Austin news

• Dozens gather on UT campus after graduation for pro-Palestine rally

  12-05-2024 05:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Dozens of people gathered at the University of Texas at Austin campus on Saturday night to for a pro-Palestine protest after commencement ceremonies ended.People were seen gathering shortly before 10 p.m., with the Texas Department of Public Safety and UT Police watching from a distance. UT Austin officials were also present and monitoring the demonstration but were later seen walking away. UT grads reach milestone after protest clashes on campusAt the demonstration, people were
  
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• Silver Alert issued for missing 79-year-old Austin man

  23-05-2024 15:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is searching for a missing 79-year-old man who has a cognitive impairment. He was last seen Wednesday night in east Austin.
  A Silver Alert was issued early Thursday morning for Henry Johnson, who was last seen around 11:30 p.m. in the 6500 block of Auburnhill Street in Austin in a black, 2017 GMC Yukon with Texas license plate DV53729.Johnson is described as a Black 79-year-old man who is 5’9” in height, 203 pounds, and bald with brown ey
  
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• What nonstop flights were available when Austin-Bergstrom Airport opened in May 1999?

  23-05-2024 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Thursday marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.The airport opened to the public on May 23, 1999, after the closure of Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, now the Mueller neighborhood in east Austin.A total of 19 airlines currently offer service to 92 destinations, 14 of which are international. When the airport first opened, the number of nonstop routes was about a third of what is available now, with 31 in total. What are the bus
  
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• Exclusive: Drug overdoses leading cause of accidental death in Travis County for third year

  23-05-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- For the third year in a row, drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in Travis County. That will be revealed by the Medical Examiner Thursday afternoon with the release of the 2023 Medical Examiner Report.
  KXAN exclusively received an advanced copy.
  The report shows that in 2023, 486 people died of overdoses in Travis County. That's up from 417 people the year prior. Looking specifically at fentanyl-related deaths, there were 279 in the most recent report compar
  
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• APD investigating homicide overnight in north Austin

  23-05-2024 12:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is investigating after a man died at an apartment complex in north Austin late Wednesday night.
  APD said around 10 p.m., officers responded to a call at the Villas de la Plaza Apartments on Middle Fiskville Road. That complex is just east of I-35 and north of East Rundberg Lane.
  Officers found a man in his 30s with "signs of trauma to his body" inside an apartment.
  Police said medics arrived to the scene and tried to save him, but he ultimately died.
  
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• Isolated severe storm threat continues

  23-05-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Isolated strong to severe storms are possible today as the dangerous heat continues.A very isolated storm or shower remains possible Thursday morning, mainly in the Hill Country. Generally speaking we should see morning clouds giving way to increasing afternoon sun on Thursday. It'll be another hot day with highs heading for the mid 90s again with oppressive humidity making it feel like 100-105º during the afternoon and early evening.Thursday's forecast Summer outlook:
  
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• Tornado hits Temple, Bell County area

  23-05-2024 05:42 via kxan.com
  
  BELL COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado was reported in Bell County Wednesday evening. NWS will survey storm damage on Thursday for areas from Morgan's Point to Temple to Seaton in east Bell County.Severe thunderstorms moved through the area on Wednesday, where video of a tornado in the City of Temple was received, the weather service said. Additional areas could be surveyed if further storm reports are received.A tornado was reported in Temple on Thursday,
  
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• UT's Chris Del Conte named athletic director of the year by Sports Business Journal

  23-05-2024 04:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte was named the athletic director of the year Wednesday by the Sports Business Journal.Del Conte was honored at the 17th annual Sports Business Awards in New York City and was selected among four others — Trev Alberts (Nebraska, now Texas A&M), Jeff Bourne (James Madison), Desiree Reed-Francois (Missouri, now Arizona) and Carla Williams (Virginia). Voting was done by the Sports Business Journal staff.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay
  
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• Texas goes 0-2 in Big 12 baseball tournament for 2nd consecutive year

  23-05-2024 04:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas is out of the Big 12 Conference baseball tournament.The Longhorns (35-22) moved the tying run into scoring position in the bottom of the ninth but couldn't bring it around in an 8-7 loss to Cincinnati on Wednesday at Globe Life Field. The loss eliminated third-seeded Texas from the tournament following Tuesday's loss to Texas Tech. PREVIOUS GAME: 9th-inning homer sinks Longhorns in opening round of Big 12 baseball tourneyAfter the Bearcats plated four runs in the top
  
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• 'This is the future,' Austin restaurants use robot delivery in Mueller neighborhood

  23-05-2024 03:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- What if your food delivery came via a robot?
  Some restaurants in Austin turned to artificial intelligence to help find cost-effective solutions to meet the rising demand for delivery services.
  Austin-based company Avride is behind the autonomous delivery robot seen around the Mueller neighborhood.
  Avride said it has delivery robots in places like Dubai and South Korea as well. (Photo: KXAN)Avride said it has delivery robots in places like Dubai and South Korea as well. (Photo:
  
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• Austin-based nonprofit sends support to Houston, Hays County following severe weather

  23-05-2024 01:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Tuesday, Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN), an Austin-based nonprofit, activated its disaster response to help those affected by severe storms and flooding.ADRN said its focus would be on communities in the Houston and Hays County areas.“Our dedicated teams are working tirelessly to bring hope and comfort to those impacted by the recent floods and storms. We are in response mode and are continuously monitoring the situation to respond with the best possible eff
  
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• 10,000 daily steps was a marketing ploy: Do you really need to hit it?

