Austin news

• Voter Guide: What to know for the May 2024 primary runoff elections

  17-05-2024 14:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — While the Texas primaries were held in March, some candidates advanced to runoff elections being held this month. Voters will choose the final candidates who will represent the Democratic and Republican parties on the ballot in November's general election.Unlike the March primaries, early voting this time only lasts for five days from Monday, May 20 through Friday, May 23. Election Day is Tuesday, May 28. Full coverage of the Texas primary electionsHere's what you need to k
  
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• Alex Jones’ personal assets to be sold to pay $1.5B Sandy Hook debt. Company bankruptcy is dismissed

  14-06-2024 23:55 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (AP) — A federal judge on Friday ordered the liquidation of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones ′ personal assets but dismissed his company’s separate bankruptcy case, leaving the future of his Infowars media platform uncertain as he owes $1.5 billion for his false claims that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax.
  Judge Christopher Lopez approved converting Jones’ proposed personal bankruptcy reorganization to a liquidation, but threw out the attempted
  
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• 'You can't have a week off': Former Texas QB Colt McCoy on SEC move

  14-06-2024 23:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When quarterback Colt McCoy was entering his senior year at Texas in 2009, the Longhorns were legitimate national title contenders and had Texas A&M on their schedule. Not until this upcoming 2024 season have both of those things been true in the same season.As Texas football gets set for their first season in the Southeastern Conference this fall, the Longhorns do so with renewed rivalries against Texas A&M and Arkansas. Excitement and expectations are high for the
  
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• The status of Austin Police oversight act, contract negotiations

  14-06-2024 21:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The status of police oversight provisions Austin voters passed in May 2023 has been in limbo ever since that vote.
  One of the primary measures includes public access to what's called a g-file. A g-file is an internal, confidential file that contains complaints against police officers that have not been substantiated with evidence and did not result in any form of punishment. Understanding the Austin Police oversightprovisionThe g-file is considered a major hurdle in contrac
  
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• Austin's Moody Center to host major esports competition with $1.25M prize pool

  14-06-2024 21:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin's Moody Center is set to host a worldwide, major esports competition next summer, organizers announced in a press release Friday.The "world’s best" Counter-Strike teams & players will compete at Moody Center for a $1.25 million prize pool at the BLAST.tv Austin Major in June 2025, the release said. Counter-Strike is a multiplayer, first-person shooter game played across the world. Marble Falls High School students compete for esports titleThis will be Austi
  
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• City of Austin tries to create more green jobs, partners with local organizations

  14-06-2024 20:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- The City of Austin is working with local organizations to create more green jobs in the area.
  It's doing that through the Green Workforce Accelerator program.
  "Help organizations in Austin provide more green jobs, provide training for green jobs and placement for green jobs, and especially providing equitable access to those jobs and careers," said the city's Chief Innovation Officer, Daniel Culotta.
  On Thursday, ten local organizations celebrated finishing the program. Acceler
  
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• Zillow: Austin's housing inventory up, but value appreciation and prices down

  14-06-2024 20:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Wednesday report from Zillow states that its seen a nationwide increase in homeowners looking to sell, but that potential buyers aren't biting yet.Many homeowners who bought homes or refinanced during the COVID-19 pandemic could take advantage of a historically low prime rate. But this tightened the national housing supply in 2022, due to "rate lock" -- when homeowners don't want to lose already negotiated low mortgages.“Rate lock’s hold seems to be loosening
  
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• Alex Jones’ personal assets will be sold to help pay Sandy Hook debt as judge decides Infowars’ fate

  14-06-2024 19:57 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (AP) — A federal judge on Friday ordered the liquidation of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones ′ personal assets but was still deciding on his company’s separate bankruptcy case, leaving the future of his Infowars media platform uncertain as he owes $1.5 billion for his false claims that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax.
  Judge Christopher Lopez approved converting Jones’ proposed personal bankruptcy reorganization to a liquidation. He planned to he
  
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• SCOTX pauses Harris County's guaranteed income pilot program amid legal battle

  14-06-2024 19:25 via kxan.com
  
  HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Supreme Court of Texas issued a ruling that pauses Harris County's "Uplift Harris" program on Friday, which would give monthly payments of $500 to 1,928 impoverished county residents for 18 months.The Texas Office of Attorney General sued Harris County in a local district court and sought a temporary injunction pending the case's outcome, but was denied. It appealed that temporary injunction decision to an appeals court and was also denied. It then asked S
  
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• Killeen ISD to implement phone-free campuses

  14-06-2024 19:13 via kxan.com
  
  KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44) - A Central Texas school district approved a plan on Tuesday night to set up cell phone free zones for all secondary campuses.Killeen ISD trustees said it was a step toward eliminating what was termed a constant disruption to the district's learning environment.“Just ask any educator and they will tell you what a tremendous distraction cell phones have become in schools,” Dr. Susan Buckley, assistant superintendent for Administrative Services, said. “Our
  
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• Southwest plane goes into 'Dutch roll' during flight, prompting FAA investigation

