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• Appraisal notices are in the mail -- will it impact your property tax bill?

  14-04-2025 23:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Travis County Appraisal District is sending Notices of Appraised Values to property owners over the next few weeks. You can find them online now.“Once you get that notice, they have the opportunity to check their characteristics of their property, check their exemptions, all that important information, make sure it's correct. And if they disagree with anything on that notice they can protest their property," said Chief Appraiser Leana Mann.Inside Austin’s Agenda:
  
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• Inside the Investigation: Data shows how far school choice funds will go with TX private special education programs

  25-04-2025 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- For years, Texas lawmakers have debated whether parents should be able to use taxpayer dollars for private school tuition. This week on Inside the Investigation, Investigative Reporter Kelly Wiley explains how, under the state's latest plans, private schools will still be out of reach for some of the state’s poorest students. Related reading:Data shows how far school choice funds will go with private special education programs in TexasTexas House passes education savi
  
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• Hays County corrections officer arrested, inmate accused him of sexual misconduct

  25-04-2025 14:34 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) -- A Hays County corrections officer was arrested and placed on administrative leave Thursday night, according to the Hays County Sheriff's Office.
  The sheriff's office issued a press release late Thursday saying they'd arrested Corrections Officer John Duran, 45.
  Duran was charged with Official Oppression (a Class A Misdemeanor) and Tampering with a Governmental Record (a State Jail Felony), according to HCSO. KXAN has reached out to his attorney and will update this st
  
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• Booms in Georgetown – Why you might hear loud blasts

  25-04-2025 14:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Georgetown is set to experience some loud blasts Friday, but residents should not be concerned.On a social media post from the Georgetown Fire Department, the sounds are part of prep work for an upcoming movie shoot.The prep work is happening from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Quarry off Ronald Reagan Boulevard. TV show ‘1923’ shuts down roadways in Austin for filmingAs for what that movie is, we're unsure. However, it's not the first to have Central Texas as
  
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• TRAFFIC: Fatal crash closes southbound US 183 at Loop 360

  25-04-2025 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A fatal crash on US Highway 183 shut down all southbound lanes of the highway early Friday morning.
  The Texas Department of Transportation posted on X at 6:21 a.m. that all lanes of US 183 at Loop 360 were closed, and traffic was being diverted to the frontage road.
  The Austin Police Department said officers were responding to a "crash involving a deceased person" in the 9600 block of Research Blvd.
  APD said the roadway will be closed during the investigation.
  Drivers should exp
  
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• From rock stages to research labs: An Austin father's quest to save his daughter

  25-04-2025 13:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - In the heart of Austin, where music and innovation often intersect, beloved local artist Casey McPherson's story has struck a chord with families across the world.  His journey from alternative rock frontman to genetic disease researcher is driven by an unwavering love for his daughter, Rose. Leaving a thriving musical career  McPherson was living the dream of many musicians, playing at Austin's biggest venues, receiving support from local radio stations and f
  
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• DPS demonstrates hoist rescue training event in Austin

  25-04-2025 12:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A Texas agency is improving operations to be prepared to save lives during emergencies.On Thursday, the Texas Department of Public Safety demonstrated what it looks like to conduct a hoist rescue. It showcased the agency's skills in using a helicopter to save people from places that are too dangerous to perform ground-based rescues.The demonstration was part of a two-day training session, which was organized by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA). It took place at the
  
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• Trump store is selling 'Trump 2028' hats

  25-04-2025 05:05 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) – The Trump Organization rolled out “Trump 2028” hats on their website in support of President Trump's suggestion that he could seek a third term in office. Eric Trump, the son of the president, was spotted wearing the new piece of merchandise currently being sold for $50 online.The president and members of his team have repeatedly signaled he is considering a third White House bid — which critics have argued violates the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution
  
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• Teen accused of trying to poison adoptive mom by putting bleach in her milk

  25-04-2025 04:57 via kxan.com
  
  DELTONA, Fla. (WFLA) — A 17-year-old boy accused of trying to poison his adoptive mother with bleach has been arrested on multiple felony charges.On the morning of April 19, the boy's 77-year-old mother went to the kitchen in their Volusia County home to get a glass of milk. However, after pouring the milk into a glass and taking a sip, she was immediately struck by an "intense chemical taste," deputies told NBC affiliate WESH.The woman's other son was home at the time and called 911. Duri
  
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• Phones, wallets and a Viking horn: Uber shares which items were left behind in 2025

  25-04-2025 04:44 via kxan.com
  
  (KTLA) – From mannequin heads to 175 hamburger sliders, Uber riders left behind a wide array of oddities in 2024, according to the company’s ninth-annual Lost & Found Index (you can see 2024's results in the video above).The annual snapshot details both the most commonly forgotten things and the most unique items left in an Uber, including a Viking drinking horn, a live turtle, and even Ozempic.“From wayward mannequin heads to live lobsters, Uber riders have left behind som
  
