Austin news

• APD offering specialty counselor trainings to aid trauma victims

  16-04-2024 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is looking for nonprofit and private sector mental health counselors to assist in counseling services for trauma victims, the department said in a release Monday.APD has $50,000 dedicated to the project. It calls for trainings with selected counselors in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, per the release. Selected counselors can undergo the trainings in exchange for "50 pro bono counseling sessions for survivors of tra
  
  Read more

• PHOTOS: Aftermath from severe storm passing through Central Texas

  17-05-2024 18:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Storms hit Central Texas Thursday, causing flooding and leaving downed trees and debris littering the streets.Threats from the storm also included hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. BLOG: Severe storms bring rain to Central TexasKXAN viewers sent in pictures of the damage. Take a look.
  Broken trees and branches | Courtesy Beth BachDowned tree limbs in Circle C neighborhood (KXAN viewer photo)Lightening strike brought down tree in Country Estate in Hutto | KXAN vie
  
  Read more

• 1 person shot at northeast Austin apartment complex overnight

  17-05-2024 17:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — One person was shot after reports of gunfire at an apartment complex in northeast Austin early Friday morning, police said.
  The Austin Police Department said the incident happened at the Alta Blue Goose apartment complex, located near East U.S. 290, around 2:20 a.m.
  Photo of the scene at the Alta Blue Goose apartments sent in by a KXAN viewer on May 17, 2024. (KXAN Viewer Photo)
  APD said witnesses drove one victim to a nearby restaurant. Officers arrived at the restaurant a
  
  Read more

• 'No Menthol Sunday': Leaders take action after proposed menthol ban delayed

  17-05-2024 17:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some civil rights leaders and health experts are taking action while the Biden Administration continues to delay the FDA’s proposed ban on menthol cigarettes.In 2022, the FDA recommended a ban on the mint flavored tobacco products, but the White House has put that proposal on hold."There are still more conversations to have, and that will take significantly more time," said Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in a statement.Faith leaders w
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Travis County on par for record number of evictions in 2024, says tenant rights group

  17-05-2024 15:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A local tenant rights group debuted a new eviction tracking tool last month, compiling 10 years of data into an online dashboard. While analyzing that data, BASTA Austin said the Austin-Travis County area is poised to see a record number of eviction filings this year.In a release, BASTA Austin said its eviction dashboard is a first of its kind tool for the area. The agency said it provides a more precise look at eviction data, allowing those that use it to see filings in th
  
  Read more

• Masters champ Scottie Scheffler arrested ahead of PGA Championship then tees off hours later

  17-05-2024 15:20 via kxan.com
  
  LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Masters champion Scottie Scheffler was arrested Friday morning on his way to the PGA Championship, with stunning images showing him handcuffed as he was taken to jail for not following police orders during a pedestrian fatality investigation.In a span of four hours, the top-ranked golfer in the world was arrested wearing gym shorts and a tee shirt, dressed in an orange jail shirt for his mug shot, returned to Valhalla Golf Club in golf clothe
  
  Read more

• Masters champ Scheffler arrested on his way to PGA Championship

  17-05-2024 15:20 via kxan.com
  
  LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Masters champion Scottie Scheffler was arrested Friday morning on his way to the PGA Championship, with stunning images showing him handcuffed as he was led to a police car. ESPN reported he failed to follow police orders during a pedestrian fatality investigation.Traffic was backed up for about a mile in both directions on the only road that leads to Valhalla Golf Club, with dozens of police vehicles flashing red-and-blue lights near the entrance.Police said a pedes
  
  Read more

• New population estimates show Georgetown, Kyle are fastest-growing cities in the country

  17-05-2024 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Suburbs across Texas remain the fastest-growing parts of the state, according to new population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau Thursday.The estimates show Georgetown and Kyle are the two fastest-growing cities in the country with populations greater than 50,000. Georgetown grew at a rate of 10.6% between July 2022 and July 2023. It's the third year in a row that Georgetown has grown faster than any other city in the country.Kyle grew at a rate of 9.1%, while L
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Voter Guide: What to know for the May 2024 primary runoff elections

  17-05-2024 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — While the Texas primaries were held in March, some candidates advanced to runoff elections being held this month. Voters will choose the final candidates who will represent the Democratic and Republican parties on the ballot in November's general election.Unlike the March primaries, early voting this time only lasts for five days from Monday, May 20 through Friday, May 23. Election Day is Tuesday, May 28. Full coverage of the Texas primary electionsHere's what you need to k
  
  Read more

• Austin disabled veteran frustrated by misplaced property tax break

  17-05-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Keith Romel’s home needs to be comforting. Not just for him, but for his clients.Romel is a massage therapist who works out of his condo in east Austin.“I advertise it as a luxury experience, so part of that is the environment,” he said when talking about his carefully crafted home with modern furniture, clean lines and everything in its place.“One (client) said it looks like it came out of the Architectural Digest magazine,” he said. “I
  