  23-05-2024 01:55 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — For years, we’ve been advised and encouraged to take 10,000 steps a day. Or maybe it was 5,000. Or maybe, you heard even fewer, like 2,500. Between the conflicting numbers and reminders from your fitness tracker to take more steps to reach your goal (that you probably didn’t set), it can be more confusing than you ever thought taking a walk should be.Let’s start with the largest goal of them all: 10,000 steps a day. If you work in a field where you’
  
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• Man arrested in connection with vandalism at Texas congressman's office in Georgetown

  23-05-2024 01:07 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- A man in his 20s was arrested and charged in connection with vandalism that occurred at Texas Congressman John Carter's office in Georgetown last month, according to the Georgetown Police Department.Sheriff’s office looks for suspects connected to vandalism, criminal mischief in GeorgetownIn late April, the Williamson County Sheriff's Office asked the public for help identifying suspects in three criminal mischief incidents in Georgetown. The sheriff’s off
  
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• Abbott: HHSC awarding $17M grant to rural hospitals

  23-05-2024 00:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced $17 million in grant funding was awarded to rural hospital by the Texas Health and Human Services commission, Abbott's office said in a news release.HHSC provides grant funding for those rural hospitals in alignment with the Rural Hospital Service Strategic Plan. This plan ensures Texans have access to hospital services, the release said.Rural hospitals that qualify will receive $100,000 to $375,000 over a two-year period, the release sai
  
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• Austin to explore 'climate fee' to fund $1.8 billion in climate, environmental projects

  23-05-2024 00:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — City of Austin chief sustainability officer Zach Baumer estimated the city would need $1.8 billion for its proposed environmental investment plan, according to a city memo Tuesday.The plan began as a resolution by the city council for the city manager to "solicit community input and prepare options and associated costs of capital improvements or programs that would reduce carbon emissions, decrease water usage, improve water quality and water detention, advance the sustaina
  
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• Texas state Senator Bettencourt calls for new criminal statute against squatting

  22-05-2024 23:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, estimates that up to 10,000 squatting cases have happened in Texas, according to a Wednesday press release.On May 15, Bettencourt chaired a hearing of the Texas Senate's Local Government Committee focused on the issue. Testimony included families and landlords who had encountered serious problems with squatters. Texas Senate holds hearing on squatters“The one thing that stood out to me was the hearts of the people this has happened t
  
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• Texas Sen. Bettencourt calls for new criminal statute against squatting

  22-05-2024 23:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Texas Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, estimates that up to 10,000 squatting cases have happened in Texas, according to a Wednesday press release.On May 15, Bettencourt chaired a hearing of the Texas Senate's Local Government Committee focused on the issue. Testimony included families and landlords who had encountered serious problems with squatters. Texas Senate holds hearing on squatters“The one thing that stood out to me was the hearts of the people this has happened t
  
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• Man accused of kidnapping woman from north Austin bus stop, sexually assaulting her

  22-05-2024 22:40 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Wednesday, May 22, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man faces two felony charges after reports he kidnapped a woman from a north Austin bus stop and sexually assaulted her at a nearby motel on Saturday, according to Travis County court documents.Records showed 42-year-old Lance Donnell Benford was charged with aggravated kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault in connection with the incident.KXAN reached out to Benford&rsquo
  
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• TCSO: Man shot multiple times, killed during early morning burglary

  22-05-2024 22:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Travis County Sherriff's Office (TCSO) released the identity of the victim in a May 20 homicide, as well as additional information about the early morning shooting.In an arrest affidavit, TCSO identified the victim as Stephen Mark Peterman, 49.
  A TCSO deputy found Peterman around 4 a.m. in the middle of Amarillo Avenue with several gunshot wounds, according to the affidavit. Life-saving measures were attempted but unsuccessful.
  The TCSO detective who submitted the affid
  
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• Memorial Day watercraft ban starts Friday on Lake Austin

  22-05-2024 21:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A personal watercraft ban starts Friday on Lake Austin for Memorial Day weekend.The ban starts at sunset Friday. It will lift Tuesday at sunrise.The ban applies to personal watercraft, wet bikes, motorized surfboards and similar vessels. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are not affected.Austin Police Department’s Lake Patrol Unit will enforce the ordinance.
  The city’s annual ordinance, which aims to enforce public safety, also goes into effect for periods around
  