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• 'Urgent request': APD seeking information on east Austin double homicide stemming from 'child custody dispute'

  25-04-2025 03:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is seeking public help with an "urgent request" for any information to help "piece together missing details" on a double homicide that happened in east Austin last week, per a news release from the agency.The situation stemmed from a "child custody dispute," which resulted in the deaths of 32-year-old Kendrick Parker and 24-year-old Shamar Roach, according to APD. APD: Double homicide in east Austin stemmed from ‘child custody dispute’Off
  
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• These Texas Longhorns were selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft

  25-04-2025 03:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Kelvin Banks Jr. is headed to New Orleans.The Saints selected the All-American left tackle for the Texas Longhorns at No. 9 overall in the 2025 NFL draft Thursday, addressing a need to keep Derek Carr (or the next quarterback) upright to direct the offense of new head coach Kellen Moore. Steve Sarkisian weighs in on former Longhorns expected to be picked in 2025 NFL DraftBanks is the first Longhorn off the board, and according to data from Spotrac, the contract value for th
  
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• Saints select Texas Longhorns tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. 9th overall in 2025 NFL draft

  25-04-2025 03:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Kelvin Banks Jr. is headed to New Orleans.The Saints selected the All-American left tackle for the Texas Longhorns at No. 9 overall in the 2025 NFL draft Thursday, addressing a need to keep Derek Carr (or the next quarterback) upright to direct the offense of new head coach Kellen Moore. Steve Sarkisian weighs in on former Longhorns expected to be picked in 2025 NFL DraftBanks is the first Longhorn off the board, and according to data from Spotrac, the contract value for th
  
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• 'Last of Us' actor Pedro Pascal calls 'Harry Potter' author 'heinous loser'

  25-04-2025 02:57 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Though actor Pedro Pascal, star of HBO's "The Last of Us," already has plenty of attention for his character's dramatic season two arc, the upcoming star of Marvel's "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" is raising eyebrows for comments he recently made about the creator of a different book and film series.This week, Pascal, 50, spoke out against "Harry Potter" creator J.K. Rowling, calling the billionaire author a "heinous loser" due to her well-publicized (and criticized) anti-tr
  
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• Austin ISD receives C rating in 2023 A-F ratings

  25-04-2025 01:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – On Thursday, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released the 2023 A-F accountability ratings for schools in Texas."These accountability results show a drastic change from ratings under the previous accountability system," said Austin Independent School District Trustee Lynn Boswell.In 2023, the state announced the A-F system would be refreshed, which included adjustments to cut scores, the way certain domains and indicators were calculated, and the overall system's design acc
  
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• Vandegrift's Sanders earns statewide coaching honor

  25-04-2025 01:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The only coach in Vandegrift football history is just as quick to point out that he's not only the winningest coach in program history, but also the coach with the most losses.Drew Sanders has built the Vandegrift program into a perennial power, and they took the final step in 2024, winning their first state title. Steve Sarkisian weighs in on former Longhorns expected to be picked in 2025 NFL DraftThe team earned hardware for the Class 6A Division II title, and now their h
  
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• Mortuary owner accused of corpse 'experiments' previously had burial contract with Travis County

  25-04-2025 01:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A business operated by a woman accused of forging death certificates and cutting limbs off of corpses for "experiments," according to court documents, had a contract with Travis County for its indigent cremation and burial services program. The program provides services for individuals and families who can't cover the cost of a burial or cremation.Adeline Ngan-Binh Bui, 50, is charged with Abuse of Corpse Without Legal Authority and Tampering with Government Records. Accord
  
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• Texas Longhorns starting pitcher Jared Spencer out for rest of season

  25-04-2025 00:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas left-handed pitcher Jared Spencer will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, the school announced Thursday.Spencer was the Longhorns' top of the rotation starter all season after transferring from Indiana State, racking up 66 strikeouts against 23 walks in 52.1 innings. He left the opening game against Auburn on April 17 after 2.2 innings due to arm soreness, and head coach Jim Schlossnagle told reporters Thursday that Spencer was getting looked at in Ho
  
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• Texas Democrats allege new public school ratings 'deceptive' and 'harmful'

  25-04-2025 00:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Accountability ratings from two school years ago show Texas public schools saw a decline in performance. A group of Texas Democrats argue the scores are unreliable and inaccurate, but the head of the state's public schools said the assessments are fair.
  The Texas Education Agency released the ratings from the 2022-2023 school year on Thursday, which give schools an A through F rating based on metrics of student achievement, school progress, and how the school closes gaps betw
  
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• Are autonomous vehicles here to stay?

