Austin news

• Where is the City of Austin spending its federal pandemic money?

  19-04-2024 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- From childcare people can actually afford to shelter for people experiencing homelessness to being better prepared for Texas' next major weather event, the City of Austin has used its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for 30 different projects.
  ARPA funding was intended to help local and state governments handle the pandemic. Austin got $188 million. Austin budgeted more than $40M in ARPA funding for rapid rehousing, that money is going awayAccording to an update from city
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• 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
  
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• Austin hopes to increase pedestrian crossings with federal grant

  02-05-2024 13:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin City Council will review and vote on submitting an application for federal dollars that would be used to increase pedestrian safety throughout some of the city's most dangerous roads.
  The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is hoping to get a grant up to $14.5 million to install between 30 and 50 pedestrian crossings in strategic locations, according to city documents. If the city's application is approved, it would have to match 20% of the grant money, whic
  
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• Austin crews investigating oily sheen, fuel smells in Waller Creek

  02-05-2024 13:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin's Watershed Protection Department is investigating after an oily sheen and fuel smell were detected in Waller Creek this week.A KXAN viewer shared a video depicting the rainbow-colored sheen on the creek. It was spotted under the hike-and-bike trail's bridge near Trinity Street.The Watershed Protection Department told KXAN department crews along with the Austin Fire Department responded to the area around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday evening, after receiving a 3-1-1 call
  
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• Spotty storms continue through the weekend

  02-05-2024 11:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After a soaking rain in many parts of Central Texas overnight, we'll be on the lookout for a few more storms and showers today through the weekend.Rain totals as of 5AM Thursday morning
  Updated 24-hour rain totals across Central Texas
  Isolated storms are redeveloping this morning and possible again later today in parts of our area. Although the storm count and intensity is likely to be lower than yesterday, any well-developed storm has potential to bring hail, damaging wind
  
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• No clothes? No problem: Nude cruise to set sail from Florida next year

  02-05-2024 05:32 via kxan.com
  
  Video above: Carnival cruise ship out of Tampa saves nearly 30 people stranded at seaTAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- Cruise ship passengers can bare all on the "Big Nude Boat," which will set sail from Florida on a 10-day voyage to the Caribbean in 2025.Bare Necessities Tour & Travel is taking over the Norwegian Pearl from Feb. 3 to Feb. 14. Nude passengers will visit the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Dominica, Martinique, and St. Lucia. Coast Guard pulls Carnival cruise crew member from ship off
  
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• Overdose surge: 2 detained after 70+ overdoses, multiple deaths in Austin

  02-05-2024 04:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two people believed to be persons of interest have been detained following an outbreak of overdoses that left multiple people dead, that's according to Austin-Travis County EMS.As of Wednesday, ATCEMS responded to about 70 suspected overdoses, but there could be more as the week continues.When ATCEMS was asked if all eight deaths involved in this outbreak were opioid-related, they told us, "I do know those eight were suspected of being opiate-related."ATCEMS said they
  
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• New Big 12 out to prove bigger bank accounts don’t always mean better football teams in 12-team CFP

  02-05-2024 02:53 via kxan.com
  SCOTTDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Before the realigned Big 12 — sans Oklahoma and Texas —even kicks off, the expanded College Football Playoff’s new revenue structure has created a perception that the conference is no longer the equal of the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference.Instead of a Power Five, college football now has a “Big Two,” with the expanded SEC, now home to the Sooners and Longhorns, and Big Ten at the top of the pack.Big 12 commissioner Brett
  
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• Paxton sues ATF over new gun sales requirements

  02-05-2024 02:03 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is leading a coalition of Republican states in suing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) over a new rule that will require licenses and background checks for private firearms sales.The ATF is expanding the definition of what is considered a firearm "dealer," subjecting private sellers to the same licensing and safety requirements as commercial stores.
  President Biden said the change "is going to keep guns out of the
  
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• Austin photojournalist facing two misdemeanor charges after UT protest

  02-05-2024 00:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An Austin photojournalist who was arrested while covering a protest on the University of Texas Austin campus on April 24, is facing two misdemeanor charges-- assault and interference with public duties, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.Court documents previously showed he was facing a felony charge of assault on a peace officer. Additional documentation showed that warrant was canceled. Austin photojournalist faces felony charge after arrest during UT protest,
  
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• Over 600 UT Austin faculty sign letter of no-confidence in President Hartzell

  02-05-2024 00:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Hundreds of University of Texas at Austin faculty signed a letter saying they "no longer have confidence in President Jay Hartzell," following a series of pro-Palestinian protests on campus over the last week. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: UT students, faculty demand university president resign after protest responseThe UT Austin chapter of the American Association of University Professors was behind the letter, which was signed by more than 620 UT faculty members.
  What did the letter say?
  