  14-06-2024 18:47 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating after a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max fell into a “Dutch roll” during a flight last month, The Associated Press reported Thursday.A “Dutch roll” is a dangerous oscillating motion consisting of a tail slide and roll motion at the same time. It can be difficult to control and recover from, though the pilots of the Southwest flight were able to do so without injuries reported.The May 25 flight
  
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• This Wisconsin town lays claim to being birthplace of Flag Day

  14-06-2024 18:33 via kxan.com
  
  WAUBEKA, Wis. (AP) — Each June, the people of Waubeka venerate perhaps the nation's most enduring symbol, celebrating Flag Day, a holiday that escapes the notice of many Americans.But this unincorporated Wisconsin town about 35 miles north of Milwaukee takes the day seriously. After all, it lays claim to being the birthplace of Flag Day, thanks to a tenacious teacher in a one-room schoolhouse.Here are some things to know about the obscure flag-waving holiday.What is Flag Day?Flag Day comme
  
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• Why KXAN is spending the day at Marbridge for 'Founders Day of Caring'

  14-06-2024 18:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — KXAN employees are spending part of their week giving back to those living and working at a residential community for those with cognitive disabilities — from teaching people how to fish to going on a fossil hunt and playing bingo.The volunteer effort at Marbridge in Manchaca is part of Nexstar's Founder's Day of Caring, where news stations throughout the country spend the day giving back to their communities. Last year, 5,700 employees volunteered at 240 charitable o
  
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• An Austin music venue is turning 50, and it's throwing a month-long party

  14-06-2024 18:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- If you've been around Austin for long enough, you're sure to have heard a sentiment along the lines of "I miss the Old Austin."
  While it's true that Austin -- like most metropolises -- is ever-changing, one music venue/bar near the University of Texas' campus has remained. And it's older than the average Austinite.
  After avoiding closure last year, Hole in the Wall on Guadalupe Street is celebrating in a big way this year. The music venue/bar opened on June 15, 1974, according t
  
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• Man sentenced to 35 years in 2 separate 2020 murders

  14-06-2024 16:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A man was sentenced to 35 years in prison last week in connection to two separate murders that occurred in 2020, according to court paperwork obtained by KXAN.
  The first incident happened Nov. 25 in the 4400 block of East Riverside Drive, when 20-year-old Omar Munguia was shot in his vehicle while driving to the store. The second incident happened Dec. 26, when 21-year-old Miranda Gloria Lopez was shot at the corner of East St. Elmo and South Pleasant Valley
  
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• What happened to Austin airport's frequent parker program?

  14-06-2024 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Recurrent passengers traveling out of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport will have to wait to use AUS' frequent parker program amid its extended outage.AUS' frequent parker program is an automated rewards program for travelers to earn points toward free parking, per AUS' parking guide. Membership is free for those interested.KXAN received a viewer tip inquiring about the system and its longer-term outage. AUS confirmed to KXAN that airport officials paused the frequent p
  
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• Austin Water wants customer feedback on potentially higher rates for 2025

  14-06-2024 13:09 via kxan.com
  
  Austin, Texas (KXAN) — Austin Water is asking for customers to weigh on potentially higher rates in the coming year. The agency said the increase would be used to pay for projects needed for its systems to keep up with demand.Austin Water has already hosted several open houses for its Cost of Service Rate Study in recent weeks. The next open house is planned for Saturday, June 15 from 10am-1pm at the Austin Public Library at 5500 Menchaca Road.Christina Romero, a financial manager for Aust
  
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• Georgetown man sentenced to life in prison, pleads guilty to murder of wife

  14-06-2024 05:04 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- A Georgetown man pleaded guilty this week after he was charged with shooting and killing his wife in December 2022, Georgetown District Attorney Shawn Dick said in a news release Thursday. He will serve a sentence of life in prison.The shooting happened on Dec. 27, 2022. This was less than two weeks after Lindsey Whitman, 31, filed for divorce from Ricardo Quinones, 39, the release said. Whitman was living with a family member at a home in Georgetown, and Quinones liv
  
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• El Paso man electrocuted in jacuzzi at Puerto Peñasco resort

  14-06-2024 04:46 via kxan.com
  
  EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — An El Paso man has died after he was electrocuted in a jacuzzi Tuesday evening, June 11, at a private resort in Puerto Peñasco, according to the General Prosecutor's Office of Justice for the State of Sonora.
  Jorge Guillen, 43. Photo: Western Technical College of El Paso's Facebook pageThe General Prosecutor's Office for the State of Sonora says Jorge Guillen, 43, and his wife, Lizzette Zambrano, 35, were in a jacuzzi just after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, at
  
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• Trash bag of dead puppies dumped near mailboxes in Burnet

  14-06-2024 04:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- A neighborhood wants answers after someone dumped a bag of dead puppies right near their community mailbox.
  Now, the Burnet County Sheriff's Office said it is investigating the case.
  "Inside this plastic bag were several decomposed puppies. They were decomposed to the point that they couldn't really be made as to what type of dog that might have been," said BCSO Support Services Captain Michael Sorenson.'Hope they didn't suffer'Miranda Lowry and her family were the ones who saw
  
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• Austin's pro pickleball team hosts watch party

