Austin news

• Austin Police identify body found as missing man last seen in June

  09-07-2024 00:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Travis County Medical Examiner (TCME) identified a body found at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center as a missing man last seen in June, Austin Police said in a Monday release.The body has been identified as Jon Stamm, a 58-year-old southwest Austin man who went missing back in June. According to the original press release, he was reported missing on Tuesday, June 11 at 5 p.m.Austin Police looking for 58-year-old man last seen in southwest AustinAPD said the cause of dea
  
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• Expert: Hispanic adults at higher risk for holiday blues

  06-10-2024 17:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Entering the holiday season raises the chances of developing seasonal depression, and Hispanic adults are more likely to be affected, according to a local mental health expert.Melissa Rivera, a psychiatric expert with Suvida Healthcare said the holiday season can be difficult for individuals 65 years and older.Seasonal Affective Disorder is among the most common diagnoses in patients with mental health struggles during the holiday season, according to the National Institute of M
  
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• Tropical Storm Milton expected to become hurricane on Sunday: NHC

  06-10-2024 16:28 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tropical Storm Milton is expected to become a hurricane on Sunday, and a major hurricane by midweek, according to the National Hurricane Center.In an 8 a.m. ET update on Sunday, the NHC said their NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft "finds a stronger Milton." It has current maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and is moving east at 5 mph.Tampa prepares for more severe weather this weekend
  The storm is located roughly 845 miles west-southwest of Tampa.
  Milton is forecasted to r
  
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• SWAT responds to call in east Austin

  06-10-2024 15:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department’s SWAT team responded to a call Sunday morning regarding a barricaded subject.According to police, the call was near the 1100 block of Airport Boulevard in east Austin. APD said to avoid the area.Airport Blvd SWAT call (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)Airport Blvd SWAT call (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)Airport Blvd SWAT call (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)Airport Blvd SWAT call (KXAN photo/Frank Martinez)Airport Blvd SWAT call (KXAN photo/Frank M
  
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• Man nearly burned alive during SWAT arrest sues Hays County, San Marcos

  06-10-2024 15:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – As a Hays County SWAT team boxed in Derek Arredondo’s car where he was passed out inside, officers circled the sedan with rifles drawn. Family members watched and began to dread what might happen next.“Is it going to end bad, or what?” one of Arredondo’s relatives asked an officer, as police tried to peacefully wake the then-32-year-old found blocking traffic near Interstate 35.City of San Marcos police had first responded to a welfare check –
  
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• Driest stretches without measurable rainfall in Austin

  06-10-2024 03:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Texas climate often leaves us dry for numerous weeks at a time. The summer months can be cruel with blazing temperatures and little-to-no rain relief.
  The phrase "heat dome" is when high pressure traps hot temperatures over an area for an extended period of time.
  Austin has seen multiple periods without rain for more than 50 days. These long stretches without rain can lead to significant drought levels. Abnormally dry conditions affect our water levels, vegetation, energy product
  
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• 'Hot Summer Nights,' other events in limbo as Red River Cultural District warns of funding woes

  06-10-2024 03:17 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A "critical crossroads." That's what the Red River Cultural District said is happening to the organization. It said it's running out of money and needs help to keep some of its most popular annual events alive.It was in May when Austin City Council approved $150,000 for the Red River Cultural District. Fast forward to October and the group says it still has not received the money from the city.In a post on Instagram, the group said "Times are tough and our small-but-might non-pr
  
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• Sedrick Alexander, AISD's all-time leading rusher, helps Vanderbilt upset No. 1 Alabama

  06-10-2024 02:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former LBJ standout and the Austin Independent School District's all-time leading rusher Sedrick Alexander helped Vanderbilt do the improbable — upset No. 1 Alabama.Alexander rushed 64 yards on 21 carries and two first-half touchdowns to help carry the Commodores to a 40-35 win in Nashville, handing the Crimson Tide their first loss of the season. Alexander had a key19-yard reception and 13-yard run on Vanderbilt's last drive of the game to ice it. No. 25 Texas A&
  
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• Sedrick Alexander, AISD's all-time leader rusher, helps Vanderbilt upset No. 1 Alabama

  06-10-2024 02:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former LBJ standout and the Austin Independent School District's all-time leading rusher Sedrick Alexander helped Vanderbilt do the improbable — upset No. 1 Alabama.Alexander rushed 64 yards on 21 carries and two first-half touchdowns to help carry the Commodores to a 40-35 win in Nashville, handing the Crimson Tide their first loss of the season. Alexander had a key19-yard reception and 13-yard run on Vanderbilt's last drive of the game to ice it. No. 25 Texas A&
  
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• State of Texas: Can Texas turn blue? Bernie Sanders is working on it

  06-10-2024 01:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) - With one month to go before election day, Texas remains a hot spot for campaign activity. While progressives worked to rally young voters in the state, former President Donald Trump made a quick stop in the Lone Star State to raise campaign cash.Trump's plane flew into Midland on Wednesday, where the former president attended a private fundraising event.Tickets for the event reportedly cost in the thousands of dollars.He did not hold public events in Midland, but his arrival d
  