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• Longer speaking rules at Austin City Council meetings stand, for now, after ruling

  01-05-2024 23:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- People at Thursday's Austin City Council meeting will once again get three minutes to speak on every single item they signed up for after a judge extended an order in a lawsuit against the City of Austin.
  That will be the case until July 1, according to Bill Bunch, the executive director of the Save our Springs Alliance, and the man suing the city.PREVIOUS: Austin City Council public comment rules in limbo after judge ruling“We appreciate the court’s time and will ab
  
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• Austin City Council to vote on transgender protections resolution

  01-05-2024 23:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Members of the Austin City Council are set to vote Thursday on offering some protections to local transgender people seeking gender-affirming care.
  The council's agenda includes a resolution introduced by Council Member Chito Vela, who represents District 4. The measure would direct Austin police to make enforcement of Senate Bill 14, which bans certain treatment options for transgender minors in the state, as their lowest priority.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: First vote to happen on
  
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• Austin may promote the creation of more 'agrihoods.' What are they?

  01-05-2024 23:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Just a few miles away from the glistening buildings that tower over Austin’s downtown is Green Gate Farms. There, in a particularly lush part of east Austin, a community of people grow fresh vegetables, produce and flowers. “My husband and I started Green Gate Farms in 2006,” cofounder Erin Flynn said. “We're one of the few certified organic farms in Texas,” she said. “What makes this farm so amazing is that it's historic. It was bui
  
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• Homeless Strategy Office details efforts for women experiencing homelessness

  01-05-2024 23:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, the Austin Commission for Women heard from the city's Homeless Strategy Office on the unique challenges women experiencing homelessness face and their efforts to provide relief.According to Homeless Strategy Officer David Gray, Austin has a homeless population of approximately 6,600, and 40% identify as women. He identified four major problems these women may face: a greater risk of physical, psychological or sexual violence, a lack of access to feminine hygie
  
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• Jacob's Well suspends 2024 swimming season

  01-05-2024 22:53 via kxan.com
  
  WIMBERLEY, Texas (KXAN) — If you were hoping to swim in Jacob's Well this summer, the chances are not looking good.In a Facebook post, Hay's County Parks posted that Jacob's Well is suspending its 2024 summer swimming season until further notice.Summer swimming season typically runs from May 1 through Sept. 30.The popular swimming hole was suspended because of below average spring flow and water levels.Thanks to recent rain, water flowing at Jacob’s Well againHays County officials pl
  
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• Abbott directs TDEM to prepare for severe weather, flood threats in Texas

  01-05-2024 21:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With severe weather and flood threats expected over the next few days for Central Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the state has increased its "readiness level" and is prepared to respond.The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) increased that readiness to a Level II, which is an escalated response, according to a news release from Abbott's office.KXAN's First Warning Weather Team said storms will begin to bubble up around mid-afternoon Wednesday in Austin, growing in
  
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• Georgetown woman convicted after receiving over $2M from fraudulent PPP loan applications, DOJ says

  01-05-2024 20:50 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN (KXAN) -- A Georgetown woman was convicted by a federal jury after receiving more than $2 million from fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, loan applications, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
  The DOJ said court documents and evidence presented at trial show that Tiffany Fullerton, 47, along with her husband and two other co-conspirators, used dormant and expired business names to submit five fraudulent PPP loan applications for more than $3 million.Accordin
  
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• Georgetown woman convicted after receiving over $2M for fraudulent PPP loans, DOJ says

  01-05-2024 20:50 via kxan.com
  
  GEORGETOWN (KXAN) -- A Georgetown woman was convicted by a federal jury after receiving more than $2 million from fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, loan applications, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
  The DOJ said court documents and evidence presented at trial show that Tiffany Fullerton, 47, along with her husband and two other co-conspirators, used dormant and expired business names to submit five fraudulent PPP loan applications for more than $3 million.Accordin
  
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• WATCH LIVE: Federal Reserve says interest rates will stay at two-decade high until inflation further cools

