Austin news

• A staff member at each Thrall ISD campus has tested positive for COVID-19

  27-08-2020 02:49 via kxan.com
  
  THRALL, Texas (KXAN) — Three staff members in Thrall Independent School District have tested positive for COVID-19: one person at each the elementary, middle and high school campuses.Four other staff members and a total of 54 students have been asked to isolate after officials traced the positive cases’ contacts. The students are mostly all in one grade and are switching to virtual learning, the district said.Thrall ISD says no students have tested positive. Thrall ISD superintendent
  
  Read more

• Texas high school football playoff scores for Thursday, Nov. 14

  15-11-2024 05:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Pflugerville won big in the opening round of the Class 5A Division II playoffs 63-13 over San Antonio Burbank to lead a handful of successful Central Texas football teams on the first night of the postseason Thursday.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 your game to [email protected] and we'll get it on our websiteIn the KBVO Game of the Week, Lexington had a little more firepower than Ri
  
  Read more

• City celebrates grand opening of new Round Rock fire station

  15-11-2024 05:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city of Round Rock just got a little more protection as it opened up a new fire station just north of downtown on Thursday.Fire Station 1, located at 1730 E. Old Settlers Blvd., had its grand opening ceremony for the public, according to a news release from the city.The city of Round Rock celebrated its grand opening of Fire Station 1 on Thursday. (Tim Holcomb/KXAN News)The city of Round Rock celebrated its grand opening of Fire Station 1 on Thursday. (Tim Holcomb/KXAN News)
  
  Read more

• Former Energy Secretary Rick Perry weighs in Trump's nominees, Texas legislative session

  15-11-2024 03:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Rick Perry knows what it's like to work in Trump's Washington. The longest serving governor in Texas history, Perry joined the Trump administration as Secretary of Energy from 2017 to 2019. KXAN's Ryan Chandler caught up with Perry to hear his advice for new cabinet nominees, his hopes for Texas in Trump's next administration, and his work to help reelect embattled Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan to lead the House next session.Read the transcript of the interview below or wat
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Mayor Kirk Watson apparent winner in Austin mayoral race

  15-11-2024 02:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- More than a week after Election Day, all Travis and Williamson County ballots have been unofficially tallied and they're enough for KXAN to call an apparent winner in the Austin mayoral race. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has more than 50% of the unofficial vote and is projected to win outright.Watson secured 50.004% of the overall vote with 175,090 total votes. That's 14 votes above the runoff threshold.
  KXAN is reporting Watson as the apparent winner, because those numbers are yet
  
  Read more

• 'That dude will be ready to play': Texas coaches don't need to worry about Anthony Hill Jr.

  15-11-2024 02:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. arrived at Texas last season as a true freshman, his talent and athleticism were undeniable, but he didn't quite have an idea how to put those to use at the college level. He was great at football, he just wasn't a great linebacker, Texas coaches told him.It's safe to say it hasn't taken him long to become a great linebacker. What Texas players know about Arkansas rivalryLeading the Longhorns in tackles per game at 7.33, 10th in the Southeas
  
  Read more

• Cruz calls Gaetz pick 'very surprising,' will assess on 'merits'

  15-11-2024 01:43 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R) said that President-elect Trump choosing Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) to serve as attorney general was "very surprising," though he has "trust" in the confirmation hearing process."As for that particular nomination, look, we have a process under the Constitution where the Senate provides advice and consent. And I trust that process," Cruz told Newsmax's Bianca de la Garza on Thursday. "That nominee, like every other will, will have a vigorous vetting, will
  
  Read more

• Quincy Jones' cause of death revealed: reports

  15-11-2024 01:42 via kxan.com
  
  (KTLA) -- Quincy Jones' cause of death has been revealed.The music icon passed away from pancreatic cancer, according to his death certificate, which was obtained by CNN and TMZ.
  No other contributing factors were listed, but the certificate reportedly noted that Jones had battled cancer for years. Dave Coulier of ‘Full House’ reveals cancer diagnosisThe multi-talented music titan passed away at 91 on Nov. 3 at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles, while surrounded by his f
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Oakland airport ordered to stop using its new name

  15-11-2024 01:42 via kxan.com
  
  (KRON) – A district court in California has ruled that the Oakland International Airport must stop using its new name, the "San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport."The Port of Oakland opted to change the name in April to include the words "San Francisco Bay" to increase the visibility of the airport, claiming that travelers did not know Oakland was located in the Bay Area. But the City of San Francisco took issue with the new name, and sued the Port of Oakland and City of Oakland.
  
