Austin news

• Wet and stormy Saturday, windy, cooler Sunday

  19-04-2024 19:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A damp and cool afternoon to finish the work week with heavy rain still on track for the weekend.A few spots of sprinkles/drizzle/light rain may mix in with today's mainly cloudy skies. A cold front sagging over the area will result in a wide variety of high temperatures. Some afternoon highs will be limited to the 60s for parts of the Hill Country, whereas areas southeast of Austin may reach the low 80s later today. We expect Austin ends up somewhere in the middle closer to the
  
  Read more

• Rural neighbors wary of Williamson County road project

  03-05-2024 15:09 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Residents in Weir, Walburg and Granger have teamed up to keep an eye on a portion of East Wilco Highway set to be built in the near future.The members call themselves Preserve Wilco Now! and had their first-ever meeting last month.Tamela Baker has lived in her Granger home for 25 years and went to the group's April meeting.
  She said there were 150-175 people in attendance all wanting to know more about the Corridor K portion of the East Wilco Highway.&ldqu
  
  Read more

• No injuries or damage after rockslide on Loop 360 near Pennybacker Bridge overnight

  03-05-2024 14:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin police said no one was injured and there wasn't any reported damage after a rockslide on Loop 360 overnight, though the roadway was shut down for several hours while crews cleared the area.
  Rocks started falling around 10:40 p.m. and the roadway was closed until shortly after 2 a.m.Rockslide on Loop 360 near Pennybacker Bridge overnight May 3, 2024 (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)Rockslide on Loop 360 near Pennybacker Bridge overnight May 3, 2024 (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)Rockslide
  
  Read more

• As 2024 Heart Ball returns to Austin, local doctor shares his remarkable story

  03-05-2024 13:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the 2024 Heart Ball returns to Austin on Saturday, a local doctor talked about his own health story after he endured a stroke. KXAN's Britt Moreno interviewed him Thursday.Dr. Michael Petersen, Chief Medical Officer at Aetna-CVS, talked about his remarkable story while being on the other side of medical care.Read the full transcription of the interview below or watch in the video player above. Some responses have been edited for clarity.Britt Moreno: I'm so excited to welcome
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Nearly 2,200 people have been arrested during college campus protests

  03-05-2024 13:08 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Police have arrested nearly 2,200 people during pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses across the United States in recent weeks, sometimes using riot gear, tactical vehicles and flash-bang devices to clear tent encampments and occupied buildings. One officer accidentally discharged his gun inside a Columbia University administration building while clearing out protesters camped inside, authorities said.No one was injured by the officer's mistake late Tuesday inside
  
  Read more

• Lago Vista council sets hearing to talk possible mayor dismissal, city manager employee complaint

  03-05-2024 05:03 via kxan.com
  
  LAGO VISTA, Texas (KXAN) — All eyes are on the mayor and city manager of Lago Vista after both were part of the agenda items at Thursday’s city council meeting.One of the agenda items was regarding a formal complaint against Mayor Kevin Sullivan and the other a complaint about City Manager Tracie Hlavinka from an employee.In the city manager’s complaint, the council will have a third party investigate the employee complaint and the city manager’s response.Not a lot of det
  
  Read more

• Heavy rains near Houston close schools and flood roadways as officials urge residents to evacuate

  03-05-2024 04:40 via kxan.com
  
  Mandatory evacuation orders were issued near Houston on Thursday for some residents following heavy rains in Texas that stranded motorists, flooded streets and closed schools as officials warned that conditions in some hard-hit areas could worsen."This is a life-threatening situation,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the top elected official in the nation's third-largest county.Storms over the past month in southeast Texas and parts of Louisiana have dumped more than 2 feet (61 cent
  
  Read more

• Cameron Yoe's Flemings claims 4th 400 crown, Griffin wins 110 hurdles for Lago Vista at UIL meet

  03-05-2024 04:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Lago Vista junior Swayde Griffin sped to the 4A boys state title in the 110-meter hurdles during the UIL track and field championships Thursday at Mike A. Myers Stadium.Griffin edged Kingsville King's Jasiah Rivera at the line to win gold in 13.75 seconds. Rivera finished in 13.84, followed by Stafford's Bradley Lowman at 13.90. Griffin, a cornerback on the Vikings' football team, holds Division I offers from Texas Tech, Minnesota and Arizona State on the gridiron. Lake Tra
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Texas restaurant food, supply costs impacted by unrest in Middle East

  03-05-2024 03:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- Issues in the Middle East are expected to impact restaurants right here in Texas.
  According to the Texas Restaurant Association, it has to do with ongoing conflict around the Red Sea that's leading to shipping delays.
  The TRA said higher costs for goods could hit restaurants in the next few months as a result.
  Conflict in the Red SeaYemen's Houthi rebels started attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea back in October.RELATED COVERAGE: Ship comes under attack off coast of Yeme
  
  Read more

• 'Chicks dig the long ball, right?': Longhorns face No. 14 Cowboys while on homer hot streak

