Austin news

• Texas Senate to examine state laws around squatters

  15-05-2024 18:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — What the Texas Property Code calls "adverse possession," more commonly known as squatting, will come under review by state lawmakers in a hearing Wednesday afternoon.Lt. Governor Dan Patrick brought the issue to the State Senate with the April 11 release of his interim charges for the body ahead of the 2025 regular session.
  The item, titled "Secure Texas Against 'Squatters,'" calls on the Senate's Local Government Committee to review the state's adverse possession laws. It
  
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• 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,
  
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• 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
  
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• 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.
  
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• 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
  
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• 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.
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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.
  
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• 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,
  
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• 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
  
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• 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,
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• How to get to, from 2024 Blues on the Green in Austin

  10-06-2024 20:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following a brief cancellation earlier this year amid rising costs, Austin City Limits Radio's Blues on the Green returns to Zilker Park Tuesday and Wednesday.Music begins at 7 p.m. both evenings, ACL Radio said online. Tuesday's concert includes performances from Golden Dawn Arkestra, Nané featuring Quentin Arispe and Grace Sorensen. On Wednesday, attendees can hear music rom Riders Against the Storm, Caramelo Haze and The Point, per ACL Radio.Aerial view of Blues o
  
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• County attorney files motion to dismiss removal petition against Travis County DA

  10-06-2024 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Bell County prosecutor handling a petition aiming to remove Travis County District Attorney José Garza filed a motion to dismiss it Friday.The 21-page petition was filed in April after a Texas law targeting “rogue” prosecutors passed. The law would have allowed for the removal of Garza if it was proven he refused to prosecute certain cases. Legal fees related to DA José Garza removal petition could cost Travis County taxpayers $50KKXAN reached
  
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• City giving out solar power banks, supplies to help prepare for summer

  10-06-2024 18:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Several Austin city departments are working to prepare Austinites for summer heat and possible power outages.
  The city said it would share information, show demonstrations and giveaway items at three events this week.Giveaway items include solar power banks in case of outages, low-flow shower heads from Austin Water, reusable shopping bags and compostable bags from Austin Resource Recovery.The events will be at utility customer service centers:
  Tuesday: UCSC North: 8716 Res
  
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• Sperm counts have dropped by more than 50%; Austin fertility doctor explains why.

  10-06-2024 16:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Using marijuana and taking testosterone are just two of the risk factors that can cause men's sperm count to drop.
  As part of National Men's Health Month, Austin fertility Doctor David Prokai is working to increase awareness around the drop in men's sperm count and the reasons behind it.
  A study published in 2022 found sperm count dropped 51.6% among men worldwide between 1973 and 2018.Prokai talked with KXAN's Tom Miller about behavioral and environmental risk factors, along wi
  
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• Zilker Eagle train to open Wednesday after facing several delays

  10-06-2024 16:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A mini-train in Austin's Zilker Park will finally be available for public usage this week after undergoing a restoration process for several years and facing many delays in its reopening.Austin’s Zilker Eagle bogged down by further delaysThe mini-train initially opened in 1961 and has provided rides to park goers under the names Zilker Eagle and Zilker Zephyr, until it closed in May 2019 due to erosion under and around the tracks near Lady Bird Lake, according to the City
  
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• On and off storms through Wednesday

  10-06-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- This morning started with storms in the Hill Country and we could see additional, yet isolated, storms this evening and overnight. Check out some high rain totals in the southern Hill CountryWe're currently not expecting the storms to be all that strong with heavy rain being the primary threat. A very low (level 1 out of 5) severe weather risk is in place for parts of the Hill Country tonight.Isolated storms not expected to be severe on MondaySome storms will even be possible af
  
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• On and off rain and thunderstorms through Wednesday night

  10-06-2024 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Moderate to heavy rain fell over areas south and southwest of Austin this morning. The rain gauge at the Pedernales River in Johnson City had the most measured with 1.89". That's water that will flow into Lake Travis. The gauge at the San Marco Municipal Airport had 1.66".Another warm low record was tied at Camp Mabry this morning with its morning minimum of 79°. The record was first set in 1998.The rest of the day will find decreasing clouds with a 20% chance of showers and
  
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• 5 injured in stabbing in north Austin

  10-06-2024 05:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Five people were taken to the hospital Sunday night after a stabbing in north Austin, according to the Austin Police Department.
  Austin police responded to a shoot/stab call at around 8:40 p.m. to 8912 N. Lamar Blvd., according to police.
  Suspect information was not available at the time, police said. The victims' conditions are also not known.
  This is a developing story and will be updated.
  
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• Doctors on vacation help save 15-year-old shark attack victim in Florida

  10-06-2024 03:47 via kxan.com
  
  WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) -- A group of medical professionals vacationing in Florida rushed to help a teen girl who was attacked by a shark on Friday.The incident happened at Rosemary Beach in Walton County. Two 15-year-old girls were in waist-deep water with some friends when they were attacked, the South Walton Fire District said.One of the girls suffered serious injuries to her upper leg and hand, while the other girl had only minor foot injuries, according to officials.
  Ryan Forbess and Moh
  
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• Austin drag brunch canceled after bomb threat

  10-06-2024 03:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin drag brunch and pride market was canceled Saturday after organizers received a threat.On social media, the Brewtorium Brewery said it was closed for the rest of Saturday due to a bomb threat citing the drag show. The rest of the "Legendary Drag Brunch and Market" event was also canceled.
  The north Austin brewery said police searched and did not find anything suspicious.
  "It breaks our hearts that this kind of thing still exists," the business said on social media.
  
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• 'Unfortunately too many': Search efforts ongoing for missing swimmer on Lake Travis

  09-06-2024 22:49 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Search efforts continue Monday after a missing swimmer was reported Saturday afternoon near Devil's Cove on Lake Travis.
  The Travis County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call around 4 p.m. Saturday for a missing swimmer. The caller said the swimmer was missing for 15 to 20 minutes, according to TCSO.The missing swimmer is a 26-year-old man who fell off a pontoon boat, according to the Texas Game Wardens.
  The sheriff's office said initial rescue efforts were u
  
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• Search efforts ongoing for missing swimmer on Lake Travis

  09-06-2024 22:49 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Search efforts continue Sunday after a missing swimmer was reported missing Saturday afternoon near Devil's Cove on Lake Travis.
  The Travis County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call around 4 p.m. Saturday for a missing swimmer described as a man in his 20s. The caller said the swimmer was missing for 15 to 20 minutes, according to TCSO.The sheriff's office said initial rescue efforts were unsuccessful and became a recovery mission. Search efforts ended at da
  
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• Trump scheduled for Monday probation interview following conviction

  09-06-2024 22:17 via kxan.com
  
  (KVEO) — Former President Trump’s probation interview is set for Monday following his criminal conviction in his hush money case, according to a source familiar with the plans.The interview is a standard part of the sentencing process for felony defendants convicted in New York state court. The probation officer will ultimately prepare a report to inform the judge’s sentencing decision.Trump will sit for the interview virtually from Palm Beach, Florida, the source added.The dev
  
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