  Read more

• Teen texts 911, saves self from human trafficking in California: authorities

  17-05-2024 13:54 via kxan.com
  
  (KTLA) – The sheriff's office in Ventura County, California is highlighting the relatively new ability to text 911 after a Spanish-speaking teen used it to save herself from human trafficking.The girl, 17, was rescued in Casitas Springs in unincorporated Ventura County at about 3 a.m. May 9, officials said in a news release.The teen, whose name was not released, only spoke Spanish, but she was able to text pleas for help, and at the Sheriff’s Communication Center, the “messages
  
  Read more

• Wastewater plans make Hill Country residents worry Pedernales River could turn into 'sewer'

  17-05-2024 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Landowners are concerned about the future of the Pedernales River after recent filings for wastewater permits at two developments. The permits ask for permission from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to discharge treated wastewater in land near the river."We're trying to heighten awareness of what's going on in the county," said Katherine Peake with the Pedernales River Alliance. Their organization contacted KXAN about their concerns.The two ne
  
  Read more

• No. 25 Texas snags 11th come-from-behind win, walks off Kansas 5-4 with 2 runs in 9th

  17-05-2024 05:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — No. 25 Texas scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to walk off winners against Kansas 5-4 on Thursday at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.Jalin Flores smacked a double to right field that scored Jared Thomas from first base for the winning run. Casey Borba hit a pinch-hit solo home run over the left field wall to tie the game at 3-3 on a 2-ball, 2-strike pitch to start the inning.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the
  
  Read more

• Cicadas: When are they the loudest?

  17-05-2024 05:20 via kxan.com
  
  ABOVE: Find a video about how to keep safe in the sun as summer approaches.
  CHICAGO (WGN-TV) — They've begun to emerge. And they're going to make their presence very much known.In Illinois, two broods of periodical cicadas are coming out. In central and southern Illinois, its the 13-year cicadas. In central and northern parts of the state, it’s the 17-year cicadas. (More on what this means is down below). Together, it means billions of them will be making that signature buzzing and c
  
  Read more

• Which Austin FC players make at least $1 million? MLSPA releases 2024 salary data

  17-05-2024 04:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC captain Sebastian Driussi got a big raise this season according to salary data released Thursday by the Major League Soccer Players Association.Driussi is set to make a base salary of $4.5 million in 2024 with guaranteed compensation of just more than $6.7 million, $700,000 more than he did last season. His guaranteed money is the highest on the team and fifth-highest in MLS, yet pales in comparison to the league's highest-paid player, Inter Miami's Lionel Messi.
  
  Read more

• Man acquitted of attempted capital murder of peace officer charge

  17-05-2024 01:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man charged with the attempted capital murder of a peace officer in connection with an October 2022 incident was acquitted May 1, according to Travis County court documents.Records showed Emeka Williams was acquitted of the charge by reason of insanity. Documents said Williams also pleaded not guilty to the charge. Affidavit identifies suspect from Sunday night police shooting in north AustinAs part of the judgment, Williams must be committed to a mental health facil
  
  Read more

• Man acquitted insane on attempted capital murder of peace officer charge

  17-05-2024 01:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man charged with the attempted capital murder of a peace officer in connection with an October 2022 incident was acquitted May 1, according to Travis County court documents.Records showed Emeka Williams was acquitted of the charge by reason of insanity. Documents said Williams also pleaded not guilty to the charge. Affidavit identifies suspect from Sunday night police shooting in north AustinAs part of the judgment, Williams must be committed to a mental health facil
  
  Read more

• Baby rabbit saved from pool by local fireman during downpour

  17-05-2024 01:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A baby rabbit was saved from drowning in a pool following the heavy downpour of rain that hit the Austin area Thursday."The rain was pouring down heavy and blowing things around and must have blown the baby rabbit into the pool," Belinda Bryant, who filmed the rescue, said.Local Austin fireman Michael Reese quickly jumped into action to rescue the baby rabbit after he saw it from a distance.Reese saw the animal from the distance, ran toward the pool and grabbed his pool-cle
  
  Read more

• Baby rabbit saved from pool by local firefighter during downpour

  17-05-2024 01:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A baby rabbit was saved from drowning in a pool following the heavy downpour of rain that hit the Austin area Thursday."The rain was pouring down heavy and blowing things around and must have blown the baby rabbit into the pool," Belinda Bryant, who filmed the rescue, said.Local Austin firefighter Michael Reese quickly jumped into action to rescue the baby rabbit after he saw it from a distance.Reese saw the animal from the distance, ran toward the pool and grabbed his pool
  
  Read more

• Hays County reports over $250k in damages from storm last week

  17-05-2024 01:06 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – Ringtones have soundtracked All Weather Restoration And Roofing’s office for the last several months. “It's been crazy. We've had, just storm after storm after storm,” said J Tolbert, the owner of All Weather Restoration. “There's not enough local contractors to get out there and take care of everybody.” The company, which primarily deals with roofing issues, said business picked up even more after a severe storm blew thro
  
