Austin news

• Meta changes features due to Texas social media safety law

  09-09-2024 23:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Due to a Texas social media safety law, Meta has made changes to its features on Facebook and Instagram, a Meta spokesperson told KXAN Monday.House Bill 18 is a new state law designed to protect children from harmful online content.The “Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment” — or “SCOPE” Act — requires digital service providers to obtain parental permission before letting minors online. Platforms would be required to include in
  
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• TxTag eyeing new contract for toll transactions management

  09-09-2024 22:31 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.TEXAS (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is considering a possible contract with the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) to oversee TxTag transaction processing and management work, officials shared online.The notice said TxDOT and HCTRA are "taking the necessary steps" in preparations for the potential transition, but TxDOT officials said the state agency
  
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• LIVE: After huge Michigan win, Longhorns shift to opponent who is 'backed into a corner'

  09-09-2024 21:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas showed the country what it's capable of in a 31-12 win over Michigan at The Big House, and now it's all about avoiding the letdown.The No. 2 Longhorns are back in Austin to take on the University of Texas at San Antonio at 6 p.m. Saturday, and even though the Roadrunners were hammered by rival Texas State 49-10, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said UTSA is still "dangerous." Instant Analysis: How the Texas Longhorns tore Michigan’s vaunted defense apart"The tou
  
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• After huge Michigan win, Longhorns shift to opponent who is 'backed into a corner'

  09-09-2024 21:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas showed the country what it's capable of in a 31-12 win over Michigan at The Big House, and now it's all about avoiding the letdown.The No. 2 Longhorns are back in Austin to take on the University of Texas at San Antonio at 6 p.m. Saturday, and even though the Roadrunners were hammered by rival Texas State 49-10, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said UTSA is still "dangerous." Instant Analysis: How the Texas Longhorns tore Michigan’s vaunted defense apart"The tou
  
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• Austin accepting next round of 'living streets' project applications

  09-09-2024 21:55 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department is accepting applications for the next round of its Living Streets Program activations, an initiative to enhance mobility and gathering spaces in city neighborhoods.Austin City Council adopted the Living Streets Program back in October 2021 with the resident-led program broken into three separate styles of street activ
  
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• Lockhart Police receive 40+ calls of shots fired since start of year

  09-09-2024 21:54 via kxan.com
  
  LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) --- The Lockhart Police Department said its emergency dispatchers received more than 40 calls reporting unlawful discharge of firearms in residential areas since the start of this year.RELATED TOPIC: Bastrop County man shot from celebratory gunfire on New Year’s Day"They could be a number of things, celebratory gunfire," said Lockhart Police Chief Gary Williamson. "It could be somebody trying to intimidate somebody else. Just somebody with too much time on their hand
  
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• Lockhart Police receive 40+ calls of celebratory gunfire since start of year

  09-09-2024 21:54 via kxan.com
  
  LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) --- The Lockhart Police Department said its emergency dispatchers received more than 40 calls reporting unlawful discharge of firearms in residential areas since the start of this year.RELATED TOPIC: Bastrop County man shot from celebratory gunfire on New Year’s DayThis type of celebratory gunfire is typically associated with alcohol use, major holidays and sporting events. However, LPD said dispatchers are receiving these calls during non-events, especially Thursday
  
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• UT students can now claim 'reserved student tickets' for Longhorn football games

  09-09-2024 21:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- University of Texas students now have a new ticket option for Longhorn football games at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.Big Ticket holders can claim a "reserved student ticket," which will be located in the upper level of sections 121-125.
  UT said it added the new option after "receiving and reviewing thoughtful feedback about the student section at our home game."The reserved student ticket option will be available starting with this week's Texas football game against t
  
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• REPORT: Texas becomes top solar state, outpacing California

