Austin news

• UT System shuts down 21 DEI offices and cuts hundreds of positions to comply with law

  14-05-2024 18:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Tuesday, Texas senators reviewed progress to make sure public universities and colleges throughout the state are in compliance with Senate Bill 17, a law that requires Texas public universities to disband Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offices by 2024.Groups monitor for compliance, overreach of new Texas anti-DEI lawAccording to a meeting agenda, the Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education began meeting at 9 a.m. to consider a few topics, including the monitoring of the
  
  Read more

• 'World's Toughest Canoe Race' starts in San Marcos

  09-06-2024 05:49 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) – It's referred to as "The World's Toughest Canoe Race," but its official name is "The Texas Water Safari," a 260-mile canoe race that starts in San Marcos and ends on the Texas coast.On Saturday, dozens of canoes gathered in Spring Lake for the start of the race. From there, they traveled down the San Marcos heading towards the final destination of Sea Drift, Texas which is near Port O'Connor.KXAN caught up with the "Limestone Cowgirls," a veteran group of racers
  
  Read more

• Austin city climate policies fueled by UT-Austin partnership

  09-06-2024 05:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With temperatures in Austin projected to rise in the future, Austin city officials have sounded the importance of heat safety. Last Tuesday, the city did a presser regarding Heat Safety and much of the information provided was backed by research done by the UT-City Climate Co-Lab.The Co-lab is a partnership that started in 2023 between the City of Austin and the University of Texas at Austin with support from Planet Texas 2050, a UT interdisciplinary grand challenge. Marc C
  
  Read more

• Watch: Rattlesnake, bobcat square off in heated desert battle

  09-06-2024 04:21 via kxan.com
  
  (KTLA) – A bobcat prowling for a snack in the Arizona desert earlier this week got a little more than it expected when it went after a rattler warming its body in the morning sun, video shows.  Officials at Saguaro National Park posted footage of the fight to social media on Monday, calling the brave little bobcat a “true Tucson wildcat” for going after one of the desert’s most feared reptiles.  In the video, the bobcat is seen repeatedly swatting at the venomou
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Utah hiker found dead after phone showed her being swept into river

  09-06-2024 04:21 via kxan.com
  
  UTAH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — A missing hiker whose phone was found Friday afternoon near Horsetail Falls, which had a video showing her being swept away in a river, has been found dead, according to the Utah County Sheriff’s Office.The deceased woman has been identified as a 19-year-old woman. She was found below the waterfall at Horsetail Falls, according to Sgt. Garrett Dutson, Utah County Sheriff’s Office.The search began Friday after the sheriff’s office received a
  
  Read more

• Trump hush money judge flags Facebook user claiming early knowledge of verdict

  09-06-2024 03:44 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) – The judge overseeing former President Trump’s hush money criminal case informed the parties Friday that a person on Facebook claimed to have advance knowledge of the verdict in the case.Judge Juan Merchan wrote Trump’s attorneys and the Manhattan district attorney’s office that on May 29 – the day 12 New Yorkers began deliberating Trump’s case and a day before he was convicted – a Facebook user left the comment on the New York Stat
  
  Read more

• 3 private citizens launched to space and back on Virgin Galactic's Unity spacecraft

  09-06-2024 03:43 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — Three private citizens launched into space and landed safely back on Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity spacecraft, completing the company’s second spaceflight of 2024 and 12 missions to date. Virgin Galactic’s seventh commercial mission carried one researcher and three private astronauts, the company said on Saturday. Onboard were two pilots Nicola Pecile and Jameel Janjua. They were joined by Giorgio Manenti of Italy, Irving Pergament of New York, Anand Sadhw
  