  Read more

• Kraft Heinz stops serving controversial Lunchables meals designed for schools: Here's why

  15-11-2024 01:42 via kxan.com
  
  (AP) – Food and beverage manufacturer Kraft Heinz said Tuesday that it no longer is serving the Lunchables meals it created for U.S. schools.The company introduced the two packaged meals — one starring pizza and the other a turkey, cheddar cheese and cracker plate — at the beginning of the 2023-2024 academic year. At the time, Kraft Heinz said the offerings were protein-enriched and contained reduced levels of saturated fat and sodium to meet the requirement
  
  Read more

• When you can watch 'The Grinch,' 'Rudolf,' 'Frosty,' more 2024 holiday specials on NBC

  15-11-2024 01:31 via kxan.com
  
  (NBC) — It is time to gather in the soft glow of the family TV room as the most beloved holiday programming returns to NBC4.According to NBC, Christmas classics like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “The Grinch,” and “It's a Wonderful Life” will air, bringing back nostalgic memories for viewers and creating them for the next generation. A news release from the network also promised a lineup of exciting new programm
  
  Read more

• Check the label of your Levi's jeans. They may be worth thousands

  15-11-2024 01:31 via kxan.com
  
  ST. LOUIS (KTVI) — Levi's jeans have become a staple in everyday fashion for many consumers. And if you have an old pair sitting in your closet, you may want to check the tag.Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis paired together to create waist overalls in 1873, or the first pair of blue jeans, according to Levi's website.
  In today's age, the little red Levi's tag on the back pocket is in all capital letters, except for the "e." However, it wasn't always designed this way. Why is Thanksgiving so la
  
  Read more

• APD: One dead after stabbing at southeast Austin homeless encampment

  15-11-2024 01:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One man is dead after a stabbing that happened over the weekend at a homeless encampment in southeast Austin, the Austin Police Department said in a news release Thursday.Around 6:31 p.m., Nov. 10, APD officers responded to a call in the 1900 block of East William Cannon Drive for a report of a man who "was lying on metal rods on the ground, and was bleeding from possible stab wounds," the release said.When officers arrived on the scene, they found the man, 39-year-old Elijah Ma
  
  Read more

• PfISD: Student at Windmere Elementary School diagnosed with measles

  15-11-2024 00:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A student at Windmere Elementary School -- with the Pflugerville Independent School District -- was diagnosed with measles, a letter sent to parents and guardians from the PfISD Health Office said Thursday."Measles is a highly contagious -- but rare -- respiratory infection that is caused by a virus. It causes a total body skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough and runny nose lasting 1 to 2 weeks," the letter said.Measles is spread when someone "sneezes or cou
  
  Read more

• PfISD: Student at Windermere Elementary School diagnosed with measles

  15-11-2024 00:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A student at Windermere Elementary School -- with the Pflugerville Independent School District -- was diagnosed with measles, a letter sent to parents and guardians from the PfISD Health Office said Thursday."Measles is a highly contagious -- but rare -- respiratory infection that is caused by a virus. It causes a total body skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough and runny nose lasting 1 to 2 weeks," the letter said."It varies in each person how long it lasts.
  
  Read more

• Pickle production and history in Texas is the real dill

  15-11-2024 00:06 via kxan.com
  
  TEXAS -- Texas is a major player in the pickle industry since the climate is perfect for growing cucumbers. Pickles have become a staple in Texas food culture as a side or topping with barbecue. They've also gained national attention, in products like pickle beer, pickle-flavored chips and even sandwiches where a pickle serves as the bun.Pickles have humble roots in the Lone Star State, and cucumber farmers in the region are a large supplier to the largest family-owned manufacturer of shelf stab
  
  Read more

• VIDEO: Jack White performs at The Continental Club on South Congress

  14-11-2024 23:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The"No Name Tour" stopped at one of Austin's most popular music venues Thursday.Ahead of a Thursday night show at Mohawk, The White Stripes frontman and guitarist Jack White performed a matinee show for approximately 250 people at The Continental Club on South Congress Avenue.The Continental Club show was a late addition to White's week-long tour of Texas, featuring intimate, local music venues. White played a show at Trees in Dallas' Deep Ellum on Wednesday and will be in
  
  Read more

• Lexington outlasts Rice Consolidated in second-half shootout 38-27 in 3A-DII opening round

  14-11-2024 23:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After the first half, Lexington led Rice Consolidated 10-7 and neither offense could find its footing. And then, it was mayhem in the third quarter.The teams combined for 41 points in the third and Lexington rode the wave to a 38-27 win in the opening round of the Class 3A Division II playoffs Thursday at Memorial Stadium in Bastrop.Texas high school football first round playoff matchups, times, sitesLexington running back Noah Wright-Harris broke a 28-yard touchdown run a
  
  Read more

• KBVO Game of the Week, playoff edition: Lexington meets Rice Consolidated in 3A-DII opening round

  14-11-2024 23:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's opening night of Texas high school football playoffs Thursday, and Class 3A teams get the spotlight in the KBVO Game of the Week.Lexington and Rice Consolidated meet at Memorial Stadium in Bastrop in the Class 3A-Division II bi-district round, and the Eagles haven't allowed any points in their previous two games. Lexington shut out Comfort and Rogers by a combined score of 97-0 and finished second in District 13 behind Blanco. Texas high school football first round pla
  
  Read more

• Trump taps RFK Jr. to lead HHS

  14-11-2024 22:03 via kxan.com
  
  President-elect Trump has tapped anti-vaccine activist and environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).HHS has a budget of nearly $2 billion and administers federal health programs including Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. HHS and its subagencies are responsible for responding to diseases and public health threats like COVID-19 and bird flu, as well as approving new drugs, including vaccines.  "I am thrilled to an
  
