Austin news

• Childish Gambino set to play Moody Center on 'The New World Tour' this fall

  13-05-2024 15:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Immediately on the heels of a new Childish Gambino release Monday morning, the Moody Center announced a fall show featuring the rapper with special guest Willow.
  Donald Glover -- whose stage name is Childish Gambino -- surprise released "ATAVISTA" early Monday, and tour dates for "The New World Tour" were announced on venue websites and ticketmaster shortly thereafter.
  The rapper will play the Moody Center in Austin on Sept. 10 with special guest Willow Smith, who uses the stage
  
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• Westwood High School debate team takes home the national championship win

  07-06-2024 19:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Westwood High School debate team broke records in April, becoming the first in the school's history to win the national championship.
  Seniors Ishan Sharma and Ayush Tripathi took home the title after competing against a Nashville team in the Tournament of Champions (TOC) at the University of Kentucky. The TOC is a coveted high school debate tournament held each year at the University of Kentucky, lasting for four days.
  Sharma and Tripathi's win marks the sixth time a Te
  
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• ATCEMS: 2 taken to hospital after crash results in person being partially ejected from vehicle

  07-06-2024 18:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — First responders arrived at a scene in north Austin after a single-vehicle crash resulted in a person being partially ejected from a vehicle.According to Austin-Travis County EMS, the crash occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. in the 12400 block of north Interstate 35 heading south, which is near the Parmer Lane exit.In total, two patients were involved, including the one who was partially ejected from the vehicle. That patient was declared a trauma alert by medics, accordi
  
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• Flood insurance now more affordable in Austin

  07-06-2024 18:01 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Friday, June 7, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Residents can get a 25% discount on most flood insurance policies in Austin after a recent change to the city’s score in the Community Rating System.According to the city, eligible policies issued or renewed on or after October 1 can receive the discount. Williamson County now has more floodplains, study explains whyOn May 29, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  
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• 2024 STAAR results show Texas students' 'steady performance'

  07-06-2024 17:52 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Friday, June 7, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Education Agency released its results for the Spring 2024 STAAR test, showing mostly "steady performance" by students since the test's redesign in 2023, according to a Friday morning press release.“The 2024 STAAR End-of-Course results highlight both the progress Texas students and educators have made and the challenges that remain to help students improve outcomes, whi
  
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• Second mosquito pool in southeast Austin tests positive for West Nile

  07-06-2024 17:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A second mosquito pool in southeast Austin has tested positive for West Nile Virus within two weeks of the first positive test result of the year in Austin-Travis County, according to officials with Austin Public Health. The agency is urging people to take caution against mosquitoes since peak season is May through November.The positive result was in the 78744 zip code and came from the same mosquito trap as Travis County's first positive pool, which was reported May 28, accordi
  
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• Harriet Tubman sculpture to be on display in Bastrop to honor Juneteenth

  07-06-2024 17:21 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) -- As part of the City of Bastrop's Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, a nine-foot-tall sculpture of Harriet Tubman will be on display in Texas for the first time since its creation.The "Harriet Tubman: The Journey to Freedom" sculpture by Wofford Sculpture Studio will be on display at the Kerr Community Gardens starting June 15 through August.Juneteenth celebration, remembrance day held at Austin’s first Black cemeteryThe sculpture portrays Tubman protecting a youn
  
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• Texas Democratic Convention kicks off in El Paso

  07-06-2024 16:36 via kxan.com
  
  EL PASO (Nexstar) — Thousands of Texas Democrats are expected to convene at the state party's convention in El Paso for a weekend of organizing ahead of a contentious election season.The convention's program reveals the messages the party intends to impress upon voters as they ramp up to challenge U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.
  Among the planned speakers and panelists are elected representatives at the state and federal level, as well as advocates across a variety of issues on which Democrats plan to
  
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• Swim team coach urges water safety after agency finds racial disparities in child drownings

  07-06-2024 16:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The latest research from the Consumer Product Safety Commission found more than 6,500 near-drownings landed children younger than 15 in the hospital and the number of fatal drownings is on the rise.
  “Our latest data shows nearly 400 children drowning under the age of 15,” said Nikki Flemming with the CPSC.The agency also found racial disparities in child drownings.“Unfortunately, we're still seeing too many African American children dying at disproportionate ra
  
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• Research to Reality? UT Austin students look into passenger high speed rail in Texas

  07-06-2024 15:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A group of graduate students at the University of Texas at Austin have spent the last year researching the viability of high speed rail in Texas.
  KXAN Traffic Anchor Erica Brennes met with one of those students to learn what they discovered.In a dream scenario, there would have been high speed passenger rail between Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Dallas built decades and decades ago. But that doesn't mean it's not a possibility in the future, and those graduate students are ho
  
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• Artificial intelligence in the gym; how potatoes and robots are getting in shape for the AI future

