Austin news

• 'Missing piece': Austin bikers pay tribute to cyclists killed in crashes

  16-05-2024 04:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The twinkling of bells echoed around Austin City Hall Wednesday evening, as roughly 70 cyclists gathered for the Ride of Silence. The annual event — launched in Dallas more than 20 years ago — is held around the world to memorialize cyclists killed in crashes.Among those in attendance Wednesday were the family members of Merry "Cookie" Daye, killed in a hit-and-run crash off Cameron Road in December 2019. For Rashad Robertson, Daye's brother, he said she is the
  
  Read more

• Search underway for swimmer who went missing in the Colorado River in Bastrop Monday

  11-06-2024 20:17 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) -- Recovery efforts are underway for a swimmer who went missing in the Colorado River in Bastrop on Monday evening, according to Bastrop County Emergency Services District No. 2.
  A call came in around 7:45 p.m. as a water rescue/missing swimmer for a man in his 30s in the 400 block of East Riverside Drive in Bastrop.
  A witness stated that the swimmer appeared to be struggling and went under and didn't resurface.
  Bastrop County ESD 2 said search efforts are affected by rapid
  
  Read more

• Local family at center of new fentanyl education movement, a month after son's death

  11-06-2024 19:05 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Matthew Wright should have been enjoying his last summer before going off to Texas State University to study psychology.
  Instead, a little over a month ago, the 18-year-old and youngest of three died of fentanyl poisoning.
  His family said he passed unexpectedly at their home in Cedar Park. He had aspirations to help other young people with their mental health, as he had struggled himself.
  Matthew Wright, 18, passed away after fentanyl poisoning (Courtesy:
  
  Read more

• Presiding judge not dismissing removal petition against Travis County DA Jose Garza yet

  11-06-2024 19:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dib Waldrip, the presiding judge assigned to oversee the petition to remove Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza, filed a notice Tuesday morning in response to the state's recent motion to dismiss the case. The judge's notice indicated a dismissal is not happening without factual information supporting the motion.RELATED: County attorney files motion to dismiss removal petition against Travis County DAKXAN reached out to Waldrip about the notice and will update this s
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Presiding judge not dismissing removal petition against Travis County DA José Garza yet

  11-06-2024 19:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dib Waldrip, the presiding judge assigned to oversee the petition to remove Travis County District Attorney José Garza, filed a notice Tuesday morning in response to the state's recent motion to dismiss the case. The judge's notice indicated a dismissal is not happening without factual information supporting the motion.RELATED: County attorney files motion to dismiss removal petition against Travis County DAKXAN reached out to Waldrip about the notice and will update
  
  Read more

• Tracking the Tropics: Disturbance forms off Florida Gulf coast. Could it develop?

  11-06-2024 18:39 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- A tropical disturbance with a chance of development formed off the Florida Gulf coast on Tuesday morning.
  An area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms is expected to move across Florida over the next day or so, dumping several inches of rain on the region.
  Its chance of development, however, is low. The National Hurricane Center said the system has a zero percent chance of development in the next two days.It has a 20% chance of "slow" development over the next seven da
  
  Read more

• ACC Elgin closed due to water main break; boil water notice issued for part of Bastrop Co.

  11-06-2024 18:10 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Austin Community College Elgin is closed on Tuesday due to a water main break, according to its social media.
  All classes and activities at ACC Elgin are canceled for the day. All other ACC campuses remain open.The Aqua Water Supply Corporation also issued a boil water notice for part of Bastrop County. The water supply said the notice was issued due to distribution system pressure losses caused by a line break that happened Tuesday. It didn't specify where t
  
  Read more

• Invasive tree-killing beetle spreading, moving south in Texas

  11-06-2024 17:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An invasive wood-boring beetle is quickly spreading in Texas, thanks to human interactions.Emerald ash borers are an invasive species that bores into ash trees—whether it's a healthy or stressed, dying tree. Wizzie Brown, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service senior extension program specialist, said entomologists are concerned because it's wiping out ash species.The emerald ash borer (EAB). (Courtesy: Texas A&M Forest Service)
  The beetles were firs
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• UT says it will discipline students who violated campus rules during pro-Palestinian protests

  11-06-2024 17:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The University of Texas at Austin issued a statement Tuesday morning stating that it will carry out disciplinary action against students who violated campus rules during pro-Palestinian protests on April 24 and 29.The University has made clear that we enforce institutional rules, and the conduct notices sent to students who violated our rules during protests on April 24th and 29th reflect that commitment. The actions and stated intentions of those participating in these protests
  
  Read more

• Which Austin food vendors will be at Blues on the Green this year?

