Austin news

• Uncomfortable heat and humidity 4th of July weekend

  01-07-2022 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A few spotty showers to close out the work week, but focus turns to heat and humidity for the holiday weekend.A handful of isolated showers are possible this afternoon courtesy of a coastal low scooting east of the area. The forecast calls for a 20% chance of showers in the Hill Country (courtesy of naturally-induced lift via elevation changes) and the far eastern counties (due to proximity to the coastal low)... but likely leaving the Austin-metro sandwiched in between und
  
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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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• Benefits of composting

  18-04-2024 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Composting is one of several ways people can help take better care of the environment, and what makes it better is the ease of doing it.Composting food scraps reduces the amount of waste going to the landfill. Another benefit is creating a soil conditioner rich in nutrients to add to your gardens. While you're making your soil healthier, composting also helps to prevent soil erosion, and more importantly, conserving water.
  The Environmental Protection Agency estimates food waste
  
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• APD investigating shooting in east Austin

  18-04-2024 05:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is investigating a shooting reported in east Austin on Wednesday.Around 10:01 p.m., APD said on social media the shooting happened on East 51st Street and Berkman Drive.
  The Austin Police Department is investigating a shooting that happened in east Austin on WednesdayPolice will hold a media briefing to provide more details. This is a developing story.
  
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• 1 dead after shooting in east Austin late Wednesday

  18-04-2024 05:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is investigating a shooting reported in east Austin on Wednesday.APD said the shooting happened around 9 p.m. at Bartholomew Park near East 51st Street and Berkman Drive.
  Police said when officers arrived, they found a man inside a vehicle with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
  The man was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
  APD said no one was taken into custody, but believe there is no threat to the public.
  Police ask anyone who may hav
  
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• 'I will sue you': Austin City Council public comment rules in limbo after judge ruling

  18-04-2024 04:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- If you've been to an Austin City Council meeting, chances are you know who Bill Bunch is. He's one of the more regular speakers at City Hall and the executive director of the Save Our Springs (SOS) alliance.
  During a city council meeting a couple of weeks ago -- where the body was considering a city manager contract, among other items -- Bunch used roughly half of his allotted two minutes to argue he should be given more time to speak during public comment. He then threatened to
  
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• Wednesday marks 100 days until Paris 2024 Summer Olympic games

  18-04-2024 04:40 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (KXAN) -- Wednesday officially marks 100 days until the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic games.While 100 days may seem like a long time, it's hard to believe how close Paris 2024 is for the athletes, coaches and families.We got to connect with dozens of Olympians and Olympic hopefuls, and there is so much anticipation for what is to come.With flashing lights and endless questions, all eyes are on the athletic stars ahead of Paris 2024.That includes Austin's own track and field standout-- 2020
  
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• Lake Travis ISD making potential changes to high school 2 plan

  18-04-2024 03:51 via kxan.com
  
  LAKEWAY, Texas (KXAN) – Lake Travis Independent School District is considering lowering student capacity for the district's second high school.High school two was approved in 2022 with plans to open by Fall 2027, but there could be some changes coming as fewer students are projected in the district.According to LTISD's website, the update comes as a result of Travis County's pending purchase of two significant parcels of land within LTISD boundaries. These two parcels include more tha
  
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• Baby bald eagle reunited with parent by local wildlife rescue

  18-04-2024 03:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Wildlife Rescue (AWR) treated a special type of patient for the very first time last week: a baby bald eagle.Several people found and brought the eaglet to AWR after last week's severe storms knocked down a tree branch containing its nest. Rescue staff checked the baby for injuries and provided it with fluids and nourishment.After clearing the eaglet for release and being informed its parents were still in the area, AWR partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife to renest it
  
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• Upcoming US 281 relief project puts Blanco family's home at risk

  18-04-2024 01:33 via kxan.com
  
  BLANCO, Texas (KXAN) – “I think we bought it in 78 or late, or early 79,” said Carla Ernst, referring to their Blanco homestead, sitting next to her husband Bill. Bill said they were the first family to move into their area nearly 50 years ago. It took them a while before they even had electricity. “The place had a lot of undergrowth,” Carla said. “We've cleared out and pulled down sticker vines and hauled rocks.”“It was pretty much a for
  
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• Austin public safety agencies to switch to new radio encryption system

  18-04-2024 00:54 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Public safety agencies in Austin are expected to switch to a new radio audio encryption system beginning April 22, according to the City of Austin.The Austin Police Department will begin to use the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) on all its patrol sector radio talk groups to protect community members when responding to incidents and investigating criminal activity. Austin-Travis County EMS and the Austin Fire Department will also use AES radio audio encryption, acc
  
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• Patrick Mahomes on staying out of presidential race: 'I don’t want to pressure anyone' 

  18-04-2024 00:53 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) - Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is declining to weigh in on this year's presidential race, urging voters in a new interview to do their own research before the election.“I don’t want to pressure anyone to vote for a certain president,” Mahomes said in an interview with Time magazine published Tuesday. “I want people to use their voice, whoever they believe in. I want them to do the research.”Time interviewed the three-time Super Bowl
  
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• Austin's housing reaches 4-month supply mark, median rent below national

  17-04-2024 23:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Last week, the Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR) announced that Austin reached an important metric: The supply of homes for sale is now enough to meet four months of demand.ABoR economist Dr. Clare Losey talked with KXAN on April 12 about the board's March report."When we see more inventory, of course, it means that there are more options across the board for buyers," Losey said. "For sellers, it means of course that there are more options for buyers to choose from. So they'r
  
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• UT Police searching for man accused of exposing himself near Union Building

  17-04-2024 23:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The University of Texas at Austin Police Department is searching for a man they say exposed himself and touched someone before leaving the campus on Wednesday.Around 2:05 p.m., UT Police officers responded to a report of indecent assault that happened at the Union Building, the agency said on social media. Witnesses told police a man "exposed himself and touched the victim." The man left before police arrived.Police described the man as white or Hispanic, 40 to 50-years-old
  
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• Reports: Russian hackers caused Muleshoe water tank to overflow

  17-04-2024 23:22 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas -- Muleshoe City Manager Robert Sanchez on Wednesday told EverythingLubbock.com there was no danger to the public after a cyberattack that caused a water tank to overflow.
  This came after a report from CNN said Muleshoe, Lockney and Hale Center saw suspicious activity from Russian hackers, citing experts from US cybersecurity firm Mandiant. According to the report, a hacking group with ties to the Russian government was accused of a cyberattack in Bailey County that made the Mules
  
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• Son found not guilty by reason of insanity related to father's death

  17-04-2024 23:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man charged with murder in connection with an April 2023 incident was found not guilty by reason of insanity, according to Travis County court documents.Jesse Anthony Rivera, who was 31 years old at the time of the incident, was originally charged in the death of his father, 51-year-old Jesse Rivera Jr., which occurred April 13, 2023.Records showed Rivera waived his right to a jury trial and pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. PAST COVERAGE | APD: Son charged with mu
  
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