  14-06-2024 04:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Calling all pickleball fans!The Texas Ranchers, Austin's Major League Pickleball team is inviting you to kickoff the season and cheer on the team as they take on the D.C. Pickleball Team at the upcoming Major League Pickleball Tournament.The team will host a watch part at Skinny's Off Track Bar on Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.The event is free, but you do have to register online.There will be a pickle eating contest, trivia night, prizes and much more.The team is supported by a l
  
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• 'Why us?': Pride, BLM signs stolen from Austin church

  14-06-2024 04:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A West Austin Church wants to know why they were targeted after putting up signs to welcome everyone to their church."One was an LGBTQ rainbow sign that said y'all means all -- we had a sign that was supporting our Jewish and Muslim friends -- and one that said Black Lives Matter," said The Church at Highland Park Pastor Cheryl Kimble.Kimble said they put the signs out to let their neighbors know that they are accepting of anyone and everyone no matter race, religion or sex
  
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• City of Pflugerville breaks ground on wastewater treatment plant

  14-06-2024 02:31 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) -- A wasteful treatment plant nearly 20 years in the making is one step closer to being complete.City of Pflugerville officials broke ground today at the Wilbarger Wastewater Plant after they brought the land back in 2009. The $247 million dollar plant is meant to double the amount of water the city can process.
  The city's utility director, Brandon Pritchett, said growth is one of the drivers for increasing that processing capacity.
  Officials with the City of Pflugervi
  
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• TV host and musician Johnny Canales dies at 77

  14-06-2024 01:40 via kxan.com
  
  CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (ValleyCentral) — TV host and musician Johnny Canales has died at 77. Canales' wife, Nora Canales, posted on Facebook Thursday of his passing just before 8 a.m.American Norteno/Tejano Band "Siggno" (Lead Singer Jesse Turner & Professional Drummer Cesar "Chato" Sanchez), Tejano Singer Lucky Joe with La Machy from La Conquista, and Nora and Johnny Canales.Texas State Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa expressed his thoughts on Canales's passing, "Today, we lost an icon, a
  
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• Joey Chestnut, Kobayashi to go head-to-head in live hot dog eating contest on Netflix

  14-06-2024 01:21 via kxan.com
  
  (WXIN/WTTV) — Being banned from America's most famous eating competition isn't stopping Joey Chestnut from staying in the news.Streaming giant Netflix announced on Wednesday that Chestnut, the number one ranked competitive eater in the world, will face off against long-time rival Takeru Kobayashi, who was dubbed "the godfather of competitive eating" before claiming to retire earlier this year.The event is set to stream live on Monday, Sept. 2 on Netflix, the streamer posted on social media
  
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• Texas woman celebrates 107th birthday: 'I don't feel my age'

  14-06-2024 01:19 via kxan.com
  
  WACO, Texas (KWKT) – The family of a Texas woman held a special get-together to celebrate her 107th birthday this week.June Vera's family traveled across the country to St. Anthony's Care Center in Waco to celebrate her 107th trip around the sun.Gifts, birthday cake, flowers and hand-written letters filled her room Wednesday as her family sang "Happy Birthday.""This has been so wonderful," said Vera.The centenarian was born on June 12, 1917, in Welch, Oklahoma, and grew up and raised her f
  
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• Disney owes 100K people money: Are you one of them?

  14-06-2024 01:15 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Some Disneyland fans who purchased a Dream Key pass nearly three years ago will be able to claim their piece of a $9.5 million class-action lawsuit settlement as early as this week, according to an email obtained by Nexstar.The lawsuit, filed by California passholder Jenale Nielsen in 2021, alleged the company misled customers into believing its most expensive yearly pass would have "no blockout dates" when making reservations at Disneyland Resort theme parks.
  However, whe
  
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• Austin FC needed a break, but they're back into a quick schedule with Colorado up next

  14-06-2024 01:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC needed a break after suffering its worst loss of the season. Thankfully, the schedule obliged and now they've reset only to have another 3-match week ahead.Verde and Black had a weekend off to collect their thoughts after a 5-1 defeat in Salt Lake on June 1, but there's no rest for the weary with a trip to Denver to face the Colorado Rapids on Saturday.VERDE LIGHTS: It's back for another season! Tune in at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays on CW Austin throughout the s
  
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• LIST: Juneteenth events in Central Texas

  14-06-2024 00:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Those planning to celebrate Juneteenth have a number of options in communities throughout Central Texas this weekend.What is the history of Juneteenth?Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the day in 1865 that people in Galveston learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, according to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Abraham Lincoln signed the proclamation freeing those who were enslaved on Jan. 1, 1863.Celebrations commemorating the day began the fol
  
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• Group files petition to reverse decision that allows council members to access health insurance

  14-06-2024 00:43 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE, Texas (KXAN) – A group of citizens have filed a petition hoping to reverse a decision the Kyle City Council made on April 2, saying the move violated the city’s charter. Kyle City Council members earn $1,000 monthly for their service and an additional $500 stipend for expenses. For the last five years, city council members could access the City’s health insurance but premiums were deducted from their monthly salary. In a 4-3 vote on April 2, the city council vot
  
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