Austin news

• Texas Longhorns enter final Big 12 baseball tourney as No. 3 seed, take on Texas Tech in 1st round

  20-05-2024 04:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With a sweep of Kansas to conclude their final Big 12 Conference regular season, the No. 25 Texas Longhorns are all set for the Big 12 tournament starting Tuesday at Globe Life Field in Arlington.The sweep wasn't enough to get the Longhorns past Oklahoma State for the No. 2 seed and first-round bye, so they'll begin play as the No. 3 seed at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday against 10th-seeded Texas Tech. Texas finished Big 12 play with a 20-10 record, winning every series they played in
  
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• 2 Texas cities are among the 'dirtiest' in US: study

  02-06-2024 22:41 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) -- Two of the most populous cities in Texas have ranked high among the nation's filthiest in a recent study that highlights the ongoing challenges of urban cleanliness.
  LawnStarter, a lawn care provider, evaluated more than 150 of the largest cities in the U.S., focusing on pollution, living conditions, infrastructure, and resident satisfaction.
  The study analyzed data from various federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Census Bureau, Department of
  
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• Texas Longhorns win 3rd NCAA rowing title in past 4 years

  02-06-2024 22:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns rowed to another NCAA national title Sunday, edging rival Stanford for the crown at Harsha Lake in Bethel, Ohio.It's the third championship in the past four years for the Longhorns rowing team and it's the first time Texas has won two events at the national regatta.
  MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newslettersTexas claimed wins in the Four and the Firs
  
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• The font on your highway sign tells the story of a decades-long battle

  02-06-2024 20:39 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Only those with an acute attention to detail have noticed something wonky has been happening to signs on U.S. freeways and interstates over the past several years.
  Federal highway authorities haven't been able to decide what font makes for the clearest, safest road signage, leaving some states with signs written in a font called Highway Gothic, others with signs in Clearview, and some places with a mixture of both.
  This font saga dates back to 1948, when the Federal Highway Adm
  
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• Nearly 1 in 3 Americans have reported losing someone to a drug overdose: study

  02-06-2024 20:35 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — Roughly one in every three Americans have reported knowing someone who has died of a drug overdose, a new survey found.The poll, conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, found that 32 percent of people have known someone who has died of a drug overdose. Those who reported knowing someone who has passed away from drug use were also more likely to support policy aimed at curbing addiction, per the poll.The survey results, published Friday in J
  
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• June's planetary parade: What you will — and won't — see

  02-06-2024 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS (AP) — Six planets will link up before dawn on June 3 in what’s known as a planetary parade. But the spectacle won’t be as eye-catching as expected: Only two planets will be visible to the naked eye.Here’s what to know about this fairly common celestial event. Missed the northern lights? Planets to align in the sky in JuneWHAT IS A PARADE OF PLANETS?Our solar system’s planets zip around the sun at an angle. Every once in a while, several align on the rig
  
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• How to monitor your asthma during Austin humidity spike

  02-06-2024 18:58 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Sunday, June 2, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As heightened humidity levels have lingered in Central Texas over the past few weeks, so, too are exacerbated asthma symptoms for area sufferers.Austin-area residents have been greeted by hazy skies, high humidity levels and increased heat index figures the past few weeks, and local health experts said those can all reflect in worsening symptoms for those with asthma."Just like dry, c
  
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• Burnet County emergency crews save people trapped on flooded road

  02-06-2024 18:41 via kxan.com
  
  SPICEWOOD, Texas (KXAN) -- The Burnet County Emergency Services District No. 9 (Spicewood Fire Rescue) saved a group of people caught in a flooded roadway Friday evening.The water rescue happened near FM 2147 East and County Road 401 North, emergency personnel shared on Facebook. Occupants in a vehicle traveling along FM 2147 East were swept down Flatrock Creek due to flooding conditions.
  The Burnet County Emergency Services District No. 9 (Spicewood Fire Rescue) saved a group of people caught i
  
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• Man sentenced in 2022 double homicide shooting

  02-06-2024 17:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was sentenced May 14 in connection with a double homicide that occurred in January 2022.According to Travis County court documents, 22-year-old Edgar Barahona was found guilty by a jury of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to 35 years for each charge.A week before his sentencing, Barahona pleaded not guilty to each of the murder charges. 19-year-old charged with 2 counts of murder from deadly parking lot shootingBarahona was sentenced in connection with
  
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• Man sentenced for double homicide shooting

  02-06-2024 17:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was sentenced May 14 in connection with a double homicide that occurred in January 2022.According to Travis County court documents, 22-year-old Edgar Barahona was found guilty by a jury of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to 35 years for each charge.A week before his sentencing, Barahona pleaded not guilty to each of the murder charges. 19-year-old charged with 2 counts of murder from deadly parking lot shootingBarahona was sentenced in connection with
  
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• Juneteenth celebration, remembrance day held at Austin's first Black cemetery

