Austin news

• Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect in Hill Country

  26-10-2021 23:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The cold front associated with a powerful storm system is expected to bring a line of fast-moving thunderstorms that may be strong to severe overnight to nearly all of Central Texas.
  A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Mason and Saba Saba counties in the Hill Country until 3 a.m. This watch means the ingredients are in place for severe storms to form -- though none are in the area quite yet. The watch area may be expanded overnight.Storms are most likely in the Hil
  
  Read more

• Lawmakers double down on LGBTQ+ policies ahead of next Texas session

  12-05-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  Project Summary: In 2023, a fifth of the country’s state-level bills impacting the LGBTQ+ community were filed in Texas, according to a Human Rights Campaign analysis. Equality Texas tracked a record 141 such bills this year up from just 12 in 2015. Some policies passed and several others progressed substantially in the most recent legislative session. KXAN’s team of journalists – many LGBTQ+ staff members with unique, developed and inside perspectives providing nuance to our
  
  Read more

• Groups protest Austin Animal Center, say leaders aren't fixing changes needed

  12-05-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Some Austinites gathered downtown on Saturday in a peaceful sidewalk demonstration, saying "poor leadership" is leading the Austin Animal Center.Local group Here for the Dogs organized the protest as a way to advocate for policy changes at the animal shelter, according to the Here for the Dogs website.Those people said they take offense with Don Bland, the current chief animal services officer at the Austin Animal Center, who they said isn't committed to Austin's no-kill mandate
  
  Read more

• 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
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

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

  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
  
  Read more

• UT grads reach milestone after protest clashes on campus

  12-05-2024 03:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) — The largest class of University of Texas students in a decade reached their grand achievement this week, despite concern that ceremonies could be called off like those at other universities where police have clashed with pro-Palestine demonstrators in recent weeks.The concern follows the April 24 protest hosted by the school's Palestine Solidarity Committee when waves of law enforcement descended on the campus-- resulting in a violent confrontation between officers a
  
  Read more

• State of Texas: Leaders weigh marijuana options after local decriminalization measure fails

  12-05-2024 01:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- An effort to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana appeared on the ballot recently in another Texas community, and the results turned out differently than similar initiatives in other Texas cities.On May 5, voters in Lubbock overwhelming rejected Proposition A by a margin of 30 percentage points — 65% opposed the measure, while 35% supported it. If approved, it would have told police to stop arresting people for having less than four ounces of marijuana in most cases
  
  Read more

• Austin Police Department releases five-year plan

  12-05-2024 00:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Friday, the Austin Police Department released its five-year plan, which sets the agency's priorities and stay engaged with the community in the process, the City of Austin said in a news release.During the process, which began in 2022, APD gathered input from "various parts of the City" and from "all levels" of the agency to better establish the core focus of the plan, the release said.“All the input and feedback we have received has been helpful in fostering continuous
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Ohio postal worker pulled over for driving 100+ mph, allegedly racing a Mustang

  11-05-2024 23:49 via kxan.com
  
  (WJW) -- Neither rain, nor snow, nor a 60-mile-per-hour speed limit could stop one Ohio postal worker from her delivery route.The postal worker was pulled over for driving more than 100 miles per hour, and police believe she was trying to race a sports car in her mail truck. How to see the sunspot today that could cause northern lights tonight in Ohio"Is there a reason you're going over 100?” asked a deputy, wearing a body-worn camera.“I didn't realize that I was going that fast," th
  
  Read more

• NASA aims to build first railway system on moon

  11-05-2024 23:24 via kxan.com
  
  HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — NASA announced it is aiming to build the first railway system on the moon."We want to build the first lunar railway system, which will provide reliable, autonomous, and efficient payload transport on the Moon," a post by Ethan Schaler, with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory stated.Artist concept of novel approach proposed by a 2024 NIAC Phase II awardee for possible future missions depicting lunar surface with planet Earth on the horizon.
  (Credit: NASA /
  
  Read more

• Will Americans see the northern lights again tonight?