  11-06-2024 17:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's back! After initial cancellation plans earlier this year due to rising costs, Austin City Limits Radio's Blues on the Green returns for its 33rd year Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at Zilker Park. RELATED: How to get to, from 2024 Blues on the Green in AustinACL Radio credited action taken by Austin City Council along with H-E-B's financial assistance as reasons behind the concert series' return. As Austinites flock to Zilker, here's a look at some of the food vendors you c
  
  Read more

• Texas Senate panel to hear testimony on border security

  11-06-2024 16:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- The Texas Senate's Committee on Border Security will hear invited testimony from state and local officials regarding their "participation in border security" Tuesday morning. It's part of the chamber's work to monitor the implementation of new laws before the next legislative session begins in January.Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick tasked the committee of three Republicans and two Democrats with three broad interim charges:
  "Securing the Texas-Mexico Border": Reviewing state and l
  
  Read more

• Wet times this afternoon and evening

  11-06-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Early afternoon thunderstorms, non-severe, were moving across San Saba and Lampasas Counties. There were pockets of heavy rain moving through these counties with only afew lightning strikes detected. A Flood Advisory will be in effect for northern Mason County until 3:45 this afternoon.The afternoon forecast calls for additional showers and thunderstorms with the possibility of a few of the stronger thunderstorms reaching severe limits.
  The Austin metro area is forecast to see s
  
  Read more

• Scattered storms possible later today

  11-06-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Isolated to scattered storms will be possible over the next 48 hours before it's back to the summer-like heat & dryness. Check out some high rain totals in the southern Hill CountryLike what played out yesterday, isolated to scattered storms are likely to bubble up in spots this afternoon and evening. Not everyone will see storms - in fact, most will not - but those who do will need to be on the lookout for a strong or severe storm. A level 1 to 2 out 5 severe risk is in pla
  
  Read more

• Mysterious boat signals new age of watersports on Lake Austin

  11-06-2024 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Clad in space grey, a quiet boat quickly stalked its way across Lake Austin this month. Nearly silent when compared to its gas powered brethren, the Arc Sport is a fully electric wake boarding boat built by former Space-X engineers. Its arrival could be an early sign that the next age of boating will soon arrive in Central Texas."It's the first time you're getting into an EV car and you plant your foot. That feeling, that rush that you get? It's the same thing as driving th
  
  Read more

• Southwest Airlines to fly nonstop to Detroit for UT-Michigan game

  11-06-2024 01:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Fans cheering on the Longhorns at this year's UT-Michigan game now have another nonstop option to make the journey.Southwest Airlines will offer two nonstop flights ahead of the game on Sept. 7. Flights will depart Austin at 11:40 a.m. on both Thursday and Friday, Sept. 5 and 6, and will land at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) at 3:35 p.m. local time. The airport is about 25 miles east of Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. on Saturday,
  
  Read more

• VIDEO: Body camera shows events leading up to police shooting in north Austin apartment

  11-06-2024 01:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Body camera video released by the Austin Police Department Monday shows the events before police shot a suspect they said was stabbing a woman in north Austin May 27.Officers initially responded to an apartment complex on Tech Ridge Boulevard shortly after 1:34 a.m. after neighbors called 911 reporting they heard yelling, banging and someone calling for help. When police arrived, they heard a commotion and forced their way into an apartment, where they saw a man "actively stabbi
  
  Read more

• Council member moves to ease burden of homeless camp cleanups on private property owners

  11-06-2024 01:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After spending roughly five hours cleaning an abandoned homeless camp in north Austin, Council Member Mackenzie Kelly is looking for ways the City of Austin can help people with homeless encampment cleanups on private property.
  "First and foremost, I learned that the conditions that individuals experiencing homelessness are in are absolutely abhorrent," Kelly said. "Secondly, I realized the actual burden that these property owners have to clean the trash out of that environment.
  
  Read more

• Northbound lanes of I-35 reopened after crash in Round Rock

  11-06-2024 00:47 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — All lanes of Interstate 35 northbound near Round Rock reopened Monday evening after a rollover crash shut down the road earlier in the afternoon, Round Rock Police said on social media. KXAN Traffic mapsTraffic had been diverted to the Westinghouse Road exit, which is just past the RM 1431 exit of the interstate.According to KXAN traffic cameras, vehicles were at a standstill on the interstate around 6:15 p.m. Monday.In an update posted to social media, RRPD said
  
  Read more

• All northbound lanes of I-35 closed in Round Rock after crash

  11-06-2024 00:47 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — All lanes of Interstate 35 northbound near Round Rock are shut down after a rollover crash Monday afternoon, Round Rock Police said on social media. KXAN Traffic mapsRRPD said traffic is being diverted to the Westinghouse Road exit, which is just past the RM 1431 exit of the interstate.Police said to expect delays and drivers should avoid the area, if possible.This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
  
  Read more

• Organizers in need of more support for Austin's Juneteenth celebration

  11-06-2024 00:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Organizers with an east Austin Juneteenth celebration say they need more help to maintain the event this year.The legacy celebration hosted by the Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA) gets support from the City of Austin, but its group leaders said it's still been difficult for them as demographics change with fewer Black people living in Austin. Harriet Tubman sculpture to be on display in Bastrop to honor JuneteenthWith more people moving out of Austin to surroun
  