  07-06-2024 15:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Robots are getting in their reps at the University of Texas. Within the Anna Hiss Gymnasium, the team at Texas Robotics, a group of UT researchers and students, is using artificial intelligence to train and control the next wave of robots."One of the tasks is for the robot to be able to take the bowl and put it on the table and pour some cereal into the bowl," said Professor Peter Stone while watching one robot work its way through a mock apartment. Its wheels rolling over an ol
  
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• Construction on FM 812 upgrades could begin as early as 2027, TxDOT says

  07-06-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Following a public hearing in January, officials with the Texas Department of Transportation said improvements to Farm to Market 812 could begin as early as 2027.TxDOT has proposed substantial upgrades along the roadway between U.S. Highway 183 in Travis County and State Highway 21 in Bastrop County, including enhancements to a sliver of Farm to Market 973 from north of McAngus Road to south of FM 812. That proposed project comes as traffic along FM 812 has fa
  
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• Austin charter school applies for dormancy period to fix building issues

  07-06-2024 13:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A public charter school in north Austin filed for a dormancy period with the Texas Education Agency and is telling its students they need to find another school for the upcoming academic year.
  Jubilee Wells Branch, a pre-K through 12th grade public charter school, said it applied for the dormancy so it could fix issues with the building, including the A/C units, leaking roofs and walls. The news came as a shock to parents.
  "We're heartbroken. Our children grew up since Kinder to
  
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• Insight: How severe weather across Texas impacts the ongoing drought

  07-06-2024 05:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas has faced a barrage of severe weather recently, and families across the state have been impacted by flooding, loss of power, damaging winds and more.
  Despite the recent torrential rainfall and storms, drought remains an ongoing concern and requires more than isolated downpours to be resolved. Texas Water Utilities Vice President of Engineering Todd Danielson spoke to KXAN about what crews are doing during the drought and what small changes Texans can make to minimize droug
  
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• Man accused of shipping protected turtles faces 25 years prison

  07-06-2024 05:08 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (NewsNation) — A New York man faces federal charges after he allegedly shipped protected species of turtles from the U.S. to China for the pet trade black market, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.Russell Milis, 26, of New York City, was charged with two counts of smuggling goods from the U.S. and one count of violating the Lacey Act, a conservation law aimed at preventing the illegal trade of fish, wildlife and plants. 1.2M rechargeable lights recalled nationwide after
  
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• Oklahoma wins record fourth straight NCAA softball title, beating Texas 8-4 for 2-game sweep

  07-06-2024 05:04 via kxan.com
  
  OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma slugged its way to a record fourth straight NCAA softball title, getting a go-ahead, bases-clearing double from Cydney Sanders and beating Texas 8-4 on Thursday night for a two-game sweep of the Women’s College World Series championship.
  The Sooners won their eighth title overall, all under coach Patty Gasso, and moved into a tie with Arizona for the second-most national championships behind UCLA's 12.
  Second-seeded Oklahoma (59-7) scored eight runs in e
  
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• 'I am heavily armed,' Las Vegas bank robber showed tellers notes with iPad: police

  07-06-2024 05:04 via kxan.com
  
  LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A man accused of robbing a Las Vegas bank and attempting to rob another allegedly used an iPad to display his demand notes to tellers, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained.Donald Malone, 53, faces charges of robbery, burglary and attempted robbery, documents said. Over 1.2M rechargeable lights sold nationwide recalled after death, firesOn Wednesday, May 29, Malone allegedly displayed a prewritten note on an iPad to a teller at a bank on Sunset Roa
  
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• Travis County drought-free for the first time in two years, experts say won't last long

  07-06-2024 04:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- For the first time in two years, parts of Central Texas are no longer in a drought.
  According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Travis County, Williamson County, Burnet County, Llano County and Bastrop County are drought-free.
  The map has parts of Hays County considered abnormally dry with a moderate drought.
  Much of the Central Texas area was previously under a drought for 26 months. (Photo: U.S. Drought Monitor)
  'May just be temporary'Texas State Climatologist Dr. John Nielson-Gam
  
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• Travis County drought-free for the first time in two years

  07-06-2024 04:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- For the first time in two years, parts of Central Texas are no longer in a drought.
  According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Travis County, Williamson County, Burnet County, Llano County and Bastrop County are drought-free.
  The map has parts of Hays County considered abnormally dry with a moderate drought.
  Much of the Central Texas area was previously under a drought for 26 months. (Photo: U.S. Drought Monitor)
  'May just be temporary'Texas State Climatologist Dr. John Nielson-Gam
  
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• No jumping! Austin working to stop bridge jumpers

  07-06-2024 04:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As crowds gather in Austin Lakes and Rivers to cool off, Austin Parks and Recreation is reminding people that jumping off bridges into the water is not only illegal, but it's also dangerous."This is the bridge over Barton Creek, and honestly, this is the most popular spot to jump off," said Park Ranger Melissa Hand. "It is illegal to jump over any bridge over the Colorado River, so not just in Austin proper-- but those bridges include anything that goes over Lady Bird Lake,
  