  Read more

• First Warning: First freeze possible in spots next week

  14-11-2024 21:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The First Warning Weather Team is seeing significant signals that the coldest air of the season (so far) looks on track to arrive toward the end of next week.WHAT: The coldest air of fall with highs in the 50s and 60s and lows in the 30s and 40s.WHEN: Arriving next Wednesday, November 20, 2024.IMPACTS: Some frost or a light freeze may be possible in the Hill Country if the colder 30s are realized.First Warning: Coldest air of fall arrives next week FRIENDSGIVING 2024: DONATE HER
  
  Read more

• Austin Energy to add 'first-of-a-kind' geothermal facility in 2025

  14-11-2024 21:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Energy said in a Thursday press release that it will bring a new geothermal project online in 2025, and that it will add five megawatts of carbon-free energy to the local grid.The projected output of five MW isn't much when compared to Austin Energy's other facilities. In total, Austin Energy has a generation capacity of 4,600 MW. Unlike some of its other facilities, geothermal can run continuously. Geothermal energy showcased in Austin, potential powerhouse for Texa
  
  Read more

• 100 Day Plan: Austin's new police chief wants to hear from you

  14-11-2024 19:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Thursday, Police Chief Lisa Davis welcomed a steady stream of reporters to ask about the 100 Day Plan she announced this week.It's centered around the following:
  Recruitment, retention, moraleCommunity trust and prevention initiativesAPD's capacity for excellence and innovation
  You can read Chief Davis' full plan here.The objective is currently in phase one, the "Engagement and Outreach" phase.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Lisa Davis named Austin’s next police chiefThroughout this
  
  Read more

• Investigation underway after over a dozen human skulls found in New Mexico, near Texas state line

  14-11-2024 19:34 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas -- The Lea County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation in Jal, New Mexico after suspected human remains were discovered.
  A press release from Tuesday said the human remains may be linked to a missing persons case from 2019. The case is being closely tied to the 2019 disappearance of Angela McManes, whose last known residence was near the property under investigation.
  After a comprehensive search, evidence of 10-20 human skulls was located along with portions of skull and jaw
  
  Read more

• Apple Music selling $450 book of '100 Best Albums'

  14-11-2024 19:30 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Thinking of getting started on holiday shopping? This week, Apple Music announced the release of a new coffee table book that's sure to entice many hardcore music fans. It'll only cost you $450.The book, "Apple Music: 100 Best Albums," was created in partnership with luxury lifestyle publisher Assouline, who describes the item as, "A celebration of Apple Music’s inaugural list of the greatest records ever made, [the book] is a lasting companion piece to the digital i
  
  Read more

• Tropical tracker: Tropical Storm Sara forms off coast of Honduras

  14-11-2024 19:13 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows the latest from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Each year, the Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. This year is expected to be very active, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting an 85% chance of an above-average season.This story is part of the KXAN Data Hub, where numbers help tell the whole story.
  We've created several data-driven stories and databases on topic
  
  Read more

• Central Texas high schools make history in state marching band competition

  14-11-2024 18:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- High school marching band competition season in Texas just wrapped up, and several area school districts sent their student musicians to the state contest this week and last week, some making history in the process.Getting to the state level in the University Interscholastic League, or UIL, marching band competitions is a rigorous process. Only a few dozen schools wind up placing in the final rounds of competition.
  Each year, marching bands from across the state compete in regio
  
  Read more

• APD identifies woman killed in Sunday hit-and-run crash

  14-11-2024 17:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department identified a woman who died Sunday evening following a hit-and-run crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian.Police said the crash occurred near the intersection of East Stassney Lane and Teri Road in southeast Austin.APD said the pedestrian, identified as 39-year-old Kyla Walker, died at the scene.According to police, the vehicle involved did not stop and left the scene.The incident is being investigated as Austin’s 76th fatal crash of 202
  
  Read more

• State Rep. Hinojosa calls for federal help in I-35 expansion

  14-11-2024 17:38 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is KXAN coverage from Jan. 29, 2024, when Rethink35 and other local organizations filed a lawsuit and civil rights complaint against the Texas Department of Transportation over the I-35 Capital Express Central project.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, is calling on the federal government to intervene in the expansion efforts already underway along Interstate 35 near downtown Austin.The Texas Department of Transportation approved in August 2023 th
  
  Read more

• Tacodeli aims to nearly triple its restaurant count by 2029, new CEO says

  14-11-2024 17:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (ABJ) — Tacodeli has brought in restaurant industry veteran Peter Gaudreau as its new CEO in preparation for a major expansion that's set to begin next year.The 25-year-old company has 14 restaurants across Austin, Dallas, Houston and Plano, but most are located in Tacodeli’s home base — Austin. The expansion over the next three to five years will be in Texas, Gaudreau said, and by 2029 there may be 40 Tacodeli locations. Expanding beyond the Lone Star State is on the ag
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!