Austin news

• VIDEO: Tour bus fire on SH 130 in Pflugerville

  07-02-2018 23:05 via kxan.com
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — Video showed a tour bus engulfed in flames on State Highway 130 in Pflugerville Wednesday.
  Around 3 p.m., a KXAN viewer sent us a video of the fire near East Pecan Street, as firefighters tried to put out the blaze around the center of the bus.
  A spokesperson for Pflugerville police says the tourists on the bus were able to get off the bus safely and moved to a nearby building to get out of the cold.
  Travis County Emergency Services District #2 was on scene put
  
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• Texas squanders big lead, hangs on to beat Syracuse 70-66 in New York

  22-11-2024 05:53 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Tre Johnson endured a poor offensive night before scoring Texas' final six points — all from the line — and the Longhorns got past Syracuse 70-66 Thursday night after blowing a 16-point second-half lead at the UKG Legends Classic.Friday the Longhorns (4-1) take on the winner of Thursday's late game between Texas Tech and Saint Joseph's for the tourney title while the Orange will play the loser. With Kentucky ahead, competition for Texas Longhorns has been fierce
  
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• Texas high school football playoffs: 2nd round scores from Thursday, Nov. 21

  22-11-2024 05:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Vandegrift Vipers throttled San Antonio Sotomayor 51-0 in the second round of the Class 6A Division II playoffs Thursday at The Alamodome in San Antonio.La Vernia pounded out a 13-10 win over Austin LBJ with a punishing display of power running in 4A Division I and Wimberley thumped Rockport-Fulton 62-21 to advance in the 4A Division II playoffs.REPORT YOUR SCORE: We'd love to post your team's score in this scoreboard, but we need your help to do it. Email the score of
  
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• Illinois Supreme Court reverses actor Jussie Smollett's conviction

  22-11-2024 05:38 via kxan.com
  
  SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Supreme Court has reversed the conviction of actor Jussie Smollett.The former “Empire” actor took his case to the Illinois Supreme Court in September in a last-ditch effort to have his 2021 conviction overturned.The court cited Smollett's second prosecution after his charges were initially dropped as the main reason why his conviction was overturned."Today we resolve a question about the State’s responsibility to honor the agreements
  
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• APD investigating 2-vehicle crash on Barton Springs Road

  22-11-2024 05:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department are investigating a two-vehicle crash that happened in south Austin Thursday night, the agency said on social media.Shortly before 9:30 p.m., APD said officers responded to the crash in the 2800 block of Barton Springs Road.
  Police said the road is closed between William Barton Drive and Andrew Zilker Road. Drivers should avoid the area or seek an alternate route.No other details were released Thursday.
  
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• Granite Shoals hoping to reduce deer population with harvesting program

  22-11-2024 04:45 via kxan.com
  
  GRANITE SHOALS, Texas (KXAN) —A white tail deer population boom is causing one Hill Country town to take action.Granite Shoals has seen its deer population increase significantly over the last few years, and now the city is introducing a program to reduce those numbers."The deer population is enormous out here," said Granite Shoals City Council Member Brian Edwards.Edwards said more deer means there's the potential for more accidents, which is a danger to residents."You have to drive very
  
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• Austin man gets 30 years for deadly Leander crash

  22-11-2024 04:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An Austin man was sentenced to 30 years in prison in connection with a deadly crash that happened in Leander in August 2023, according to court records.Jose Luis Gonzalez was convicted on two manslaughter charges, as well as collision causing death. The U.S. Marshals said in a news release in September 2023 that 35-year-old Jose Luis Rebollar Osorio and 69-year-old Avelina Osorio Lopez were killed in the crash on Aug. 26.The crash happened at the intersection of Hero Way and 183
  
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• PUC requires registration of cryptocurrency mining facilities

  22-11-2024 02:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- Virtual currency mining facilities within the state's power grid region have to register with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The facilities must provide information to the PUCT annually about the facility’s location, ownership, and demand for electricity. The rule was passed by the 88th Texas Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2023. It is aimed at giving the PUCT and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) a better a
  
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• Passengers duct tape unruly man who tried to open door on Dallas-bound flight

  22-11-2024 02:07 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) -- A group of passengers aboard a Dallas-bound flight restrained a man with duct tape after he claimed to be the "captain" and attempted to open the cabin door of an American Airlines plane midair, authorities said.The plane was headed from Milwaukee on Tuesday, Nov. 19, when the man got up from his seat, approached a flight attendant and told her he needed to exit immediately, according to an incident report from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Department of Public Safety.
  
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• Passengers duct tape unruly man who tried to open door on American Airlines plane

  22-11-2024 02:07 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) -- A group of passengers aboard a Dallas-bound flight restrained a man with duct tape after he claimed to be the "captain" and attempted to open the cabin door of an American Airlines plane midair, authorities said.The plane was headed from Milwaukee on Tuesday, Nov. 19, when the man got up from his seat, approached a flight attendant and told her he needed to exit immediately, according to an incident report from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Department of Public Safety.
  