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• Lago Vista High School releases students early after lockdown, cancels after school events

  22-05-2024 21:32 via kxan.com
  
  This story includes mention of self-harm. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Lago Vista High School went on lockdown Wednesday after what Lago Vista ISD called a "student self-harm situation."The district said there was no threat to other students at the school.The campus went to an early dismissal plan, the district said.
  Other Lago Vista ISD schools were not released early; however, all after school
  
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• Lago Vista High School releases students early after lockdown, attendance optional for Thursday

  22-05-2024 21:32 via kxan.com
  
  This story includes mention of self-harm. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Lago Vista High School was placed on lockdown Wednesday after what Lago Vista ISD called a "student self-harm situation."In a statement, the district said the high school was placed on lockdown after an "incident of student self harm involving a handgun."
  "We are deeply saddened to share that the student did not survive. Our t
  
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• ATCEMS partners with local tech company ESO to help 911 dispatchers

  22-05-2024 21:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – With an increasing number of 911 calls and staff shortages affecting many emergency medical services departments, Austin-based ESO published a study using data from seven EMS Systems, including Austin’s, to determine an improved approach to emergency response. The emergency and crisis management software company said the current EMS system was designed in the 1970s to respond to traumatic injuries on interstate highways. Since then, it has become a tool that not
  
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• 'Error' made in American Airlines filing over child filmed in airplane bathroom

  22-05-2024 20:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KAXN) — American Airlines said its legal counsel made an "error" in a filing that blamed a 9-year-old girl following an incident where a former employee secretly recorded her while using a plane bathroom.The family of the victim filed a civil lawsuit in February against American Airlines and 36-year-old flight attendant Estes Thompson III.In a filing this week, attorneys for the airline said the harm to her was caused by her "own fault and negligence" and by her using a bathroom "w
  
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• Uber expanding pilot of driver safety feature into Austin

  22-05-2024 20:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Rideshare company Uber said it was expanding the pilot version of a driver safety feature of its app into Austin.
  The company launched the pilot program "Record My Ride" in October 2022 across select U.S. cities. It's a safety feature that allows drivers to record video and audio of trips using their smartphone camera.
  The feature will now be available for Uber drivers in Austin, where it was previously unavailable.
  How it works:Drivers can set up Record My Ride in the Safety To
  
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• March 2024: Which local restaurants received a perfect health inspection score?

  22-05-2024 19:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Public Health inspected 622 locations in March, with a 12.9% rate of perfect scores for the month.So far for 2024, the agency has issued perfect scores in 10% of its inspections. At the same time in 2023, it averaged 14.7% for perfect scores. However, it had completed 2,101 inspections by that time. As of April 1, APH has completed 1,975 inspections in 2024.The following restaurants received perfect scores in March:
  Poke House, located at 3652 Bee Caves Road, AustinPoke F
  
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• 15-year-old driver dies following crash in east Austin

  22-05-2024 18:07 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Wednesday, May 22, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department identified a 15-year-old girl who died two days after a single-vehicle crash in east Austin.According to APD, the crash happened around 1:30 a.m. Friday at the intersection of Farm to Market Road 969 and Ed Bluestein Boulevard Service Road heading north. MAP: Where have Austin’s fatal crashes occurred in 2024?APD said one adult and four juven
  
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• Summer outlook: Will Central Texas lakes fill with rain?

  22-05-2024 17:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As Central Texas' wettest month of the year (May) draws to a close, some will see this as a missed opportunity for beneficial rain leading into the summer months. This May, though, has brought significant positives with drought improvement throughout much of the area, as well as significant rises in Lake Buchanan.However, Lake Travis continues to experience "one of its record low periods," according to Vice President of Water for the Lower Colorado River Authority John Hofmann.L
  
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• Man reunites with off-duty Austin firefighter who saved his life

  22-05-2024 17:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dom Fusco hopes to inspire others to take a CPR class after his near-death experience last summer.In August 2023, the 24 year old and his friends were timing out their fastest mile on the track at Austin High School when things suddenly changed. Fusco collapsed on the track."You were mumbling, you were talking to us. But it wasn't super coherent. And then we lost you. And we couldn't get any response from you," Gus Manke, Fusco's friend, recounted about that Saturday mornin
  
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• LIVE: Man reunites with off-duty Austin firefighter who saved his life

  22-05-2024 17:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dom Fusco hopes to inspire others to take a CPR class after his near-death experience last summer.In August 2023, the 24 year old and his friends were timing out their fastest mile on the track at Austin High School when things suddenly changed. Fusco collapsed on the track."You were mumbling, you were talking to us. But it wasn't super coherent. And then we lost you. And we couldn't get any response from you," Gus Manke, Fusco's friend, recounted about that Saturday mornin
  
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