  09-09-2024 20:35 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Monday, Sept. 9, 2024.TEXAS (KXAN) — Texas exceeded California in the second quarter of 2024 to become the top solar state, according to a quarterly market report from the American Clean Power Association.The report's findings noted the Lone Star State ranked first for clean power installations in the second quarter of this year, bringing online nearly 2,600 megawatts worth of solar, wind and storage cap
  
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• LIST: Pumpkin patches, fall festivals opening soon in Central Texas

  09-09-2024 19:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Cooler temperatures mean pumpkin picking season is upon us.
  From pumpkin patches to hayrides to apple cannons, here’s a roundup of fall festivals and pumpkin patches across Central Texas.
  Crowe’s Nest Farm FestThe festival in Manor features a pumpkin patch, hayrides, barrel rides, live music, a snake show, barn animals and more. The festival will open on Saturdays and Sundays through October.The fall festival is located at 10300 Taylor Lane, Manor.Elgi
  
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• Nearly 1 in 5 Texas high schoolers vape; here's what parents are being asked to do

  09-09-2024 17:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- With nearly one in five Texas high schoolers admitting to vaping, the American Lung Association is asking parents to start a conversation with their kids about e-cigarettes.
  Last month the organization launched a campaign called "You’re the Best Person to Talk to Your Kids," offering tips for parents on how to bring up vaping and facts about the health effects.Those impacts can include irreversible lung damage, lifelong nicotine addiction, and problematic brain development
  
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• Expansion proposed for 290 toll road between Manor and Elgin

  09-09-2024 17:23 via kxan.com
  
  MANOR, Texas (KXAN) -- Another major highway improvement project can be added to the list of proposals for the Austin area. This one would make the drive between Elgin and Manor faster, but it won't be free for drivers.There's currently a toll road option of US 290 from Highway 183 to Parmer Lane in Manor, but now the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is leading an environmental study to keep that toll road going all the way to Manor."We've coordinated with TxDOT, and the decision is tha
  
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• Record-setting 71-pound fish caught in Lady Bird Lake

  09-09-2024 17:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There's a new big fish record in Lady Bird Lake.
  A 71-pound smallmouth buffalo was caught in the Austin lake, setting the state record, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said on social media.Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird LakeAustin Anderson caught the fish on June 10 with a rod and reel, the department said. The 44.5-inch fish was released back into Lady Bird Lake.
  A 71-pound smallmouth buffalo was caught in Lady Bird Lake. (Courtesy Texas Parks a
  
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• Police: Road reopen after 5-car crash on North I-35 near Tech Ridge Boulevard

  09-09-2024 13:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The scene of a major crash in north Austin is clear after it caused traffic delays Monday morning.
  APD said on X at 6:29 a.m. officers were on the scene of a five-car in the 12000 block of North I-35 on the northbound side. That area is just south of Tech Ridge Boulevard.In an update at 7:23, police said the roadway was back open.
  Traffic was diverted to the access road for about an hour while the scene was active.
  KXAN has reached out to first responders for more information an
  
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• Police: 5-car crash on North I-35 near Tech Ridge Boulevard

  09-09-2024 13:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Police Department officers are investigating a crash on Interstate 35 in north Austin.
  APD said on X at 6:29 a.m. officers were on the scene of a five-car in the 12000 block of North I-35 on the northbound side. That area is just south of Tech Ridge Boulevard.
  Police said traffic is being diverted to the access road. Drivers should expect delays and plan alternate routes if possible.
  KXAN has reached out to first responders for more information and will update this story
  
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• Tropical Storm Francine is moving over the Gulf

  09-09-2024 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Soak it in! This morning is the coolest we've been since this past spring!Morning temperatures in the 50s and 60s will warm to the upper 80s to low 90s this afternoon. Sunshine, dry skies, light northeast winds and low humidity will make for a gorgeous day to be outside.
  Tropical Storm FrancineThe 10 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center shows that the weather disturbance in the Gulf has formed into a tropical storm. This is the 6th named storm of the Atlantic Basin sea
  
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• Only isolated rain locally from soon-to-be Hurricane Francine