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• No. 25 Texas A&M thrives in Weigman's return, thumps No. 9 Missouri 41-10

  05-10-2024 23:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In the only ranked versus ranked matchup of the college football weekend Saturday, No. 25 Texas A&M made a statement and throttled No. 9 Missouri 41-10 at Kyle Field.The Aggies' defense shined against a typically potent Missouri offense, holding the Tigers to 254 yards of total offense including 68 rushing yards on 30 carries. Missouri came into the game averaging 206.5 rushing yards per game, No. 26 in FBS. The Aggies kept Tigers quarterback Brady Cook in check, sackin
  
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• Jury finds APD officer guilty of deadly conduct

  05-10-2024 20:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A jury has found Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor guilty of deadly conduct in the 2019 shooting of Mauris DeSilva.Jurors began deliberating the case Wednesday around 11:30 a.m. KXAN will update this story once we speak with both parties about the verdict. READ MORE: Closing arguments in Christopher Taylor's deadly conduct trialIn Texas, defendants have the right to have the judge or jury determine their sentence. In this case, Taylor chose the judge, so Judge Dayna Blaze
  
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• Man sentenced to life without parole in Hays County child sexual abuse case

  05-10-2024 19:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was found guilty Thursday and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole related to the sexual assault of a child in Hays County.According to the Hays County District Attorney’s Office, 36-year-old Christopher Lee Head, formerly of San Marcos, was found guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child younger than 14 years of age.“The evidence showed that the defendant had sexually abused his victim from the age of five years old until the a
  
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• APD officer trial: State asks judge to find defense in contempt of court over attorney's 'X' post

  05-10-2024 19:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As jurors spend their fourth day deliberating in the deadly conduct trial for Austin Police officer Christopher Taylor, a hearing was held Saturday morning where the State claimed one of the defense attorneys should be found in contempt of court for a post he made on the social media platform "X."Contempt of court is punishable by fines and jail time. BACKGROUND: The Christopher Taylor caseThe social media post was a statement made by defense attorney Doug O'Connell about his th
  
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• Former Bastrop ISD teacher sentenced to 2 years community supervision

  05-10-2024 19:25 via kxan.com
  
  BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A former Bastrop ISD teacher was sentenced to two years of community supervision following incidents involving students in 2021 and 2022.Roy Franks Sr. pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault by contact in June, according to court documents. He was sentenced to two years of community supervision.
  Two charges of improper relationship between educator and student were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.Franks also agreed to not accept employment t
  
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• When do hurricane names get retired?

  05-10-2024 18:21 via kxan.com
  
  Video above: Why do so many 'infamous' hurricanes have 'I' names?
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) - With nearly two months to go until the end of what was predicted to be a "hyperactive" hurricane season, many residents along southeastern states are grappling with the damage and destruction left in the wake of the latest hurricane.Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Florida Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm late Thursday night with winds of 140 mph. The hurricane's massive rains and catastrophic storm
  
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• These cities have the worst drivers in the U.S., study says

  05-10-2024 18:01 via kxan.com
  
  Related video: Breaking down 5 common traffic and driving myths.(NEXSTAR) – A Tennessee city has once again been given the dubious title of home to the worst drivers in the United States.A new Consumer Affairs study found the City of Memphis – for the second straight year and by a wide margin – to have the most dangerous drivers.The research team assigned cities a "crash score" based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) latest data (2022), including t
  
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• PHOTOS: Weekend 1 of 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival

  05-10-2024 16:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival kicked off Friday with performances from Chris Stapleton, Blink-182, Leon Bridges, Foster the People and other artists.Weekend One continues Saturday with performances from Dua Lipa, Pretty Lights, Reneé Rapp, Jungle and others.RELATED: Who's playing at ACL this year?
  The first weekend will wrap Sunday with Tyler, The Creator, Sturgill Simpson, Chappell Roan, Kehlani and many others.
  Here's a look at some of the performances
  
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• Sunny Sunday with warm temps; Dry pattern continues

  05-10-2024 14:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Temperatures on Saturday returned to the mid 90s with mostly sunny skies. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport topped out at 94° and Camp Mabry climbed to 93°. Our dry and warmer-than-average temperatures pattern continues for the near future in Central Texas.
  Overnight lows early Sunday morning will drop to the upper 60s in the Austin metro area with lows reaching the upper 50s/low 60s in the Hill Country. Sunday will deliver mostly sunny skies with a slight breeze ou
  
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• Fewer clouds today but just as much heat

  05-10-2024 14:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Some of Central Texas had a partly to mostly cloudy sky Saturday afternoon but that still did not deter daytime highs from reaching the lower to mid 90s. The area should have fewer clouds today with most highs, once again, reaching a general range of 91° to 95°.Some highs nearly ten degrees above today's normal (86°)Highs will remain in the low to mid 90s tomorrow and Tuesday.The humidity will fall to the 30s this afternoon, then drop to the 20s tomorrow afternoon. A
  