  02-06-2024 15:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Ahead of Juneteenth, a group of Austinites held a remembrance day and celebration Saturday at Bethany Cemetery, the first Black cemetery in Austin.
  The inaugural Juneteenth Remembrance Day Celebration included exhibits, a salute, food, a commemorative calling of names and a prayer.The story behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holidaySue Spears, the president of the Bethany Cemetery Association, said the celebration paid homage to the ancestors buried at the cemete
  
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• Lawmakers respond to KXAN Investigation, pledge to explore fix to veteran benefit loophole

  02-06-2024 15:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A battle veteran Keith Romel has been fighting for about a year is finally getting the attention he’d hoped.“It’s brought awareness to the issue,” said the east Austin Resident, referring to a recent KXAN investigation highlighting his struggle to get the property tax exemption he’s entitled to as a 100% disabled veteran.When Romel sold his east Austin home last year and bought another one, he was upset to find he would not be able to use his 1
  
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• Campaign Context: How the dollars in Phelan race stack up to other Texas nail-biters

  02-06-2024 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  As campaign season continues, politicians are turning up the volume on campaign rhetoric. To cut through the noise, we’re launching Campaign Context, a series providing clarity on the messages you’re hearing from candidates on the campaign trail. We’re digging past the politics and into the facts to provide you with the transparent, spin-free information you need to make informed decisions this election season.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan's
  
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• Top 10 countdown: These are the most popular Texas state parks each summer

  02-06-2024 14:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Looking for an outdoor adventure this summer? Depending on the weather, one of Texas' many state parks may be just what you're looking for.Across the Lone Star State, there are 85 state parks, natural areas and historic sites currently operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. What is the most-visited state park in Texas? Here’s the top 10 countdown for 2023The first parks were opened to the public in the 1930s and the newest, Old Tunnel State Park, op
  
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• Hotter days coming this week

  02-06-2024 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A lone thunderstorm moved over western and northern San Saba County between 4 and 5 this morning. A gauge outside Richland Springs measured .31". The storm weakened to light rain over Lampasas County between 5 and 6 a.m.
  Central Texas 24-hour Rain Totals
  There will be a 20% chance of isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms later today with the majority of the rain forecast east of I-35.
  A few strong afternoon thunderstormsThe Storm Prediction Center does have sectio
  
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• Ticketmaster data breach? Hackers claim over 500 million users compromised

  02-06-2024 13:21 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) -- A notorious hacker group claims it has breached the data of about 560 million Ticketmaster users globally in a recent cyberattack, according to multiple reports.
  The group called ShinyHunters alleges it accessed a trove of data from the ticketing giant, including names, emails, phone numbers, addresses and credit card details. Mashable and Newsweek reported that the hackers are trying to sell the information online for $500,000.
  CyberDaily, an Australian-based tech outlet that first
  
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• Applesauce maker files Chapter 7 bankruptcy amid lead recall lawsuits

  02-06-2024 13:21 via kxan.com
  
  (WJET/WFXP) — After a major applesauce recall in late 2023, applesauce producer WanaBanna filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on May 15.Chapter 7 bankruptcy is different from Chapter 11; Chapter 7 is better known as a "liquidation" bankruptcy since there is no plan to restructure the company or any plans for repayment. The company will instead sell off assets to pay off their debts.This image provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2023, shows three recalled appl
  
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• New battery technology alerts parents if a child swallows it

  02-06-2024 13:19 via kxan.com
  
  JOPLIN, Mo. (KSNF) — Battery maker Energizer has designed a new safety system for their coin-sized lithium button batteries.In April, Energizer launched their 3-in-1 Child Shield which features three important child safety features. Most notably, the battery releases a blue dye upon interacting with moisture, such as saliva. For the first time, parents now have a visible way to determine if their children accidentally swallowed a toxic coin battery.A button cell, watch battery, o
  
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• Are portions getting smaller at Chipotle? Company responds to viral claims

  02-06-2024 13:17 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) -- If you think portion sizes are getting smaller at your favorite fast-food joint, you're not alone. Social media is filled with complaints from customers who say they're not getting enough bite for their buck these days.
  Chipotle is the latest company facing backlash over this common gripe. Just last month, food influencer Keith Lee -- widely known for his viral review of a quesadilla hack that landed on the Chipotle menu -- expressed dissatisfaction with a recent order from the rest
  
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• This is the best doughnut shop in Texas, according to Yelp’s ‘Elite Squad’

  02-06-2024 13:12 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Doughnuts are one of the few items that people often purchase by the dozen. And, as such, they’re 12 times more disappointing when they’re not quite as fresh as they should be.Knowing this, Yelp’s team of analysts have attempted to steer us away from any regrettable crullers, jelly sticks or Boston crème doughnuts by compiling a list of the “best” doughnut shops in every state.The list, released just ahead of National Doughnut Day on June 7,
  
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• What words do Americans have the hardest time spelling?