  09-09-2024 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Limited impacts expected in Central Texas as Tropical Storm Francine slowly strengthens in the northwest Gulf of Mexico.Soon-to-be Hurricane FrancineTropical Storm Francine maintained its strength overnight, but will likely pick up speed and intensity later today.The latest track from the National Hurricane Center continues to suggest that a Louisiana landfall is much more likely than a Texas landfall. Still, as the storm passes to our south and east, we'll notice a few more clo
  
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• Isolated rain locally from soon-to-be Hurricane Francine

  09-09-2024 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Limited impacts expected in Central Texas as Tropical Storm Francine slowly strengthens in the northwest Gulf of Mexico.Soon-to-be Hurricane FrancineTropical Storm Francine maintained its strength overnight, but will likely pick up speed and intensity later today.The latest track from the National Hurricane Center continues to suggest that a Louisiana landfall is much more likely than a Texas landfall. Still, as the storm passes to our south and east, we'll notice an increase in
  
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• Gorgeous weather locally, tropical storm likely in the Gulf

  09-09-2024 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Soak it in! This morning is the coolest we've been since this past spring!Morning temperatures in the 50s and 60s will warm to the upper 80s to low 90s this afternoon. Sunshine, dry skies, light northeast winds and low humidity will make for a gorgeous day to be outside.
  Potential Tropical Cyclone SixThe National Hurricane Center is expecting Potential Tropical Cyclone to intensify into Hurricane Francine by Wednesday morning with landfall likely in Louisiana later that day.Heav
  
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• Gorgeous weather locally amid tropical trouble

  09-09-2024 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Soak it in! This morning is the coolest we've been since this past spring!Morning temperatures in the 50s and 60s will warm to the upper 80s to low 90s this afternoon. Sunshine, dry skies, light northeast winds and low humidity will make for a gorgeous day to be outside.
  Potential Tropical Cyclone SixThe National Hurricane Center is expecting Potential Tropical Cyclone to intensify into Hurricane Francine by Wednesday morning with landfall likely in Louisiana later that day.Heav
  
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• Francine to bring limited rain as humidity jumps up

  09-09-2024 12:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- I hope you enjoyed the cool morning! In fact, this morning's low of 53º was record cold for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport for this date.
  We've got one more cool morning like this before warmth and humidity returns.Tonight will be mostly clear with lows dropping into the low to mid 60s in Austin with some 50s in the Hill Country once again.Tuesday morning low temperature forecastWatching Francine and minimal local impactsWe're still watching Tropical Storm Francine
  
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• Power restored after fire at Austin Energy property Monday morning

  09-09-2024 11:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department and Austin Fire Department worked on a small fire Monday morning at an Austin Energy property that led to a "large" power outage at the 9800 block of Middle Fiskville Road, which is located between E. Braker Lane and E. Rundberg Lane.The Austin Energy outage map showed that around 5,500 customers were without power onjust before 5 a.m.At around 5:20 a.m. the Austin Energy outage map showed that all power has been restored.
  This is a developing story.
  
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• Fire at Austin Energy property leads to thousands without power in north Austin

  09-09-2024 11:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department and Austin Fire Department are working on a small fire at an Austin Energy property that led to a "large" power outage at the 9800 block of Middle Fiskville Road, which is located between E. Braker Lane and E. Rundberg Lane.
  The Austin Energy Outage map showed that around 5,500 customers were without power on Monday morning just before 5 a.m.The Austin Police Department said they do not have an expected time for when power will be restored. They also
  
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• City of Llano looks to fix flooding problems

  09-09-2024 06:53 via kxan.com
  
  LLANO, Texas (KXAN) -- Recent heavy rains in the city of Llano have only highlighted an aging infrastructure used to move all that water. The city is now moving up that timeline to get things fixed."No one was expecting us to get six-and-a-half inches of rain in less than a three hour period. And when you're trying to plan for drainage and so forth like that, that's one of those events you really can't plan for," Mayor Marion Bishop said.Those fast and furious rains on Sept. 3 traveled through t
  