  03-05-2024 02:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — With all the ups and downs Texas has faced this season, they're still in prime position to make a run at the Big 12 baseball regular season championship, and the home stretch begins Friday.Texas hosts No. 14 Oklahoma State for a pivotal 3-game series with the Longhorns a game behind the Cowboys and West Virginia for second place in the conference. A series win would certainly give Texas a much-needed boost to their spot in the RPI and NCAA tournament resume, and head coach
  
  Read more

• UT’s Jay Hartzell praised by some state leaders as other university presidents take heat over protests

  03-05-2024 01:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — The call for state police to help wrangle protesters came from the university’s own president, Jay Hartzell.Across campus, many had assumed that Gov. Greg Abbott deployed the intense show of force on April 24, as he’d been vocal about his opposition to the pro-Palestinian protests elsewhere. 79 arrested on UT campus during Monday protest, sheriff’s office saysBut Hartzell told a state senator he called for backup because he was unwilling to let th
  
  Read more

• Dallas Mavericks vs. LA Clippers Game 6: How to watch, what channel, betting line

  02-05-2024 23:39 via kxan.com
  
  Los Angeles Clippers (51-31, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (50-32, fifth in the Western Conference)Dallas; Friday, 8:30 p.m. CDT, ESPNBETMGM SPORTSBOOK: LINE Mavericks -7.5; over/under is 207WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Mavericks lead series 3-2MORE 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/newslettersBOTTOM LINE: The Dallas Mavericks look to clinch the Western Conference first r
  
  Read more

• Austin man sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2022 death at Lady Bird Lake

  02-05-2024 23:17 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — An Austin man began his prison sentence earlier this month after he pleaded guilty to the December 2022 murder of a man that happened at Lady Bird Lake, court records said.Joel Gonzalez-Pavon was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Josue Moreno, 45, according to court records. His sentence began April 4.In addition to the 35-year sentence, Gonzalez-Pavon pleaded guilty to four cases of aggravated robbery and received 20 years for each one, accord
  
  Read more

• Some Houston-area residents told to evacuate as waters rise from heavy rains

  02-05-2024 22:51 via kxan.com
  
  (AP) — Torrential rain caused flooding Thursday in the Houston area, with officials ordering some residents along a river to leave and telling others they may wind up stranded."This is a life-threatening situation,” the county's top elected official, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, said.Of particular concern is an area along the San Jacinto River, which was expected to keep rising as more rain falls and officials release extra water from an already full reservoir. Officials ordered
  
  Read more

• Texas school board accepts separation agreement with superintendent over student banned from musical

  02-05-2024 21:57 via kxan.com
  
  SHERMAN, Texas (AP) — A school board in Texas has accepted a voluntary separation agreement with its superintendent who was suspended after removing a transgender student from a role in the musical “Oklahoma!”The school board said in a statement that it voted Wednesday “to accept a voluntary separation agreement with Superintendent Dr. Tyson Bennett,” who was suspended in March after the board opened an investigation into the decision to remove the student. Sherman
  
  Read more

• Who is the wealthiest person in Texas? Forbes releases new list

  02-05-2024 20:34 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: This story has been updated to correct the estimated total worth of the 54 people on Forbes' list.(NEXSTAR) — While many Americans may be struggling to stay in the "new" middle class, others are seemingly profiting from stocks, fast-food chains and past ventures.
  Nearly every U.S. state has at least one billionaire, according to Forbes' latest report on the richest people. This is the second time Forbes has produced this list since 2019.As of May 2024, only three states are
  
  Read more

• APH cautions about Zika, West Nile virus as temperatures heat up

  02-05-2024 20:04 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Thursday, May 2, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Public Health officials are gearing up for what could be a busy mosquito season, testing and watching multiple mosquito pools in the area.The greater Austin area becomes ripe for mosquitoes from the springtime through the fall, as temperatures rise and precipitation falls to the ground. Despite their pesky annoyance, APH cautioned residents mosquitoes can carry a variety
  
  Read more

• Austin Trail of Lights dates announced for 2024

  02-05-2024 20:02 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: This video was produced before the 2023 Austin Trail of Lights.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin's Trail of Lights will celebrate its 60th anniversary when it returns to Zilker Park in December 2024.The Trail of Lights Foundation announced Austin's "longest-running holiday event" will run from Dec. 10 through Dec. 23, 2024. An estimated 400,000 people attend the festivities every year, the foundation said.This year's Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run presented by
  
  Read more

• Williamson County issues 'critical warning' after overdose spike in Austin

  02-05-2024 19:41 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Thursday, May 2, 2024.WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- After at least 70 suspected overdoses and multiple deaths from a Travis County outbreak earlier this week, Williamson County shared a "critical warning" with residents Thursday about fentanyl poisonings.The release addressed the "exceptionally lethal batch of drugs" in the greater Austin area and stressed Williamson County residents need to be aware of the possibili
  
  Read more

• Video shows private security guards administering Narcan in downtown Austin

  02-05-2024 19:24 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows private security guards administering Narcan in downtown Austin. The video contains sensitive material. Viewer discretion is advised.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The private security company hired by a group of downtown Austin businesses to patrol a portion of Sixth Street said guards helped administer Narcan this week amid a spike of overdoses.Overdose surge: 2 detained after 70+ overdoses, multiple deaths in AustinAs of Wednesday, Austin-Travis County EMS sa
  