  25-04-2025 00:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- People complaining about autonomous vehicles are abundant on social media.Recently, a woman shared a video on her TikTok reporting that her Waymo vehicle stopped under a MoPac overpass, and that the doors remained unlocked until she threatened to post the video online. This video got over 40,000 likes and has been reported by outlets across the U.S.A spokesperson from Waymo told us vehicle doors remain unlocked at all times. The spokesperson also told us that negative experience
  
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• Grand jury declines to indict man in fatal fire case, wants further investigation

  24-04-2025 22:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The grand jury in Hays County said there's not enough evidence for felony charges against a man who authorities accused of starting a fire that killed five people, according to the office of Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins. Former resident arrested after deadly 2018 apartment fire in San MarcosThe office said that the Grand Jury said they “failed to find a bill of indictment against the accused” but “encourage law enforcement to continue this i
  
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• Texas Senate sends education savings account bill to Gov. Abbott's desk

  24-04-2025 22:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) —The only thing left to create a $1 billion education savings account (ESA) program in Texas is a signature from Gov. Greg Abbott after the Texas Senate agreed to the changes mad by the Texas House on Senate Bill 2 in a 19-12 vote. The ESA program will set aside taxpayer dollars to help families pay for private education or homeschooling."It became our amendment" - Attempt to revive conflict of interest clauseOne of the biggest revelations in the House's version of SB 2 wa
  
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• Surveillance footage shows alleged burglary at Austin preschool

  24-04-2025 22:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Police are investigating an apparent burglary at the Mariposa Family Learning Center in southeast Austin.
  The school provided APD with surveillance video from two separate incidents on April 12 and 13, a Saturday and Sunday, that shows a man getting into and out of the school. One video shows him hauling a cart full of items out of the building."We discovered they had taken our computers, they had taken other forms of technology, they took snacks and food, they took a wagon, the
  
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• 'An obsession': Attorney of suspect in south Austin home explosion points to mental illness

  24-04-2025 21:42 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is KXAN's previous coverage from the scene in south Austin.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The attorney representing Steven Aldrich, 66, said an initial competency evaluation report done by Travis County shows Aldrich was "found not to be competent.""That evaluation came back last Saturday and we filed a modified motion…you can see that I've stated he was found not to be competent," said William H. Russell, who has been representing Aldrich for a decade on various weapons
  
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• Gamers line up at The Arboretum for Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order

  24-04-2025 21:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Anticipation was in the air Thursday morning at The Arboretum in North Austin, as eager gamers lined up outside of the GameStop store for a chance to grab a pre-order of the Nintendo Switch 2.Sign showing number Nintendo Switch 2 preorders available at GameStop on 4/24/2025The GameStop store boasted a sign on its window saying it had 19 Nintendo Switch 2 base units available for pre-order, as well as 41 consoles with the Mario Kart bundle.The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to hit
  
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• Border Report Live: Mexico feeling the heat of the Trump presidency

  24-04-2025 21:17 via kxan.com
  
  EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) -- U.S. pressure on Mexico has intensified in the past month.Trump has slapped tariffs on Mexican steel, aluminum, car parts and everything else not covered by a standing free trade agreement, and is pressing Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to fulfill a massive water delivery to the U.S. The U.S. is also tightening regulations on cash transfers on which many Mexican families depend.Despite high hopes last summer after the election of that country’s first
  
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• 50 Texas House Democrats refuse to vote on bipartisan constitutional amendment

  24-04-2025 20:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- As the Texas House debated bipartisan House Joint Resolution 72, a proposed amendment to the Texas constitution, State Rep. Gene Wu, D - Houston, stepped up to the microphone with a unique question for the bill's author, State Rep. Candy Noble, R - Murphy."I fully support this resolution," began Wu, the chairman of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, said. HJR 72 grants property tax relief for family members of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), if
  
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• What does the Austin Airport expansion entail?

  24-04-2025 19:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin's airport was built to serve 15 million passengers a year, but over the last two years, it has clocked in more than 22 million travelers each year. But a multi-billion dollar expansion project underway at AUS aims to double its capacity.At the Austin Urban Land Institute's monthly breakfast Wednesday, a packed room of Austin area professionals were eager to learn more about the airport's growing footprint."Hopefully at the end is gained capacity and put some relief t
  
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• Why Pease Park visitors must now pay to park

  24-04-2025 18:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — People enjoying Pease Park will now have to pay to park on weekends, according to the city of Austin.The change comes as the city installs paid parking spaces to “improve safety and create more availability for people visiting the high-demand area.”According to the city, the new paid parking areas are on Parkway between Enfield Road and Kingsbury Street.“The new regulations are now in effect,” the city said. “Parking enforcement officers will w
  
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• Join volunteers to clean up Austin trails this weekend

  24-04-2025 18:18 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Trail Conservancy, a nonprofit whose mission is to protect, enhance, and connect the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, is hosting a trail cleanup to celebrate Earth Day.Meteorologist Tommy House sat down with Julie Fisher, the CEO of The Trail Conservancy, to discuss the Earth Day Jubilee & Clean Up.Read an edited version of the conversation below or use the video player above to listen.Meteorologist Tommy House: I know Earth Day is coming up, and The Trail Conserv
  
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