Austin news

• Silver Alert discontinued for San Marcos man with cognitive impairment

  10-07-2020 18:59 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — A Silver Alert for a San Marcos man with a cognitive impairment issued Friday morning has now been discontinued.An update from the Texas Department of Public Safety sent around 2:15 p.m. terminated the alert for a 67-year-old white man who was last seen Thursday afternoon.
  The alert was originally issued by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office earlier on Friday.He was last seen at the 1300 block of Morningwood Drive in San Marcos riding a black 2008 Harley Davi
  
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• San Antonio nonprofit 'misused' federal funds to buy migrants airline tickets, lawmaker says

  19-04-2024 15:10 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO (Border Report) -- Two South Texas lawmakers say Catholic Charities of San Antonio is buying airfare for asylum-seekers with federal funds that are meant to reimburse nonprofits and municipalities for food, shelter and humanitarian expenses.U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat and ranking member of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, says federal funds from the FEMA Shelter and Services Program were never intended to pay for transportation or flights to other U.S.
  
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• ERs refused to treat pregnant women, leaving one to miscarry in a lobby restroom

  19-04-2024 15:01 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — One woman miscarried in the restroom lobby of a Texas emergency room as front desk staff refused to admit her. Another woman learned that her fetus had no heartbeat at a Florida hospital, the day after a security guard turned her away from the facility. And in North Carolina, a woman gave birth in a car after an emergency room couldn't offer an ultrasound. The baby later died.Complaints that pregnant women were turned away from U.S. emergency rooms spiked in 2022 after th
  
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• What's needed to make a diversion center successful?

  19-04-2024 14:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Law enforcement, prosecutors and elected officials point to the creation of a diversion center as a solution to address crime related to mental health and homelessness.Travis County Commissioners unanimously passed a measure in March 2023 to create the facility.
  A diversion center is meant to be an alternative to jail. In Travis County, the plan is to serve people accused of minor offenses or who are experiencing drug addiction or mental health issues for about 14 days and "help
  
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• Voter Guide: What to know for the May 4 local elections

  19-04-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The headline-grabbing 2024 presidential election is still several months away, but there are several important local elections on the May 4 ballot.Several local cities, counties and school districts are holding elections. Early voting runs from Monday, April 22 through Tuesday, April 30. Election Day is Saturday, May 4. Full coverage of all local and national elections in 2024Here's what you need to know before heading to the polls.What am I going to see on my ballot?In thi
  
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• 2024 Heart Ball returns to Austin in May — how to get tickets

  19-04-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Join the American Heart Association and KXAN for the 2024 Heart of Austin Heart Ball on May 4.
  The ball benefits cutting edge research for healthier hearts.
  "Through the Heart of Austin Heart Ball campaign, we celebrate our collective success in driving change, funding science and improving behaviors – no matter where, or how, we gather," the American Heart Association said on its website.
  "The Heart of Austin campaign unites supporters with a shared purpose to raise
  
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• Austin rowing docks host Lady Bird Lake cleanup ahead of Earth Day

  19-04-2024 13:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Rowing docks on Lady Bird Lake in Austin are partnering up for the third year in a row to host a community-wide lake cleanup effort to kick off Earth Day weekend.
  The Rowing Dock is partnering with Epic SUP to host the volunteer-driven cleanup day. Volunteers will head to the Rowing Dock on the west side of the lake, Epic SUP on the east end, or the trail at Festival Beach to participate in cleanup efforts.Previous coverage: Over 2,000 volunteers clean up Lady Bird Lake for Eart
  
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• Could a robot win the World Cup? UT experts explore future of automatons

  19-04-2024 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Scientists want a robot team to win the World Cup by 2050. Its an ambitious goal set by the RoboCup Federation, a collective of engineers aiming to advance robotics. Friday, April 19 experts at the University of Texas plan to highlight this and other advancements in the field as part of the Hot Science Cool Talks lecture series."Humans vs AI: Robot Soccer and Grand Turismo" is presented by Dr. Peter Stone, a Professor of Computer Science at UT Austin. Dr. Stone is the former pre
  
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• Del Valle ISD looking to hire 90 teachers

  19-04-2024 08:23 via kxan.com
  
  DEL VALLE, Texas (KXAN) — As the school year comes to an end many districts across Central Texas will now look to fill vacant positions for the upcoming year.In Del Valle ISD, District officials tell KXAN they are looking to fill 90 teaching positions."Math and science has always been a huge need and now English, language arts, secondary teachers is a big need," said Del Valle ISD Superintendent Annette Tielle.Finding teachers to fill open positions can be a competitive process with t
  
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• Jack Leiter gets no decision in MLB debut, Rangers pull out 9-7 win over Tigers

  19-04-2024 05:51 via kxan.com
  
  DETROIT (AP) — Leody Taveras scored the go-ahead run on a fielder’s choice in the eighth inning and added an RBI single in the ninth as the Texas Rangers beat the Detroit Tigers 9-7 on Thursday.Taveras doubled with one out and went to third on Marcus Semien’s fielder’s choice, eluding a tag by Detroit third baseman Gio Urshela. Seager then grounded to first and Taveras scored to break a 7-all tie.“He made a great play, ” Tigers manager A .J. Hinch said of Tava
  