  Read more

• State of Texas: Biden order brings praise, skepticism from border leaders

  09-06-2024 01:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — President Joe Biden announced executive action to temporarily close the border to most asylum-seekers. The goal is to slow the number of illegal crossings."We must first secure the border, and secure it now," Biden said Tuesday at a White House event.He was flanked by supporters for the announcement, including mayors from a few Texas cities.Under the President's order, when illegal crossings exceed a threshold of 2,500 per day, most asylum seekers who cross illegally can
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Travis County assistant district attorney arrested, charged with aggravated assault

  09-06-2024 00:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Travis County assistant district attorney was arrested Saturday morning, the Travis County Sheriff's Office confirmed to KXAN.
  Joseph Frederick III, 51, was booked in the Travis County jail at 3:49 a.m. by the Austin Police Department, according to Travis County inmate records. He was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
  As of 5 p.m., Frederick was still in jail custody.Frederick currently works in the Travis County District Attorney's Office and received
  
  Read more

• 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGOs found inside California home

  08-06-2024 23:03 via kxan.com
  
  (KTLA) – Two people were arrested in California as part of an organized retail theft bust involving thousands of dollars worth of stolen LEGO toys.The suspects were identified as Richard Siegel, 71, from Long Beach, and Blanca Gudino, 39, from Lawndale, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.In December 2023, detectives were alerted to a string of thefts at a Target store in Los Angeles. Loss prevention workers identified Gudino as the suspect.On June 4, police said they witne
  
  Read more

• Is Vanna White leaving 'Wheel of Fortune' with Pat Sajak?

  08-06-2024 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – After 41 seasons, “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak is saying goodbye to viewers.“The time has come to say goodbye,” said Sajak in his final episode, which airs Friday, June 7. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgements before I go, and I want to start with all of you watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes, night after night, year after year.”Sajak had announced his intentions to leave
  
  Read more

• Alex Jones seeks to convert bankruptcy to Chapter 7 liquidation

  08-06-2024 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  (WJET/WFXP) — Info Wars host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones is seeking to reclassify his Chapter 11 bankruptcy into a Chapter 7 liquidation, signaling an end to his efforts to settle $1.5 billion in defamation lawsuits stemming from false claims made about the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.According to the emergency order filed June 5, "... there is no reasonable prospect of a successful reorganization." Jones claims that remaining in Chapter 11 would only incur additional
  
  Read more

• TJ Maxx employees are wearing police-style body cameras at select stores

  08-06-2024 22:57 via kxan.com
  
  (WJW) — It's not just police wearing body cameras these days. TJX, the parent company of TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods, said they have begun outfitting employees with them as well.The body cameras have been rolled out at select stores owned by TJX over the last year to help thwart theft, according to multiple reports from CNN, CBS News and FOX Business.
  TJX reportedly told outlets the move was made to "de-escalate incidents, deter crime, and demonstrate to our Associates and customers
  
  Read more

• Florida woman called 911 on herself during attempted carjacking so she 'could do it legally': deputies

  08-06-2024 22:56 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida woman was arrested after she reportedly called 911 on herself while trying to steal a car from a dealership so she "could do it legally."Christy Turman, 37, called the Lee County Sheriff's Office because she wanted authorities to know, deputies said."Because I'm trying to steal a car that's not legally mine," Turman said during the 911 call. "So, y'all better come make a report. I'm reporting this."Deputies arrived at the dealership a short time later, where
  
  Read more

• FDA rescinds ban on Juul products

  08-06-2024 22:56 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it was rescinding its order to ban the sale of Juul electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, in light of new case law.About two years ago, the FDA banned Juul from selling and marketing its e-cigarette products, saying at the time the company had failed to prove keeping its products on the market “would be appropriate for the protection of the public health.”Juul products have been available for purchase since then, as the
  
  Read more

• Costco recalls Tillamook cheese due to plastic pieces in Monterey Jack slices

  08-06-2024 22:53 via kxan.com
  
  PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Costco Wholesale has issued a voluntary recall of its 32-ounce twin-pack package of Tillamook Colby Jack and Tillamook Monterey Jack slices after finding “a very small quantity of gray and black plastic pieces” in the Monterey Jack cheese.The recalled product has a "Best if Used B" date of Oct. 22, 2024 and was produced “only for locations in the Northwest region.” The cheese products come in 42-slice packages.Tillamook urges customers not to
  