  Read more

• How to track parvovirus cases among Texas dogs

  17-05-2024 00:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An online tracking tool shows Texas leading the country with the most number of parvovirus cases among dogs, leading to a warning from local advocates to pet owners.
  According to the ParvoTrack map, Texas reported at least 2,533 cases of the contagious and even deadly virus, which is spread mainly through contaminated dog feces. This service advises that there is currently a high risk of parvovirus in the state.
  Experts at Austin Pets Alive! said Thursday that Travis County
  
  Read more

• LIVE BLOG: Severe storms bring rain to Central Texas

  16-05-2024 23:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The KXAN First Warning Weather team is tracking the risk of scattered severe storms throughout Central Texas Thursday.Latest forecast from the First Warning Weather teamThreats from these include hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.Weather Resources
  Watches vs Warnings: Understanding how a storm is madeTraffic mapLive Central Texas radarCentral Texas rainfall totalsDownload KXAN Weather AppSign up for KXAN daily forecast newsletter and severe weather alerts newslett
  
  Read more

• BLOG: Severe storms bring rain to Central Texas

  16-05-2024 23:39 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video at the top of this story is from a KXAN viewer in Hutto, Texas.
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The KXAN First Warning Weather team is tracking the risk of scattered severe storms throughout Central Texas Thursday.Latest forecast from the First Warning Weather teamThreats from these include hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.Weather Resources
  Watches vs Warnings: Understanding how a storm is madeTraffic mapLive Central Texas radarCentral Texas rainfall totalsDownload KXAN
  
  Read more

• Police identify victim in deadly north Austin shooting

  16-05-2024 23:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department identified the man who died in a shooting at a north Austin apartment last week. Additionally, the agency provided more details in a news release, saying there were two additional victims who were shot.Around 8:07 p.m. on May 9, officers responded to the Canyon Ridge Apartments, located 12118 Walnut Creek Crossing, after multiple 911 calls about a shooting, the release said.Once officers arrived at the apartment complex, they found a man, later ident
  
  Read more

• Longhorns shortstop Jalin Flores named semifinalist for Dick Howser Trophy by NCBWA

  16-05-2024 22:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas shortstop Jalin Flores is a semifinalist for a national player of the year award.The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association named Flores to its 68-player list for the Dick Howser Trophy on Thursday, recognizing the best college baseball players in the country. The NCBWA will announce the winner at 9 a.m., June 13 on MLB Network with a press conference the following day from Charles Schwab Field in Omaha to kick off the Men's College World Series. No. 25 Texa
  
  Read more

• Gov. Abbott pardons Daniel Perry after Travis County murder conviction

  16-05-2024 21:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced he granted a full pardon to the man convicted of shooting and killing a Black Lives Matter protester following a recommendation issued Thursday.
  Abbott quickly signed a proclamation after the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles voted unanimously to grant a full pardon and restore gun rights to Daniel Perry, a former Army sergeant found guilty of murder by a jury in April 2023 and later sentenced to 25 years in prison.
  In a statement Thursday,
  
  Read more

• Gov. Abbott pardons Daniel Perry after he shot, killed protester in 2020

  16-05-2024 21:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced he granted a full pardon to the man convicted of shooting and killing a Black Lives Matter protester following a recommendation issued Thursday.
  Abbott quickly signed a proclamation after the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles voted unanimously to grant a full pardon and restore gun rights to Daniel Perry, a former Army sergeant found guilty of murder by a jury in April 2023 and later sentenced to 25 years in prison.
  In a statement Thursday,
  
  Read more

• Full pardon recommended for Daniel Perry after Travis County murder conviction

  16-05-2024 21:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A full pardon is recommended for the man convicted of shooting and killing a Black Lives Matter protester four years ago in Austin, according to a decision released Thursday.
  The Texas Board of Pardon and Paroles voted unanimously to grant a full pardon and restore gun rights to Daniel Perry, a former Army sergeant found guilty of murder by a jury in April 2023 and later sentenced to 25 years in prison.Perry admitted to shooting Garrett Foster while driving an Uber in downt
  
  Read more

• UT Board OKs $13.5M design contract for highway caps over I-35

  16-05-2024 21:27 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Thursday, May 16, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Design work will soon be underway to build highway coverings across Interstate 35 near the University of Texas at Austin, following approval from the U.T. System Board of Regents last week.The board greenlit a $13.5 million contract with the Texas Department of Transportation to cover 30% design work on those highway coverings. It comes alongside the City of Austin's own capped high
  
  Read more

• Georgetown woman defrauded of $300K; man federally charged, facing 3 counts

  16-05-2024 19:57 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Thursday, May 16, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was federally charged May 7 and accused of defrauding an elderly woman living in Georgetown out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to federal court documents.Records showed Moinuddin Mohammed served as a courier for the conspiracy in the investigation.Court documents said Mohammed participated in a scheme to defraud/attempt to defraud elderly individuals out o
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!