  02-06-2024 13:10 via kxan.com
  
  (KDVR/NEXSTAR) - Is the American-English version of the word spelled "canceled" or "cancelled"? Is Washington D.C. the "capitol" of the United States, or is it the "capital"?
  Spelling is not always easy, some people might find themselves running to a search engine a few times a day to make sure the word they're thinking of is actually spelled "aesthetic," or if the "i" goes before the "e" in a word like "field."
  Google put together a map of which words each state had the most trouble spelling ov
  
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• Chance to see northern lights returns: Here's where aurora may be visible

  02-06-2024 13:09 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – The chance to view the northern lights returns for several U.S. states this weekend as a solar storm blasts magnetic material toward Earth.
  The solar storm expected to hit late Friday into early Saturday is categorized as a "G2" in strength, which is much weaker than the "extreme" G5 storms observed earlier this month.But even G2-level solar activity is enough to make northern lights visible in northern states. The aurora forecast for Friday night shows the best chances along t
  
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• Watch: Baby dolphin defies all odds, survives broken jaw after SeaWorld rescue

  02-06-2024 13:05 via kxan.com
  
  SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — SeaWorld San Diego has announced a baby dolphin that was found stranded on the beach in Cardiff with severe injuries has defied all odds and is making a miraculous recovery.The SeaWorld San Diego rescue team responded to reports of a stranded male dolphin calf on Cardiff Beach in mid-January 2024. After rescuing the dolphin, the team found it was only a few months old and had a broken jaw in three places and head trauma.Named Cardiff, the long-beaked common dolphin
  
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• Tesla recalls 125K vehicles from four models over safety issue

  02-06-2024 13:04 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Tesla has announced yet another recall, this time to fix a potentially dangerous problem affecting the seatbelts.The recall involves more than 125,000 vehicles over four different models, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The seatbelt warning system is supposed to emit a visual and audible signal when drivers don't have their seatbelt fastened properly, but in some vehicles that warning may never happen, the NHTSA said.The recall incl
  
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• Elk attacks 8-year-old girl in Colorado

  02-06-2024 04:38 via kxan.com
  
  DENVER (KDVR) — A cow elk with a newborn attacked an 8-year-old girl Thursday in Colorado, wildlife officials said.It happened around 1 p.m. as the girl rode her bike in a neighborhood in Estes Park, according to a release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife."The female elk started charging the girl from approximately 60 yards away," the release said. "The elk caught up to the victim and stomped on her multiple times."The girl was treated at a hospital and released later in the day. Thursday&
  
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• ATCEMS: One seriously injured after vehicle-bicycle crash in north Austin

  02-06-2024 04:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One personsuffered serious injuries after a vehicle-bicycle crash in north Austin on Saturday, Austin-Travis County EMS said on social media.Around 5:22 p.m., ATCEMS medics responded to East Rundberg Lane and the North Interstate 35 service road northbound. When they arrived on the scene, one adult person was struck by the vehicle.That person was transported to Dell Seton Medical Center with "critical, life-threatening injuries," medics said.It wasn't immediately clear what led
  
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• Dripping Springs neighbors weigh in on changes to US 290

  02-06-2024 04:09 via kxan.com
  
  DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Transportation hosted an informal community meeting Saturday, getting input from residents about proposals it said would make U.S. Highway 290 more safe and help accommodate the growing population.According to TxDOT's information page on this project, the agency wants to make changes along 13 miles of US 290 from Ranch-to-Market Road 1825 to Rob Shelton Boulevard.Some of those changes include adding several lanes and frontage roads t
  
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• $1B enhancement and expansion plan approved for Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant

  02-06-2024 03:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Thursday, the Austin City Council approved a $1 billion enhancement and expansion plan of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, the city said in a news release.Construction is set to begin in 2025, according to the city. The plan includes an expansion to add an additional treatment capacity of 25 million gallons per day, as a way to serve population growth. Currently, the existing plant treats 75 million gallons per day, the release said.“With these investments,
  
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• Police: Man stole liquor truck in hope of selling off booze to pay drug debt

  02-06-2024 03:18 via kxan.com
  
  MUNCIE, Ind. (WXIN) — An accused thief in Indiana told Muncie police officers that he was sitting in his car when he spotted a delivery truck full of beer and liquor pull up outside the Cheers Bar.
  A plan reportedly came to his mind: Steal the truck. Sell the booze. Pay off his drug debts.
  But the plan didn't go as intended.
  Beau Burchel, 39, of Gaston was found by police officers hiding in a brush line near Meadowview Farms, an area mobile home community.What does it mean when your car ne
  
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• Texas softball bashes way into WCWS Final Four

  02-06-2024 03:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Behind an offensive outburst, Texas softball rolled past Florida in their second game of the Women's College World Series by a score of 10-0.
  The Longhorns won in just five innings via the run rule. Mac Morgan dominated on the mound, allowing one hit in five scoreless frames with five strikeouts.Offense was no issue either as Texas jumped out to a five-run lead in the first inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from Alyssa Washington.More power was flexed in the fourth as M
  
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