  Read more

• ERCOT predicts up to 16% chance of emergency power conditions in August

  11-06-2024 00:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — As Texans start to experience the beginning of another hot summer, the state's power grid operators are raising concerns about the heat, grid reliability and the prospect of rolling blackouts.
  In a Texas House State Affairs Committee hearing Monday, energy leaders testified to give updates about growth forecasts, the summer outlook and market design initiatives.
  It comes after a Friday report in which the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) said that by Augu
  
  Read more

• High schoolers with Longhorn Aquatics to compete at Olympic Trials

  10-06-2024 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — At least three Central Texas high schoolers who all train at the club Longhorn Aquatics have qualified for Swimming Olympic trials this weekend.
  Rowan Cox, 16, Julian Cox, 18, and Andrew Zou, 17, will be representing their team.
  The young athletes practice every day during the week, before the sun comes up, and before they go to school.
  A legacy swim clubOn the University of Texas at Austin campus, Longhorn Aquatics has been around for nearly 90 years and has grown in prest
  
  Read more

• Crews working to repair gas line leak in Pflugerville

  10-06-2024 23:12 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — Emergency crews are on scene of a gas line leak in Pflugerville Monday afternoon.According to Pflugerville Police, the leak is happening near the 400 block of W. Custers Creek Bend. Traffic is being diverted away from the area.The Pflugerville Fire Department is on scene, as well as crews from Atmos Energy.The public is asked to avoid the area until the leak is repaired.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
  Read more

• More Customs and Border Protection officers coming to Austin's airport

  10-06-2024 23:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) will get more help processing foreign passengers and inspecting cargo.
  Four additional Customs and Border Protection officers will be stationed at AUS by this fall. U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) made the announcement on Monday.A record number of flights diverted to Austin’s airport in MayCurrently, Rep. Doggett said AUS has 15 officers, which he said isn't enough to handle the increase in arrivals.
  For years,
  
  Read more

• San Marcos railroad crossings to close this month for maintenance work

  10-06-2024 22:57 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — Four railroad crossings in San Marcos will be closed this month for maintenance work.The closures will take place from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on three days:
  June 16: SH 21 crossing at Old Bastrop RoadJune 17: Northbound I-35 frontage road crossing near SH 80June 18: Southbound I-35 frontage road crossing near SH 80June 18: Highway 12 at Wonder World Drive frontage road (both directions)
  Map shows the location of a railroad closure for maintenance work. (Courtesy City o
  
  Read more

• A record number of flights diverted to Austin's airport in May

  10-06-2024 22:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A record number of flights were diverted to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in May.According to airport officials, 131 flights were diverted to AUS last month, more than any other month in airport history. Most of the diversions were due to bad weather in North Texas.Emirates and Korean Air were among the airlines that had flights divert to Austin. Neither of the international airlines offer regular service to AUS.Diverted flights can occur when there's bad weather,
  
  Read more

• Texas Medicaid, SNAP delays could cost state millions in federal funding

  10-06-2024 22:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Federal agencies are warning Texas they may withhold federal funding if the state's delays and backlogs in administering healthcare and nutrition programs persist, according to internal communications provided by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett.Since last summer, KXAN has reported major delays and errors inside Texas Health and Human Services that have erroneously removed thousands of Texans off of Medicaid and subjected others to months-long wait times to get food aid through t
  
  Read more

• Tarantulas and flying spiders: Can you expect these creepy crawlies in Central Texas?

  10-06-2024 22:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — If mosquitos, cockroaches and cicadas aren't enough for you, another crawling friend is breaking out for the summer: tarantulas.
  Tarantula mating season started in May and lasts through August, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. This causes a mass movement of the anthropods, so people may see more of them over the next few months.
  Aphonopelma hentzi found in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana by KTAL/KMSS staff
  The activity is also increased with warmer tempera
  
  Read more

• APD identifies 27-year-old motorcyclist killed in southeast Austin crash

  10-06-2024 21:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department has identified the 27-year-old motorcyclist killed in a crash in southeast Austin Saturday.William Heinz-Phillip Fountain was driving on Teri Road, near S. Pleasant Valley Road, when he crossed into a lane of oncoming traffic and hit another vehicle, according to police. The crash happened just before 9:30 p.m.He was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The driver of the other vehicle remained on the scene and was not i
  
  Read more

• Best wine bars in and around Austin, according to KXAN viewers

  10-06-2024 20:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In honor of National Wine Day last month, we asked our viewers what their favorite Austin area wine bars are.
  There are over 100 wineries and vineyards in the Texas Hill Country, but if you don't want to make as far of a trip for a glass of bubbly, there are some wine bar options within and close to the Capital City. Below is a list of places KXAN viewers recommended over social media.
  Rosie's Wine BarRosie's is a wine bar located in downtown Austin featuring a rotating menu of
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!