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• Downtown program aims to boost Austin small businesses, vacant storefronts

  07-06-2024 01:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new initiative launched Thursday to support Austin creatives and small businesses while enhancing vacant downtown Austin storefronts.The Downtown Austin Alliance (DAA) unveiled the Downtown Austin Space Activation program and will celebrate its first storefront location at 506 Congress Avenue on June 13. Not enough demand to fill 2.5M square feet of new office space in downtown Austin, report saysThe program's "goal is to create affordable and flexible spaces that not onl
  
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• Dripping Springs man gets life in prison for continuous sexual abuse of child

  07-06-2024 01:11 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A man was sentenced to life in prison May 30 after he was found guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child younger than 14 years of age, according to Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins.According to the DA’s office, 38-year-old Andrew Brown, of Dripping Springs, sexually abused an 8-year-old, who was the child of a family friend, for more than a year.The DA’s office said the abuse occurred after Brown volunteered to care for the ch
  
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• Texas could be getting its own stock exchange 

  07-06-2024 00:21 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS (Nexstar) — A group of financiers announced on Wednesday plans to create a Texas stock exchange based in Dallas. TXSE Group Inc. released a statement outlining their plans to register with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday, including that it is backed by major investing firms like BlackRock and Citadel Securities. TXSE raised approximately $120 million in capital with the help of investors. The group said it expects to be the “most well capital
  
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• Mayor Kirk Watson talks efforts to shelter homeless amid dangerous summer heat

  06-06-2024 23:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- KXAN's Grace Reader sat down with Mayor Kirk Watson Thursday to talk about a variety of topics from ARPA funding and the upcoming budget process to homelessness and the spectrum of services the city provides. Here's some of what you need to know:
  Providing services this summerWatson said the City of Austin is building on changes made last year including: how the city communicates with service providers and people experiencing homelessness, bringing water to encampments, having c
  
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• Barton Springs Conservancy gives additional $450K toward bathhouse project

  06-06-2024 23:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, the Barton Springs Conservancy gave an extra $450,000 toward the Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse Rehabilitation Project.According to the conservancy, the funds were solicited from supporters of Barton Springs.“As a result of this additional contribution, the total amount of private contributions to date from Barton Springs Conservancy is $3,834,000,” the conservancy said.Check presentation for Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse Rehabilitation Project (KXAN p
  
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• Texas father, son discover message in a bottle on Gulf coast

  06-06-2024 23:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Central Texas father and son duo can add "treasure hunters" to their list of accolades, after discovering a message in a bottle washed ashore at Padre Island National Seashore last weekend.Markus Hogue and his 12-year-old son, Gabriel, were searching for seashells for Gabriel's mom and girlfriend, Liah, on the beach when they saw the bottle sticking out of a pile of debris.
  "We were walking and saw a lot of debris and then saw a bottle and were surprised when we picked it
  
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• 'Gonna be tight': Mayor Kirk Watson talks upcoming budget process

  06-06-2024 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Financial leaders with the City of Austin have warned: The city is likely to see a budget deficit in the 2024 fiscal year largely caused by an unexpected dip in sales tax revenue. That will also bleed into how the city addresses its FY 2025 budget.City of Austin could see budget deficit, headed for ‘fiscal cliff’ with ARPA funding"While it's been up a few of these months, including last month, it's still overall under what the forecasts were for sales tax revenue," M
  
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• Austin Energy prepares for summer season

  06-06-2024 22:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Energy said it has completed its weatherization readiness activities as it prepares for the summer, the agency said in a news release Thursday.The utility said its summer weather preparedness was certified via the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which is "in compliance with state regulations," the release said.The utility said it is preparing for another "record-breaking season" when it comes to energy demand.
  AE said Texas reached 10 "new all-time peak dem
  
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• 6 Alamo Drafthouse theaters shutter outside Austin metro, although they could come back

  06-06-2024 22:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — Austin-based Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is losing six locations outside Central Texas after a franchisee filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.The company that operated all five theaters in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, plus one in Woodbury, Minnesota, under a franchise agreement abruptly closed them on June 6.“We are heartbroken for the franchisee’s teammates and the local film communities, however, we are working as quickly as possible to get Alamo Dra
  
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• Chiefs cancel practice after player goes into cardiac arrest

  06-06-2024 22:06 via kxan.com
  
  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) -- The Kansas City Chiefs canceled practice on Thursday following a medical emergency involving defensive end B.J. Thompson.Thompson, a second-year defensive end for the Chiefs, was taken to the hospital after suffering a seizure and going into cardiac arrest.The Chiefs planned to wrap up their voluntary offseason workouts on Thursday, but a team spokesman said the practice would be pushed to Friday. Chiefs coach Andy Reid and other players plan to speak to reporters then
  
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