  11-05-2024 23:03 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) - Friday night, Americans across the country were able to catch a glimpse of the northern lights from coast to coast, a sight many only get to see once in their lifetime. But for those who missed it, or are hoping for a second look, you may just get that chance Saturday night.
  According to the NOAA's Aurora Forecast, the majority of households who saw the northern lights last night will have a chance to watch them on Saturday. Can't see the northern lights? Try using your phone cameraW
  
  Read more

• PHOTOS: 'Rare' solar storm passes over Central Texas

  11-05-2024 20:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The northern lights were visible across Central Texas Friday evening, and KXAN viewers took to the streets to catch a glimpse of the event. RELATED: Northern lights visible amid 'very rare' geomagnetic storm watchA G4 geomagnetic storm watch was issued Thursday ahead of the arrival, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration called "very rare."Aurora Borealis in Cedar Creek | KXAN viewer photoAurora east of Johnson City | Credit: Susan HillSolar storm during
  
  Read more

• Cruz gets 'grief' from fellow Senators over work to pass bipartisan FAA bill

  11-05-2024 19:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — A show of bipartisanship in Washington helped Senators pass a bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration. The $105-billion bill aims to improve customer service and safety for air travelers.The deal came Thursday night, just hours before a deadline that could have led to the FAA furloughing 1000s of workers. It still needs approval in the House.
  One challenge to passing a major piece of legislation is the work to keep members from stalling the bill by adding
  
  Read more

• Words you can't use when opening a business in Texas

  11-05-2024 17:00 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Sometimes, the hardest part of any project — whether it be creative or professional — can be deciding on a name for it. Just as there are regulations on what you can and can't name a baby, so, too, are there rules about what you can and can't name your business.In order to even name a business, an entrepreneur's choice must be approved by the Texas Secretary of State's Office, which provided much of the below information, except where noted. Potential business owner
  
  Read more

• Texas off to a fast start in final Big 12 road series

  11-05-2024 03:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas took care of business in their first ever matchup with UCF, beating the Golden Knights 6-3.
  The Longhorns (31-19 overall, 16-9 in Big 12) earned this victory with a mix of critical outs and right on time offense that was too much for UCF to overcome.
  UCF actually took an early lead courtesy of a sacrifice fly from Jack Zyska. However, Max Grubbs ended the frame with a critical strikeout as the Golden Knights stranded a runner.
  After a Will Gasparino sac fly to even th
  
  Read more

• 'Worst I've ever seen,': Cleanup continues in Wimberley following severe storm

  11-05-2024 03:21 via kxan.com
  
  WIMBERLEY, Texas (KXAN) --- Cleanup continues throughout Central Texas after the severe storm that rolled through Thursday.
  Many areas were hit with hail and strong winds.RELATED COVERAGE: San Marcos reports downed trees, power lines after hail stormOver in Wimberley, downed tree limbs and branches could be seen throughout the city.
  'It's scary'The Senior Citizens Craft Shop in downtown Wimberley lost power because of the storm.
  The shop is a co-op of senior citizens that create a range of hand-
  
  Read more

• Solar storm 2024: What should you do to prepare?

  11-05-2024 01:35 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – It's been almost 20 years since we've seen a geomagnetic storm as strong as the one heading our way this weekend. Power operators and other groups that maintain critical infrastructure are preparing for what might happen when the coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, hit Earth. But is there anything you should be doing?A G4-level solar storm, such as the one expected to hit as soon as Friday evening, can cause issues with the power grid, radio communications and the accuracy of GPS.
  
  Read more

• Senate passes bill improving air safety and service for travelers, a day before FAA law expires

  11-05-2024 00:50 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has passed a $105 billion bill designed to improve safety and customer service for air travelers, a day before the law governing the Federal Aviation Administration expires.The bipartisan bill, which comes after a series of close calls between planes at the nation’s airports, aims to boost the number of air traffic controllers amid a shortage, improve safety standards and make it easier for customers to get refunds after flights are de
  
  Read more

• UT professor fired, arrested after pro-Palestine campus protest

  11-05-2024 00:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A University of Texas at Austin professor was fired by the university Thursday days after he was arrested in connection with a pro-Palestine protest on campus. An attorney representing the professor told KXAN that a specific reason for his firing was not given.Richard Douglas Heyman, a liberal arts professor, was charged with interference of public duties-- a Class B misdemeanor-- following an incident with law enforcement on April 29 on the UT south lawn. Heyman was arrest
  
  Read more

• UT lecturer fired, arrested after pro-Palestine campus protest

  11-05-2024 00:24 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect that Richard Douglas Heyman is a lecturer at the University of Texas. We regret the error.AUSTIN (KXAN) — A University of Texas at Austin lecturer was fired days after he was arrested in connection with a pro-Palestine protest on campus. An attorney representing the lecturer told KXAN that a specific reason for his firing was not given.Richard Douglas Heyman, a liberal arts lecturer, was charged with interference of public duties-- a Cl
  
  Read more

• City of Taylor reveals conceptual layout of new city hall building

  11-05-2024 00:13 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) — The City of Taylor provided an update on the ongoing Justice Center project for the city's new city hall building.During a city council meeting Thursday, the project's architect, Randall Scott, provided a 3-D conceptual layout of the new building, which will hold council chambers, a community room, the municipal court, utility billing, the police department and city hall services.West view digital rendering of ongoing Justice Center project (Courtesy: City of Taylor)
  
  Read more

• ATCEMS: 1 dead after vehicle-bicycle crash on US 183 Toll

  10-05-2024 23:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person is dead after a deadly vehicle-bicycle crash on the U.S. 183 Toll, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.Around 3:59 p.m., medics responded to the crash in the 7300 block of U.S. 183 Toll southbound. That's near U.S. Highway 290.Drivers should expect extended traffic closures as the investigation continues. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) said all southbound lanes are closed due to the crash.No further details were released Friday.
  
