness, or are we actually seeing more prevalence? And unfortunately, we don't really have a good ans
  
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• Under 40 Austinite of the Year winner announced

  03-06-2024 17:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Under 40 Awards named judge and community organizer Denise Hernandez the 2024 Austinite of the Year.
  Hernandez is the presiding judge of County Court at Law #6 in Travis County where she leads the Transformative Youth Justice program, a youth diversion initiative offering holistic, community-centered support for young people in the justice system.Judges selected Hernandez as the Austinite of the Year over hundreds of nominees and 45 finalists.Hernandez talked with KXA
  
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• How strong is a tornado? A closer look at measuring destruction

  03-06-2024 15:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- This severe weather season has been an active one, with dozens of tornados causing damage across the country. The National Weather Service uses a lot of tools to measure these storms, but only one scale: the Enhanced Fujita Scale.In this First Warning Weather University lesson, meteorologist Kristen Currie takes a closer look at the scale and how it has changed over time.In this FWWU lesson you will learn:
  Who invented the tornado measuring scale?How does it differ from measurin
  
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• Simone Biles wins 9th national title, boosts Olympic champ Sunisa Lee along the way

  03-06-2024 13:48 via kxan.com
  
  FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — There used to be a time when Simone Biles would find “beauty in the blindness” ahead of the Olympics, reveling in not knowing what she didn't know.That was eight years ago. Back when she was still just a teenager. Still kind of “ditzy.”Those days are long gone. The evidence isn't just on Biles drivers' license or her marriage certificate but in how the now 27-year-old is able to see beyond herself. The tunnel vision that most great
  
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• 1 dead, 24 injured after overnight shooting in Ohio

  03-06-2024 13:36 via kxan.com
  
  AKRON, Ohio (WJW) — One person is dead and at least two dozen are injured, some critically, after a shooting in Akron, Ohio early Sunday morning.According to a news release from Akron police, several 911 callers reported shots being fired just after midnight in the area of Kelly and 8th Avenues.
  Soon after, area hospitals reported numerous patients coming into emergency departments with gunshot wounds. As of Sunday morning, Akron police have tallied at least 25 victims, including a 27-year
  
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• Trump says he's 'OK' with prospect of jail time, house arrest after hush money conviction

  03-06-2024 13:31 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — Former President Trump said he would be "OK" with being sentenced to either house arrest or jail time after he was convicted last week on 34 felony counts in New York.
  When asked on Fox News's "Fox and Friends" how he deals with the prospect of being sentenced to house arrest or jail, Trump said, "I'm OK with it."
  “I’m not sure the public would stand for it,” Trump said of house arrest or jail, in an interview with Fox News’s Will Cain, Pete Hegseth and
  
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• City begins treating Lady Bird Lake to reduce toxic algae

  03-06-2024 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin will begin treating Lady Bird Lake for the fourth year in a row to reduce the presence of toxic algae, and this year it is adding a new area of the lake to treat.
  Crews will be spraying a grey slurry into the water around Red Bud Isle and the area around the Festival Beach boat ramp. The slurry is a lanthanum-modified clay and its main purpose is to take away one of the main food sources of the toxic algae.Austin to start 4th year of pilot program treating alg
  
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• 'There's a boat hurtling toward us': Multiple injured on Lake LBJ after empty boat rams into sandbar

  03-06-2024 04:36 via kxan.com
  
  KINGSLAND, Texas (KXAN) – Multiple people were injured Saturday afternoon at Lake Lyndon B. Johnson after the operator fell off a boat, which maintained power, and crashed into a crowded sandbar, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Officials said three people were transported to hospitals and one person was arrested. A TPWD spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing. “It was one of the most terrifying experiences I've ever had,” said James Schlei
  
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• Multiple were injured after a man fell off his boat which crashed into a Lake LBJ sandbar

  03-06-2024 04:36 via kxan.com
  
  KINGSLAND, Texas (KXAN) – Multiple people were injured Saturday afternoon at Lake Lyndon B. Johnson after a driver fell off his boat, which maintained power, and crashed into a crowded sandbar, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Departmnet. Officials said three people were transported to hospitals and one person was arrested. A TPWD spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing. “It was one of the most terrifying experiences I've ever had,” said James Schleich
  