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• Trump chooses loyalist Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Matt Gaetz withdraws

  22-11-2024 02:01 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday he will nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department, turning to a longtime ally after his first choice, Matt Gaetz, withdrew his name from consideration amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations.
  Bondi has been an outspoken defender of Trump. She was one of his lawyers during his first impeachment trial, when he was accused — but not convicted — of abusing his power as he tri
  
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• Whooping cough cases have quintupled. These states have it worst

  22-11-2024 01:39 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Pertussis — a disease commonly referred to as whooping cough — is spreading quickly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns. The U.S. has seen five times more cases in 2024 than we did at this time last year.As of Nov. 9, which marks the latest data available from the CDC, there were more than 23,500 cases of whooping cough reported so far this year. That's far and above the roughly 5,000 cases confirmed in all of 2023.Health officials warn t
  
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• DOJ asks judge to order Google to sell Chrome

  22-11-2024 01:39 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) - The Department of Justice (DOJ) is asking a federal judge to order Google to sell off its Chrome browser after the court found the tech giant maintained an illegal monopoly over online search. In a filing late Wednesday night, the DOJ argued Google’s ownership and control of Chrome, as well as Android, stand in the way of its efforts to open up the market and prevent future monopolization. “The playing field is not level because of Google’s conduct, and G
  
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• With Kentucky ahead, competition for Texas Longhorns has been fierce in practice

  22-11-2024 01:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After a "feisty" practice Wednesday, No. 3 Texas has to get its offense ready for what head coach Steve Sarkisian calls "an NFL defense," in the Kentucky Wildcats.The results don't suggest that Kentucky has an elite defense, they are 1-6 in Southeastern Conference play at 4-6 overall, but they had the injury bug hit them. Now, some of the main contributors will be available including outside linebacker JJ Weaver and 345-pound defensive tackle Deone Walker. Defensive back Ma
  
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• Rural law enforcement, prosecutor offices in Texas to receive $225M in grants to boost salaries, hiring

  22-11-2024 00:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Rural law enforcement and prosecutor offices received about $225 million in financial assistance from the Texas Comptroller’s Office.The grant is expected to help ensure professional law enforcement and legal representation throughout the state.“Many rural law enforcement and prosecutor offices have lacked the resources they need to attract and retain personnel or to buy much-needed safety equipment, and this program bridges that gap,” said Texas Comptroll
  
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• Trump chooses Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Gaetz withdraws

  22-11-2024 00:41 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday named Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, to be U.S. attorney general just hours after his other choice, Matt Gaetz, withdrew his name.Bondi is a longtime Trump ally and was one of his lawyers during his first impeachment trial when he was accused — but not convicted — of abusing his power as he tried to condition U.S. military assistance to Ukraine on that country investigating then-former Vice President
  
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• Texas DPS to get $3M to reduce DNA testing backlog, help solve crimes

  22-11-2024 00:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) was awarded more than $3 million to help reduce the state's DNA testing and analysis backlog.The $3,243,893 federal grant is expected to help law enforcement efforts in investigating, prosecuting and solving crimes.“DNA analysis is a critical tool used to identify perpetrators, exonerate innocent suspects, and solve cases,” said U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX). “I am proud of the work we’ve done to reduce the
  
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• Man pleads guilty to stealing $100K in bikes from Lance Armstrong storage unit

  21-11-2024 23:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was sentenced Oct. 10 related to the December 2023 theft from Lance Armstrong’s storage unit where more than $100,000 in bikes and equipment were stolen.According to Travis County court documents, 34-year-old Ethan Harms pleaded guilty to theft of property between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony, and burglary of a building, a state jail felony.Harms was sentenced to 42 months of community supervision for each charge. Records showed the sentences woul
  
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• KBVO Game of the Week: La Vernia keeps it away from Austin LBJ, grinds out 13-10 win in 4A-DI 2nd round

  21-11-2024 23:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — La Vernia's power running attack prevailed in the Bears' 13-10 win over Austin LBJ in a Class 4A Division I football second-round playoff game Thursday at Matador Stadium in Seguin.Operating almost solely from a shotgun-wing formation, the Bears held possession with bruising backs Sean Garza and Ty Carter. Carter scored on a 1-yard run for the Bears' only touchdown and Luke Green kicked two field goals. Texas high school football playoffs: Second round matchups, times, site
  
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• KBVO Game of the Week: Austin LBJ's high-octane offense takes on run-heavy La Vernia

  21-11-2024 23:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Fans of offense should make their way to Seguin on Thursday and check out two of the most prolific scoring teams in the Class 4A Division I second round.Austin LBJ has lit up the scoreboard this year, averaging 52.1 points per game en route to an 11-0 record while La Vernia employs a power run game out of a spread formation to rack up 41.2 points per game.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsle
  