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• Pressure? What's that? Texas softball credits preparation as reason for consensus No. 1 ranking

  19-04-2024 05:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas softball team enters this weekend's Big 12 series against Kansas as the consensus No. 1 in national polls for the first time since 2006, but as far as head coach Mike White is concerned, it shouldn't phase them."Pressure isn't an actual thing. It's self-perceived," he said. "It's what you're making up in your mind. We just have to concentrate on playing the game and let the rankings speak for themselves."MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like
  
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• 'Football isn't going to last forever': Family, pursuit of degree kept Alfred Collins at Texas for 5th year

  19-04-2024 02:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Fifth-year defensive lineman Alfred Collins wants to finish what he started, specifically because his mom told him to.After being a rotation player for the Longhorns last year behind NFL-bound tackles T'Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy, not only is this year his time to shine, but it's also about keeping a promise to his family. SPRING FOOTBALL: Longhorn football growth clear ahead of spring game, draftCollins' mother, Benita Pollard-Collins, was a 4-year letter winner for the
  
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• Marshalling Yard homeless shelter gets 8-month extension approval by council

  19-04-2024 02:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Thursday, Austin City Council unanimously approved an eight-month extension contract for an additional $500,000 for the City of Austin's Marshalling Yard shelter. That contract is with Endeavors, an organization that operates emergency temporary shelter for the homeless community.The original agreement was that the extension would include $9.64 million, the city said in a news release Thursday.Back in July 2023, the council approved the use of the facility, which is now known
  
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• New psychological report calls for more protections for kids on social media

  19-04-2024 01:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The American Psychological Association (APA) is calling on social media platforms to create “special protections” to help offset the negative effects of social media usage for children and teenagers.  A new study from the APA found people under the age of 25 have more vulnerabilities that social media companies may take advantage of. This includes responses to social feedback, relationship skills, malicious actors and the need for sleep. “Plat
  
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• Siete Family Foods' retail sales reach $400M as Austin brand aims for billion-dollar empire

  19-04-2024 01:09 via kxan.com
  
  (Austin Business Journal) -- Siete Family Foods Inc. is one of Austin's most well-known brands, with its tortillas, chips and other Mexican-American fare on 37,000 retail shelves across North America.The grain-, gluten- and dairy-free food company has made a nationwide splash by adapting Mexican flavors to certain diets, such as keto or gluten-free. The homegrown brand has experienced rapid growth in recent years: it had its products in just 8,000 stores in 2019, and officials said its reta
  
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• Some Austin Police officers are now drawing blood in DWI cases

  19-04-2024 00:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Austin Police Department is piloting a program where some police officers are drawing blood from people suspected of driving under the influence instead of emergency medical technicians or nurses. Previously, EMS medics had the ability to work overtime and conduct these blood draws for the police department. Because of staffing shortages, EMS is no longer able to offer these overtime shifts, APD said. “We don't want to strain [EMS] resources by pulling a
  
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• Man sentenced in connection with Del Valle homicide

  19-04-2024 00:49 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A man was sentenced April 9 on two charges in connection with a 2020 Del Valle homicide investigation.According to Bastrop County court documents, Michael Heath was originally charged with first-degree murder, but the charge was reduced to the lesser offense of manslaughter, a second-degree felony. PAST COVERAGE: Bastrop County deputies arrest 23-year-old man in friend’s murderHe pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge and unlawful possession of a fir
  
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• Texas small business owner goes to DC, speaks against potential TikTok ban

  19-04-2024 00:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- The debate around a potential TikTok ban hits close to home for some small businesses in Central Texas. Is TikTok going to be banned in the US?The House passed a bill in March that could force the Chinese-based owner, ByteDance, to sell the app or lead to a nationwide ban.
  Some lawmakers are concerned TikTok shares user data with the Chinese government or that Chinese authorities have tinkered with the company's algorithm, which influences what Americans see.To date, the U.S. g
  
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• APD searching for missing 24-year-old last seen in south Austin

  18-04-2024 22:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department said it was searching for a 24-year-old man who was last seen in south Austin earlier this month.Cristian Rangel was last seen around 1:30 a.m., April 8, in the "front passenger seat of a light colored SUV" in a Walmart parking lot located in the 5000 block of U.S. Highway 290 service road eastbound, APD said in a news release Thursday.Cristian Rangel, 24 | Courtesy Austin Police DepartmentAPD said it was concerned for Rangel's well-being.Rangel was
  
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• 18-wheeler driver who crashed into Texas DPS office faces 4 more charges, including murder

  18-04-2024 22:03 via kxan.com
  
  BRENHAM, Texas (KXAN) — Four additional charges were filed against the driver of an 18-wheeler that crashed into a Texas Department of Public Safety building in Brenham, Texas, on April 12.DPS said 42-year-old Clenard Parker now faces felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a public servant, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief charges. PAST COVERAGE: 1 dead after stolen 18-wheeler crashes into Texas DPS building, several others injuredParker was
  