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• Texas falls in College Station regional with season-ending loss to Louisiana

  03-06-2024 01:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns baseball season ended in College Station with a 10-2 loss to Louisiana on Sunday in the NCAA tournament.After falling 4-2 in 11 innings to Texas A&M in a Lone Star Showdown battle, the Longhorns had to beat the Ragin' Cajuns in order to get another shot at the Aggies in the regional final. However, the Sun Belt Conference regular season champions were too much and punctuated the win with a 3-run home run by catcher Jose Torres in the eighth inning. T
  
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• 2 Texas cities are among the 'dirtiest' in US: study

  02-06-2024 22:41 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) -- Two of the most populous cities in Texas have ranked high among the nation's filthiest in a recent study that highlights the ongoing challenges of urban cleanliness.
  LawnStarter, a lawn care provider, evaluated more than 150 of the largest cities in the U.S., focusing on pollution, living conditions, infrastructure, and resident satisfaction.
  The study analyzed data from various federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Census Bureau, Department of
  
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• Texas Longhorns win 3rd NCAA rowing title in past 4 years

  02-06-2024 22:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns rowed to another NCAA national title Sunday, edging rival Stanford for the crown at Harsha Lake in Bethel, Ohio.It's the third championship in the past four years for the Longhorns rowing team and it's the first time Texas has won two events at the national regatta.
  MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersTexas claimed wins in the Four and the Firs
  
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• The font on your highway sign tells the story of a decades-long battle

  02-06-2024 20:39 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Only those with an acute attention to detail have noticed something wonky has been happening to signs on U.S. freeways and interstates over the past several years.
  Federal highway authorities haven't been able to decide what font makes for the clearest, safest road signage, leaving some states with signs written in a font called Highway Gothic, others with signs in Clearview, and some places with a mixture of both.
  This font saga dates back to 1948, when the Federal Highway Adm
  
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• Nearly 1 in 3 Americans have reported losing someone to a drug overdose: study

  02-06-2024 20:35 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — Roughly one in every three Americans have reported knowing someone who has died of a drug overdose, a new survey found.The poll, conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, found that 32 percent of people have known someone who has died of a drug overdose. Those who reported knowing someone who has passed away from drug use were also more likely to support policy aimed at curbing addiction, per the poll.The survey results, published Friday in J
  
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• June's planetary parade: What you will — and won't — see

  02-06-2024 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS (AP) — Six planets will link up before dawn on June 3 in what’s known as a planetary parade. But the spectacle won’t be as eye-catching as expected: Only two planets will be visible to the naked eye.Here’s what to know about this fairly common celestial event. Missed the northern lights? Planets to align in the sky in JuneWHAT IS A PARADE OF PLANETS?Our solar system’s planets zip around the sun at an angle. Every once in a while, several align on the rig
  
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• How to monitor your asthma during Austin humidity spike

  02-06-2024 18:58 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Sunday, June 2, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As heightened humidity levels have lingered in Central Texas over the past few weeks, so, too are exacerbated asthma symptoms for area sufferers.Austin-area residents have been greeted by hazy skies, high humidity levels and increased heat index figures the past few weeks, and local health experts said those can all reflect in worsening symptoms for those with asthma."Just like dry, c
  
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• Burnet County emergency crews save people trapped on flooded road

  02-06-2024 18:41 via kxan.com
  
  SPICEWOOD, Texas (KXAN) -- The Burnet County Emergency Services District No. 9 (Spicewood Fire Rescue) saved a group of people caught in a flooded roadway Friday evening.The water rescue happened near FM 2147 East and County Road 401 North, emergency personnel shared on Facebook. Occupants in a vehicle traveling along FM 2147 East were swept down Flatrock Creek due to flooding conditions.
  The Burnet County Emergency Services District No. 9 (Spicewood Fire Rescue) saved a group of people caught i
  
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• Man sentenced in 2022 double homicide shooting

  02-06-2024 17:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was sentenced May 14 in connection with a double homicide that occurred in January 2022.According to Travis County court documents, 22-year-old Edgar Barahona was found guilty by a jury of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to 35 years for each charge.A week before his sentencing, Barahona pleaded not guilty to each of the murder charges. 19-year-old charged with 2 counts of murder from deadly parking lot shootingBarahona was sentenced in connection with
  