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• Travis County DA reveals threats against him, reasons for security requests

  21-11-2024 23:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Travis County District Attorney's Office provided details Thursday surrounding the nature of the threats allegedly made against District Attorney Jose Garza, and the reasons the Travis County Commissioners Court authorized county funds to be transferred to the DA's office for Garza's security.In total, the Commissioners Court authorized $115,000 — $64,000 of which was used to improve security at Garza's personal home, according to a press release."According to Cou
  
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• These Texas cities among best for Gen Z workforce, study finds

  21-11-2024 22:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As more Gen Zers enter the workforce and homebuying market, a new study from MoneyGeek outlined which cities offer "financially thriving" opportunities for some of the nation's youngest earners.MoneyGeek's analysis reviewed data from 138 cities across the U.S. that were home to 100,000 or more residents. Evaluated criteria included income, homeownership rates, young adult population levels, student loan burdens and access to entertainment.The study found portions of the Wes
  
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• Governor's orders raise concerns over Chinese threats

  21-11-2024 22:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With four executive orders from Gov. Greg Abbott coming down back-to-back, we wanted to know about indirect implications from them."You know, it's really interesting on the timing," said. State Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston. "I'm not really sure of what to make of it because many of the things the governor talks about are things we've know about for years, if not decades." Texas universities required to punish antisemitic rhetoric in free speech policies"If nothing, maybe it's because
  
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• Top war-crimes court issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others in Israel-Hamas fighting

  21-11-2024 21:41 via kxan.com
  
  THE HAGUE (AP) — The world’s top war-crimes court issued arrest warrants Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the 13-month war in Gaza.
  The warrants said there was reason to believe Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and have intentionally ta
  
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• Hawaiian Airlines to end Austin-Honolulu nonstop flights in March 2025

  21-11-2024 21:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hawaiian Airlines will no longer fly directly between Austin and Honolulu in March 2025, an airline spokesperson told KXAN Thursday.As of March 27, passengers will have to make a connection in San Diego, Seattle or another airport, the spokesperson said.The change will allow Hawaiian to redeploy planes elsewhere in their network. Alaska Airlines purchased Hawaiian in a deal that completed in September. While operating as one company, the two brands will be kept separate."As
  
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• Some worry Hays County ESD shake-up will lead to service slips

  21-11-2024 21:10 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – After a Hays County Emergency Services District decided to break with San Marcos Hays County Emergency Medical Services (SMHCEMS) – the largest provider of emergency services in the county – some are concerned this may lead to gaps in services. North Hays County EMS – which primarily serves Dripping Springs, Driftwood and Henly – decided to terminate its contract with SMHCEMS, citing the area's explosive growth and concern over
  
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• Carmen Llanes Pulido requests recount in Austin mayoral race, Watson says request is illegal

  21-11-2024 20:06 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: This story has been edited to reflect the 11 precincts are only in Williamson County. The video above shows coverage from when current Austin Mayor Kirk Watson was declared the apparent winner in the Austin mayoral race.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Second-place candidate Carmen Llanes Pulido says she's officially filed a petition to request a recount in the Austin mayoral race in 11 precincts inside Williamson County. But Austin Mayor Kirk Watson says that partial recount request, isn't
  
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• Carmen Llanes Pulido requests recount in Austin mayoral race, petition 'defective'

  21-11-2024 20:06 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: This story has been edited to reflect the 11 precincts are only in Williamson County. The video above shows coverage from when current Austin Mayor Kirk Watson was declared the apparent winner in the Austin mayoral race.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Second-place candidate Carmen Llanes Pulido says she's officially filed a petition to request a recount in the Austin mayoral race in 11 precincts inside Williamson County. But Austin Mayor Kirk Watson says that partial recount request is ille
  
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• Carmen Llanes Pulido requests recount in Austin mayoral race

  21-11-2024 20:06 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows coverage from when current Austin Mayor Kirk Watson was declared the apparent winner in the Austin mayoral race.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Second-place candidate Carmen Llanes Pulido officially filed a petition to request a recount in the Austin mayoral race Thursday in 11 Travis County precincts and Williamson County."Given the razor thin margin, and the number of irregularities in this election cycle, it's critical that we ensure every vote is counted and I owe
  
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• HHSC asks for hundreds of millions to reduce Medicaid, SNAP delays

  21-11-2024 19:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- After years of backlogs that have delayed hundreds of thousands of applications for healthcare and food assistance, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is requesting urgent resources from the state to increase efficiency and avoid federal penalties.In their biannual legislative appropriations request, HHSC requested more than $391 million for additional staff and technology improvements they say will streamline their processing of applications for programs like Med
  
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