  Read more

• Woman claims to be girl missing since 1985; mom disagrees as police investigate

  08-06-2024 22:45 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation) — A woman is claiming to be Cherrie Mahan, an 8-year-old from Pennsylvania who went missing in 1985, but the girl’s mom says she’s not telling the truth, multiple outlets are reporting. Mahan was last seen getting off the bus in Winfield Township, Butler County. Police say a bright blue 1976 Dodge van with a mural of a mountain and a skier could have been involved in her disappearance, according to KDKA, but Mahan has never been found.Last month, a woman poste
  
  Read more

• 1,000 days in space? A cosmonaut has become the first to do it

  08-06-2024 22:45 via kxan.com
  
  A 59-year-old Russian cosmonaut has become the first person to spend 1,000 days in space, Russian space agency Roscosmos said Wednesday.Oleg Kononenko achieved the milestone on Tuesday, having made five journeys to the International Space Station dating back to 2008.His current trip to the ISS began Sept. 15, 2023, when he launched alongside NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and compatriot Nikolai Chub.Kononenko first took the cumulative space-time record in February 2024, wh
  
  Read more

• New viral Trader Joe's item: What to know about the limited edition merch reselling for $100

  08-06-2024 22:42 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (WPIX/NEXSTAR) — The craze surrounding Trader Joe's products is back again, this time for their mini insulated tote bags, which dropped on Tuesday. Like their signature mini tote bags that went viral earlier this year, these new bags are only available for a limited time — and are selling for a pretty penny online.
  The insulated mini tote bags, available in either hot magenta or cool teal, retail for $3.99. They were set to be available at Trader Joe's stores nationwide on T
  
  Read more

• Max announces price increase for monthly ad-free subscriptions

  08-06-2024 22:42 via kxan.com
  
  (WJET/WFXP) — Max, formerly HBO Max, joins the growing number of companies raising their monthly subscription prices.
  Max is announcing a $1 increase to both of its ad-free subscription tiers. The basic ad-free subscription has risen to $16.99 per month, or $169.99 a year. Their "Ultimate Ad-Free" subscription is now $20.99 a month, or $209.99 a year.These new rates are effective immediately, while current subscribers will see the price hike reflected in their next bill after July 4.
  Each
  
  Read more

• Former Texas police officer turns himself in after 13 years on the run

  08-06-2024 22:41 via kxan.com
  
  McALLEN, TEXAS (KVEO) — A former police officer accused of smuggling marijuana through southern Texas has turned himself in after more than 13 years on the run.Jose Omar Garcia and his brother, Roel Roberto Garcia, were once police officers in Roma along the Texas-Mexico border.In 2010, they, along with their father, were arrested by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration during a task force investigation dubbed “Operation X-Men.” The investigation targeted "Mexican Drug Cart
  
  Read more

• California mom defends shopping cart stance after video goes viral 

  08-06-2024 22:39 via kxan.com
  
  (KTLA) -- A Southern California woman recently went viral after she posted a video to TikTok explaining why she won’t return her shopping cart after putting groceries in her car, and she defended her stance on Nexstar's KTLA Weekend Morning News on Saturday. “I’m not returning my shopping cart, and you can judge me all you want,” Dr. Leslie Dobson, a Los Angeles-based clinical and forensic psychologist, said in her May 29 post, which has racked up nearly 12 million v
  
  Read more

• 'Cybersigilism' is the latest (divisive) tattoo trend: What is it?