  Read more

• Biden says 'order must prevail' during campus protests over the war in Gaza

  02-05-2024 18:01 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday defended the right to protest but insisted that “order must prevail” as college campuses across the country face unrest over the war in Gaza.“Dissent is essential for democracy," he said at the White House. "But dissent must never lead to disorder.”
  Tensions have been building for days as demonstrators refuse to remove campus encampments and administrators turn to police to clear them by force, leading to clashes tha
  
  Read more

• Panhandle Wildfires Investigative Committee releases findings, recommendations

  02-05-2024 17:54 via kxan.com
  
  PAMPA, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) - After three days of investigative hearings in Pampa during the first week of April, the five-member Investigative Committee on the Panhandle Wildfires released its initial report on Wednesday, which focused on the recent weeks-long outbreak of devastating wildfires across the High Plains.
  In the 43-page long initial interim report, the investigative committee discussed the history and causes related to the February-March wildfires that scorched the Texas Panhandle and
  
  Read more

• 1,000+ handbags collected through 17th annual Handbags for Hope campaign

  02-05-2024 17:49 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Thursday, May 2, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- More than 1,000 handbags were collected as part of the 17th annual Handbags for Hope campaign, a yearly initiative aimed at helping survivors of power-based abuse.The campaign is held by Zinda Law Group, per a Thursday release. This year's campaign collaborated with 51 partners in the Dallas, Houston and Austin areas.
  The 1,000-plus bags collected will go to 26 partner agencies to pr
  
  Read more

• First brainwide map shows how rodents find love. What does it mean for humans?

  02-05-2024 17:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — What can humans learn about love from other species?
  A fuzzy little prairie vole led researchers from the University of Texas at Austin to more answers on how to find lasting relationships.
  The researchers created the first map of the vole's brain that shows regions that are active during mating and pair bonding.
  "I don’t think folks appreciate just the extent to which this strange little fuzzy creature has shaped our understanding of human love," said Steven Phelps,
  
  Read more

• First brain-wide map shows how rodents find love. What does it mean for humans?

  02-05-2024 17:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — What can humans learn about love from other species?
  A fuzzy little prairie vole led researchers from the University of Texas at Austin to more answers on how to find lasting relationships.
  The researchers created the first map of the vole's brain that shows regions that are active during mating and pair bonding.
  "I don’t think folks appreciate just the extent to which this strange little fuzzy creature has shaped our understanding of human love," said Steven Phelps,
  
  Read more

• Luka Doncic scores 35 points, leads Mavericks to 123-93 victory and 3-2 series lead over Clippers

  02-05-2024 16:43 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic is playing on a sprained right knee that would probably sideline him in the regular season. The Dallas star also has been congested and ill for several days, fighting a bug that’s forcing him to blow his nose during timeouts.Doncic simply refused to be slowed in Game 5 — not by multiple ailments, and certainly not by any Los Angeles Clippers during a blowout victory that put his Dallas Mavericks on the brink of the second round.Doncic scored 20 of
  
  Read more

• Amid Foxtrot Market's fall, Austin bodega chain Royal Blue Grocery still going strong

  02-05-2024 16:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) -- The sudden closure of Foxtrot Market in Austin and elsewhere came as a shock to some, but it didn't faze a small Austin-based chain of bodegas, Royal Blue Grocery, that's going strong after 18 years.According to co-owner Craig Staley, the key for Royal Blue has been to understand its limits and its market, such as where to open and where it can't compete, and also that margins have a ceiling in the challenging industry.Royal Blue has seven stores spread across
  
  Read more

• Weekend Watch: What's in store for weather at Pecan Street Festival

  02-05-2024 16:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As temperatures start to increase in Central Texas, so do the number of events happening in the Austin area.
  Meteorologist Nick Bannin shares a few ideas for fun things to check out this weekend along with an updated look at what's in store with the forecast.
  Here are some events to potentially add to the calendar:49th Annual Spring Pecan Street Festival: This free arts and music festival is happening Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Vendor
  
  Read more

• LIVE: Weekend Watch: What's in store for weather at Pecan Street Festival

  02-05-2024 16:01 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As temperatures start to increase in Central Texas, so do the number of events happening in the Austin area.
  Meteorologist Nick Bannin shares a few ideas for fun things to check out this weekend along with an updated look at what's in store with the forecast.
  Here are some events to potentially add to the calendar:49th Annual Spring Pecan Street Festival: This free arts and music festival is happening Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Vendor
  
  Read more

• 4 Austin-area businesses make Yelp's Top 100 Local Businesses

  02-05-2024 15:23 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Thursday, May 2, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Four businesses in the Austin area made it onto Yelp's Top 100 Local Businesses, recognized as local businesses that "shape community identities, fuel economies" and more.The list included businesses from across the U.S., ranging from auto, beauty, fashion and more, according to Yelp.The first business highlighting Austin is auto business Dentworks. According to Yelp, the local busin
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!