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• Texas high school football scores for Friday, Oct. 4

  05-10-2024 06:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Vandegrift blanked McNeil 28-0 and Bowie shut out Del Valle 34-0 in high school football action Friday across the Austin area.Cedar Park took out Rouse 35-25 while Cedar Ridge edged Stony Point 24-21. Dripping Springs thumped Austin High 49-7 and Georgetown clobbered Killeen Chaparral 65-7.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 websiteL
  
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• 'Major crash' reported at Leander intersection Friday night

  05-10-2024 04:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Leander Police Department is asking residents to avoid an intersection following a "major crash" Friday evening, police shared on social media around 9:30 p.m.Police said the crash happened at the intersection of County Road 290 and Hero Way West. Officials added Hero Way will be closed "for an extended amount of time" following the crash.Drivers are asked to avoid the area and find alternative routes, if possible.
  
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• TxDOT wraps SH 71 East project work in Travis County

  05-10-2024 04:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Department of Transportation and local, county and state leaders celebrated the completion of road improvements along State Hwy. 71 in Travis County Friday, TxDOT announced in a release.Officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the project's completion, with upgrades centered along the state highway east of SH 130. The 2.5-mile-long project -- dubbed the SH 71 at Ross Road and Kellam Road project -- featured the construction of overpasses at the two intersection
  
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• Austin sober living house warns about kratom use

  05-10-2024 04:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- It's something you can find on the shelves of gas stations across the city, and yet the owner of an Austin sober living house said it's highly addicting and has severe side effects.According to the Federal Drug Administration, kratom is an herbal substance used to self-treat pain, coughing, anxiety, opioid use disorder and opioid withdrawal.Some say it's changed people's lives for the better. Others claim it's created a new addiction among its users.'Replacing one addiction for
  
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• With Harmon back, Texas women's basketball looking to build off historic 2023-24 season

  05-10-2024 03:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas women's basketball team racked up 33 wins last season, the most in program history after the 1986 perfect 34-0 season that ended with a national title. For about two-thirds of the season, the Longhorns built their historic win total without their best player.But she's back, and head coach Vic Schaefer said she "looks like a million bucks." Great chemistry aims to propel Longhorns men’s basketball in first SEC seasonPoint guard Rori Harmon was on her way to a
  
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• APD seeks public's help in identifying suspect vehicle in July fatal crash

  05-10-2024 03:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is asking for community members' help in tracking down the suspected vehicle involved in a July fatal auto-pedestrian crash in south Austin.The crash happened just before 1 a.m. on July 30 in the 1000 block of West William Cannon Drive, APD officials said in a Friday release. The vehicle involved in the crash fled the scene without calling police or rendering aid, the release said.Officials transported the pedestrian -- identified as Dustin A. Hughes
  
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• How big is ACL's economic impact for the Austin area?

  05-10-2024 02:25 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Whether you go to the Austin City Limits Music Festival, or don't, it's hard to deny the amount of money it brings to Central Texas."Come here with no plans. Just walk around, get some food. The alcohol is good," one man told KXAN on Friday afternoon.As ACL weekends return to Austin, thousands of people are expected to descend upon Zilker Park for the annual music festival. PHOTOS: Crews take center stage setting up for ACL"Take it in as much as you can," one woman said. "Hydrat
  
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• DPS: Dozens of illegal immigrants arrested from 'special interest countries'

  05-10-2024 02:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety working Operation Lone Star arrested two groups of illegal immigrants that recently tried to enter the United States, the state agency confirmed in a Friday release.DPS officials said the two groups had many individuals "coming from countries of special interest." DPS troopers at Eagle Pass found a group of 230 illegal immigrants on Sept. 30; among those, 27 were coming from special interest countries such as Afghanistan, Pakis
  
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• Which Texas state agencies have the highest employee turnover rates?

  05-10-2024 01:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — An analysis completed by the Texas State Auditor's Office revealed 13 state agencies exceeded a 17% turnover rate in 2023.The report also showed which kinds of jobs (with 20 or more employees) had a turnover rate exceeding 17%.The report stated some state agencies were excluded from the study due to certain factors that could skew the turnover rates.Factors considered to skew rates:
  State agencies under 50 employeesIf an agency had a job classification series with 20 or few
  
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• Judge denies an order sought by a Black student who was punished over his hair

  05-10-2024 01:32 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (AP) — A federal judge on Friday denied a request by a Black high school student in Texas for a court order that the student’s lawyers say would have allowed him to return to his high school without fear of having his previous punishment over his hairstyle resume.
  Darryl George had sought to reenroll at his Houston-area high school in the Barbers Hill school district after leaving at the start of his senior year in August because district officials were set to continue punish
  
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