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• Man sentenced for double homicide shooting

  02-06-2024 17:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was sentenced May 14 in connection with a double homicide that occurred in January 2022.According to Travis County court documents, 22-year-old Edgar Barahona was found guilty by a jury of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to 35 years for each charge.A week before his sentencing, Barahona pleaded not guilty to each of the murder charges. 19-year-old charged with 2 counts of murder from deadly parking lot shootingBarahona was sentenced in connection with
  
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• Juneteenth celebration, remembrance day held at Austin's first Black cemetery

  02-06-2024 15:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Ahead of Juneteenth, a group of Austinites held a remembrance day and celebration Saturday at Bethany Cemetery, the first Black cemetery in Austin.
  The inaugural Juneteenth Remembrance Day Celebration included exhibits, a salute, food, a commemorative calling of names and a prayer.The story behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holidaySue Spears, the president of the Bethany Cemetery Association, said the celebration paid homage to the ancestors buried at the cemete
  
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• Lawmakers respond to KXAN Investigation, pledge to explore fix to veteran benefit loophole

  02-06-2024 15:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A battle veteran Keith Romel has been fighting for about a year is finally getting the attention he’d hoped.“It’s brought awareness to the issue,” said the east Austin Resident, referring to a recent KXAN investigation highlighting his struggle to get the property tax exemption he’s entitled to as a 100% disabled veteran.When Romel sold his east Austin home last year and bought another one, he was upset to find he would not be able to use his 1
  
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• Campaign Context: How the dollars in Phelan race stack up to other Texas nail-biters

  02-06-2024 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  As campaign season continues, politicians are turning up the volume on campaign rhetoric. To cut through the noise, we’re launching Campaign Context, a series providing clarity on the messages you’re hearing from candidates on the campaign trail. We’re digging past the politics and into the facts to provide you with the transparent, spin-free information you need to make informed decisions this election season.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan's
  
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• Top 10 countdown: These are the most popular Texas state parks each summer

  02-06-2024 14:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Looking for an outdoor adventure this summer? Depending on the weather, one of Texas' many state parks may be just what you're looking for.Across the Lone Star State, there are 85 state parks, natural areas and historic sites currently operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. What is the most-visited state park in Texas? Here’s the top 10 countdown for 2023The first parks were opened to the public in the 1930s and the newest, Old Tunnel State Park, op
  
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• Temperatures trending up, rain fades

  02-06-2024 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A few storms were seen around Central Texas on Sunday. The first batch occurred around 2 a.m. in San Saba County with some pockets of heavy rain before it dissipated. In parts of the Hill Country, a few sprinkles and lightning were seen late last night around Fredericksburg and Blanco.Stormy Sunday across North and West Texas.Looking ahead, we may see some isolated storms lurking around the area through Monday night. Some of them could be briefly strong with gusty winds and
  
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• Temperatures rise as rain chances fade

  02-06-2024 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Although we don't ever expect June to be a very comfortable month for us, this week will definitely emphasize the upcoming season change with afternoon highs running hotter than normal all week.This morning's cloud cover will thin to allow for some afternoon sunshine. A few isolated storms will make a run at us late this afternoon into tonight. The majority of us will not see these storms but those who do, be on the lookout for hail and gusty winds.A ridge of high pressure
  
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• Hotter days coming this week

  02-06-2024 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A lone thunderstorm moved over western and northern San Saba County between 4 and 5 this morning. A gauge outside Richland Springs measured .31". The storm weakened to light rain over Lampasas County between 5 and 6 a.m.
  Central Texas 24-hour Rain Totals
  There will be a 20% chance of isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms later today with the majority of the rain forecast east of I-35.
  A few strong afternoon thunderstormsThe Storm Prediction Center does have sectio
  
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• Ticketmaster data breach? Hackers claim over 500 million users compromised

  02-06-2024 13:21 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) -- A notorious hacker group claims it has breached the data of about 560 million Ticketmaster users globally in a recent cyberattack, according to multiple reports.
  The group called ShinyHunters alleges it accessed a trove of data from the ticketing giant, including names, emails, phone numbers, addresses and credit card details. Mashable and Newsweek reported that the hackers are trying to sell the information online for $500,000.
  CyberDaily, an Australian-based tech outlet that first
  
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