  Read more

• 'Out of control,' Hail in Dripping Springs smashes car windows

  10-05-2024 23:29 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) -- Lisa Walling was driving home Thursday, trying to beat the storm, when "all of a sudden it was like softballs coming through the sky and windshields shattering," she said.
  Below are photos of the damage the hail caused to her car.Lisa Walling said softball-size hail smashed through her windshield.Smashed windshield in Dripping Springs.Hail damaged the front windshield as well.Broken glass inside the car from the smashed back window.When the hail started getting
  
  Read more

• APD releases 911 audio, body camera videos from deadly northwest Austin shooting

  10-05-2024 22:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department released 911 audio and body camera videos Friday stemming from a deadly shooting in northwest Austin on April 27.APD said officers shot and killed a 44-year-old man, identified by police as Thomas Dray Price, after police said he refused to comply with orders and drop a gun. PREVIOUS: Armed suspect dies after shooting involving APD officersAPD released the videos through its YouTube page. The officers involved in the incident were identified, as
  
  Read more

• Ground broken on permanent supportive housing development in east Austin

  10-05-2024 22:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Leaders broke ground Friday on a permanent supportive housing project that will eventually house people experiencing chronic homelessness.
  Seabrook Square II, near Martin Luther King Jr. and Airport Boulevard, will add 60 permanent supportive housing units to east Austin. Those units will include wrap-around services like mental health care, substance use treatment and case management.
  "Permanent supportive housing is really our most intense way to support individuals who have b
  
  Read more

• 2 Texas restaurants listed near the top of Yelp's ‘Top 100 Barbecue Spots’ in the US

  10-05-2024 21:48 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Americans are suckers for meats we barely need to chew.Whether it’s a succulent pile of pulled pork, a slice of melt-in-your-mouth brisket, or a bite of falling-off-the-bone ribs, Americans love a great plate of tender barbecued meats that — if necessary — we could tear apart with a fork and gum down our throats. 2 Texas restaurants nominated for most ‘outstanding’ in the countryTo that end, the analysts at Yelp have attempted to determine the &ldq
  
  Read more

• Austin ISD set to make more cuts with $59 million deficit

  10-05-2024 20:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Friday, the Austin Independent School District superintendent announced another round of anticipated budget cuts that will impact jobs at the district’s headquarters. Officials said potential reductions impacting class sizes and teacher planning periods are currently off the table but might have to be considered down the road.  District officials credited the increased financial pressure with being a fallout from lawmakers' failure to increase state fundi
  
  Read more

• LIVE: Johnson City, Blanco County consider emergency declaration after hail storm

  10-05-2024 20:19 via kxan.com
  
  JOHNSON CITY, Texas (KXAN) — Mayor Stephanie Fisher said Johnson City and Blanco County leaders are currently deciding whether to declare a state of emergency after large hail tore through the community Thursday evening.Fisher said there's no estimate for how many homes were affected by the storm, which produced hail around 5-6 inches in Johnson City. PHOTOS: Severe weather brings DVD-size hail in Central TexasThroughout the community of 1,800 people, trees and bushes battered by rain and
  
  Read more

• Johnson City, Blanco County consider emergency declaration after hail storm

  10-05-2024 20:19 via kxan.com
  
  JOHNSON CITY, Texas (KXAN) — Mayor Stephanie Fisher said Johnson City and Blanco County leaders are currently deciding whether to declare a state of emergency after large hail tore through the community Thursday evening.Fisher said there's no estimate for how many homes were affected by the storm, which produced hail around 5-6 inches in Johnson City. PHOTOS: Severe weather brings DVD-size hail in Central TexasThroughout the community of 1,800 people, trees and bushes battered by rain and
  
  Read more

• Mental illness, understaffing challenge Texas jails

  10-05-2024 19:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When Amy Ortiz stepped up to the microphone at a packed Capitol hearing of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, she had one message to the board members: Please keep my brother alive.Ortiz recounted how her family called a crisis line to get help for her mentally ill brother. Instead, the police arrested him and put him in Smith County jail in January 2024. By February’s hearing, Ortiz said her brother’s physical condition was so deteriorated she feared
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!