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• A Texas Longhorn is the new Heisman Trophy favorite

  09-09-2024 03:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Longhorns made quite the statement over the weekend with a dominant win over the defending national champion Michigan Wolverines. Now it seems the football world is taking note of the Longhorns' team and their star quarterback.Quinn Ewers threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns without committing a turnover in the victory. He's taken another step forward in his third season in Austin. Instant Analysis: How the Texas Longhorns tore Michigan’s vaunted defense apar
  
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• A Longhorn is the new Heisman Trophy favorite

  09-09-2024 03:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Texas Longhorns made quite the statement over the weekend with a dominant win over the defending national champion Michigan Wolverines. Now it seems the football world is taking note of the Longhorns' team and their star quarterback.Quinn Ewers threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns without committing a turnover in the victory. He's taken another step forward in his third season in Austin.FanDuel Sportsbook and BetMGM both updated their odds for the Heisman Trophy this year
  
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• Westlake High School student arrested, accused of making school threat

  09-09-2024 03:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Westlake High School student was arrested Sunday after the student was accused of making threats against the school, according to a letter from Eanes Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Jeff Arnett.The letter said several students alerted administrators about a student making threats against the school and students on Snapchat. First full school year for Eanes ISD police departmentThe students who reported the incident used the Westlake Watch anonymous reportin
  
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• APD investigating homicide in southeast Austin; person of interest questioned

  09-09-2024 02:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department said it's investigating a homicide in southeast Austin on Sunday night, and a person of interest is being questioned.Police said it received two 911 calls to a home near the 2500 block of Teri Road, which is near Pleasant Valley Road and north of Stassney Lane, around 5:30 p.m.When investigators arrived at the scene, they found a Hispanic man with "obvious signs of trauma," APD Officer Leah Ratliff said at a media briefing later Sunday night.Austin-T
  
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• APD identifies victim, suspect in southeast Austin homicide

  09-09-2024 02:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department identified the victim and suspect in connection with a southeast Austin homicide that happened Sunday night, the agency said in a news release Monday.Police said it received two 911 calls to a home near the 2500 block of Teri Road, which is near Pleasant Valley Road and north of Stassney Lane, around 5:55 p.m.The first caller told 911 dispatch her husband "was in a verbal and physical disturbance" with another man. That man then returned with a gun,
  
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• Dak Prescott leads Cowboys to 33-17 romp over Browns in opener after getting new 4-year contract

  09-09-2024 02:08 via kxan.com
  
  CLEVELAND (AP) — Dak Prescott threw a touchdown pass hours after agreeing to a four-year, $240 million contract with Dallas and the Cowboys' defense roughed up Deshaun Watson in his return, throttling the Cleveland Browns 33-17 in their opener Sunday.
  Prescott's deal makes him the first player to average $60 million per season and ends months of speculation about his future with the Cowboys, who have won 12 games in each of the past three years with him.Earlier this week, Prescott, coming
  
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• Escaped Texas inmate back in custody, found near Corpus Christi

  09-09-2024 00:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Department of Criminal Justice said an inmate who escaped from its Huntsville unit on Sunday is back in custody, according to a TDCJ social media post.Jesus Villareal, 39, was found in Calallen, which is near Corpus Christi, on Sunday, TDCJ said.
  He is currently serving a 63-year sentence on four counts of aggravated robbery and two counts of aggravated assault out of Cameron County. He was also charged in 2015 with possession of a deadly weapon in a penal institution,
  
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• 'Fresh ideas and new leadership': Colin Allred makes the case to replace Ted Cruz in Senate

  09-09-2024 00:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, sat down with Ryan Chandler for an interview regarding his record on issues ranging from border security to the economy, addressing how he differentiates himself from Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and remarking on a string of surprising new endorsements.
  Watch the full interview in the video player above.
  
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