  01-05-2024 20:48 via kxan.com
  
  Fed Chair Powell's 2:30 p.m. ET news conference will be livestreamed within this story. This story will also be updated with today's F.O.M.C. decision on their key interest rate.WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve on Wednesday emphasized that inflation has remained stubbornly high in recent months and said it doesn’t plan to cut interest rates until it has “greater confidence” that price increases are slowing sustainably to its 2% target.The Fed issued its decision in a
  
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• Federal Reserve says interest rates will stay at two-decade high until inflation further cools

  01-05-2024 20:48 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve on Wednesday emphasized that inflation has remained stubbornly high in recent months and said it doesn’t plan to cut interest rates until it has “greater confidence” that price increases are slowing sustainably to its 2% target.The Fed issued its decision in a statement after its latest meeting, at which it kept its key rate at a two-decade high of 5.3%. Several hotter-than-expected reports on prices and economic growth have recently
  
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• Former Statesman building to be temporary home to art 'experiences'

  01-05-2024 20:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For the first time in years, people will be welcome again at the former home of Austin's daily newspaper. The former Austin American-Statesman building in south Austin will host "Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience" and "Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience."According to a press release about the event, moving versions of paintings by the two famed artists are projected onto walls and the ground.The building has been vacant since 2021. The location is right off the
  
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• Ted Cruz has double-digit lead over Colin Allred in latest Texas Senate poll

  01-05-2024 20:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas voters said they're leaning more toward sending Sen. Ted Cruz back to Washington rather than unseat him in November, according to new polling numbers released Wednesday.The April poll conducted by the University of Texas and the Texas Politics Project showed the two-term Republican incumbent leading U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, his Democratic challenger, by double digits.
  Pollsters asked a group of 1,200 registered voters between April 12-22 who they would support in the U
  
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• How to get rid of your old tires in Hays County

  01-05-2024 19:32 via kxan.com
  
  KYLE (KXAN) - Hays County is holding a Tire Collection Event Saturday. The Hays County Environmental Task Force, the Hays County Criminal District Attorney's Office and the Capitol Area Council of Governments are behind the May 4 event in Kyle.According to District Attorney Kelly Higgins, the opportunity will let people get rid of their unwanted tires while also cleaning up the county. Tires can leach toxic compounds into the soil, and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. According to Purd
  
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• Slipknot bringing 25th anniversary tour to Austin

  01-05-2024 19:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Heavy metal band Slipknot is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its debut album by hitting the road for an international tour, including a stop in Austin.
  Moody Center announced Tuesday the band will bring its "Here Comes The Pain" tour to the venue Sept. 17.
  Tickets go on sale to the public Friday at 10 a.m., but presale begins Thursday at 10 a.m. if you use the code LADYBIRD.
  Concert-goers will also get the chance to see bands Knocked Loose and Vended, who will join Slip
  
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• EPA bans most uses of cancer-causing chemical used as paint stripper

  01-05-2024 17:12 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) -- The Biden administration on Tuesday banned most uses of a toxic chemical used as a paint stripper. Long-term exposure to the chemical, methylene chloride, can cause cancers of the liver, lung, breast, brain, blood and central nervous system.It has also caused at least 88 deaths from short-term exposure since 1980, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).It has been used in a variety of ways, including in adhesives, automotive products and paint and coating remov
  
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• Austin restaurant among Yelp's ‘Top 100 Brunch Spots’ in the US

  01-05-2024 17:00 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Unlike some other Mother’s Day gestures — e.g., buying mom flowers or a new bathrobe — taking your mother out to brunch is a gift for the both of you.Picture it: You and mom, out for a fancy brunch, sharing endless laughs over endless mimosas. Just gabbing and gossiping away, stopping only to gobble down Belgian waffles or eggs Benedict.To help with your search, the analysts at Yelp have ranked the 100 top-reviewed brunch restaurants on the platform. This year
  
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• Domino's Pizza wants to tip those who tip their delivery drivers

  01-05-2024 16:57 via kxan.com
  
  (WJW) — Starting Monday, customers who tip their Domino's Pizza delivery drivers will see a little payback."Tipping fatigue is real. Customers are being pressured to tip for everything these days, and it can often feel thankless," the pizza chain said on its website. "Domino’s wants to show its appreciation for customers who tip their drivers, by tipping them back."Called "You Tip, We Tip," the pizza chain is offering $3 back to customers who order online and tip their drivers a
  
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