  08-06-2024 22:35 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – “Cybersigilism” has emerged as one of the newer trends in tattooing — much to the bewilderment of the style’s critics.“I think cybersigilism is sometimes looked down upon [and] misunderstood, especially by the older generation of tattoo artists,” Chris Hernandez, a Seattle-based tattoo artist specializing in cybersigilism, told Nexstar.  Cybersigilism, while not entirely new, has seen a surge in popularity thanks to platforms including T
  
  Read more

• Multiple shark attacks reported in Florida panhandle

  08-06-2024 22:28 via kxan.com
  
  WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) - Three women are recovering Friday evening after each of them was bitten by a shark while in the Florida panhandle. The two incidents happened 4 miles and 90 minutes apart in South Walton County.Around 1 p.m. Friday afternoon, Walton County first responders rushed to the scene of a shark-related incident.A 45-year-old woman was swimming with her husband between the first and second sandbar when she was bitten by a shark."She was transported in critical condition to Fo
  
  Read more

• Who will host 'Wheel of Fortune' after Pat Sajak?

  08-06-2024 22:16 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — Friday marked the last time longtime "Wheel of Fortune" icon Pat Sajak hosted the popular television game show, begging the question of who will take over after once he retires.The final show also brings the end to a career spanning 41 years and over 8,000 episodes. Friday's episode, which opened with a clip of Sajak's first time hosting the vibrant game show, ended with a farewell message from the beloved host.He called it an “incredible privilege to be invited into mil
  
  Read more

• Want to own a dinosaur? 150 million-year-old fossil heading to auction

  08-06-2024 22:16 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The video above previously aired in a past newscast.NEW YORK (WPIX/KDVR) — Ever wanted to own a dinosaur? You'll soon have the chance as a 150 million-year-old dinosaur — well, its bones — heads to auction in New York.Sotheby's annual Geek Week sale series on July 17 will feature what is believed to be the most complete Stegosaurs fossil ever found. Known as "Apex," the fossil is estimated to be worth $4 million to $6 million.Apex stands 11 feet tall and 20 feet
  
  Read more

• Swimming at Hamilton Pool Preserve unavailable due to bacteria levels

  08-06-2024 20:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Swimming at Hamilton Pool Preserve in Dripping Springs is not currently allowed due to high bacteria levels, according to Travis County officials.The pool was set to reopen on Friday, but the county said the recent heavy rains have caused a delay. Swimming will be unavailable until the bacteria levels go down.
  However, park officials said people could still book a daily reservation online to hike or enjoy the rest of the park. Morning (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) or afternoon (2
  
  Read more

• It's easiest to save money in these 3 Texas cities

  08-06-2024 19:46 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Are you saving as much as you'd like? Keeping extra money in the bank for emergencies or expenses is one of the wisest things you can do but depending on where you live, it can be difficult.Recently, personal finance outlet FinanceBuzz analyzed data for 125 U.S. cities with populations greater than 200,000 to rank them based on several metrics, including cost of living, median income and debt-to-income ratios. The cities were then ranked based on ease of saving to difficulty &m
  
  Read more

• What are Austin City Council's new speaking rules?

  08-06-2024 19:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- People signing up to speak on items at Austin City Council meetings will get at least two minutes after the city faced a lawsuit tied to how much access the public should have to its officials.
  The lawsuit was brought forward by Save Our Springs Alliance Director Bill Bunch, a City Hall regular. He threatened to sue the council several months ago, while speaking to them during public comment and followed through.
  Bunch: Do I get my 8 minutes?
  Watson: No sir.
  Bunch: I get two min
  
  Read more

• Southwest Austin water main repair to take at least 'several more hours'

  08-06-2024 18:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Saturday, Austin Water reported repairs to a leaking water main that services southwest Austin were taking longer than planned, and they asked residents in the area to continue conserving water.“Workers have encountered difficulties with connecting the repaired section of pipe to existing infrastructure, causing a delay in the return to normal water use and a second day of bottled water distribution,” the utility said.Austin Water initially said they expected
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!