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• Austin airport to host groundbreaking for latest expansion project

  18-04-2024 21:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is ringing in a new phase of construction as part of its "Journey With AUS" program, with a groundbreaking event scheduled for Monday.The event marks the kickoff of AUS' West Infill and TSA 3 Checkpoint Expansion project. That marks one of several planned improvements as part of the airport's multi-year expansion and overhaul effort.The West Infill and TSA 3 Checkpoint Expansion project will add approximately 75,000 square feet acr
  
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• Austin realtors' group says Phase 2 of city's HOME Initiative could help with housing affordability

  18-04-2024 20:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Board of Realtors recently released a report examining the second phase of Austin's HOME Initiative, saying that the impacts could potentially help alleviate the strain on housing affordability in the city.HOME, an acronym for Home Options for Middle-income Empowerment, is a series of proposed changes to Austin’s land development code — and other incentives for creating or preserving housing. The first phase of the initiative rolled out earlier this year a
  
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• REPORT: Austin 1 of best cities for book lovers nationwide

  18-04-2024 19:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Bookmark this: A new report ranked Austin one of the best cities in the nation for book lovers.Austin ranked fifteenth in the country for its literary support, joined by fellow Texas cities Houston (No. 7) and Dallas (No. 18) in the Top 25. Austin's 2024 ranking rose seven spots, up from its No. 22 ranking in 2023. Austin Public Library cards now available without fees to city’s extraterritorial jurisdictionsNew York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle la
  
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• More HOV lanes on I-35 could be coming to the Austin area

  18-04-2024 18:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — We've been covering the construction progress on Interstate 35 in south Austin and north Austin, but the Texas Department of Transportation has its sights set on a long-range plan that would improve I-35 through Williamson County.This evening from 5-7 pm TxDOT is hosting an open house to get feedback from the public about their ideas on how to improve I-35 between SH 45 North in Round Rock and Hwy 29 in Georgetown.The idea is to add HOV lanes in each direction and improve t
  
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• Community speaks out after Bastrop ISD says it's facing 'financial challenges'

  18-04-2024 18:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The superintendent for Bastrop ISD said the district is facing financial challenges resulting in a "budget shortfall of nearly $8 million" for the next school year.In a letter to parents and staff, Superintendent Barry Edwards said the district’s department budgets would be reduced by 15% and current staff would need to take on extra responsibilities due to vacant positions."We remain optimistic that the Texas Legislature will step up to its fiduciary responsibility a
  
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• Traffic impacts planned for UT's Orange-White game

  18-04-2024 17:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Longhorn football fans will flock to Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium Saturday to kick off the University of Texas at Austin's annual orange and white game.The free event gives fans a sneak preview of the team before the Longhorns' 2024 season opener against Colorado State University on Aug. 31. Kickoff for Saturday's game is scheduled for 1 p.m.Traffic closures are planned in the immediate campus area from 1-4 p.m., with delays expected. Here's a breakdown of a
  
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• Gas line struck at construction site in northeast Austin; crews being evacuated

  18-04-2024 17:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Workers were evacuated from a building under construction in northeast Austin Thursday morning after a gas line was hit in the area.
  The Austin Fire Department said a 4-inch gas line was struck at a construction site near 3500 East Parmer Lane around 9:38 a.m.Crews evacuated workers from a mid-rise building under construction in the area.
  AFD said no other exposures were reported.
  
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• Neighbors hold vigil for dead dogs found in south Austin creek

  18-04-2024 16:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Some locals held a vigil Wednesday night after several dogs were found dead in South Boggy Creek earlier this week.
  People who live near Shiloh Drive off of Menchaca Road in south Austin saw what they counted as 11 dead dogs in South Boggy Creek who were wrapped in trash bags or covered in garbage earlier this week.Previous: Neighbors say dead dogs found in creek, police investigatingThe Austin Police Department told KXAN Monday it was “currently conducting an investigatio
  
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• Local teen starts sock campaign for people in need

  18-04-2024 14:40 via kxan.com
  
  Austin (KXAN) — Instead of books or backpacks, Lake Travis student Milan Carlson's trunk is full of bundles of new socks ready to be handed out to whoever needs a pair.Carlson said her family has spent much of its time volunteering to serve the unhoused in Austin. It was during those experiences where she became aware of how great the need for socks is in the unhoused community.“They were always like 'socks are like gold out here' and always appreciate them," Carlson said.She said it
  
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• Amid illegal dumping cleanup, Austin data shows thousands of complaints citywide

  18-04-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There’s no such thing as an empty field for Matt McCaw and John Davis.As they walk through a portion of the Louis René Barrera Indiangrass Wildlife Sanctuary in east Austin documenting new growth, they see history and discovery.McCaw and Davis are some of the sanctuary’s guardians. They’re with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, which is responsible for managing the nearly 300 acres that make up the preserve.Matt McCaw and John Davis with t
  
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