Austin news

Follow @Austin_News_US

• Caldwell County Sheriff's Office investigating Easter Sunday shooting

  22-04-2025 14:11 via kxan.com
  
  DALE, Texas (KXAN) -- The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deadly shooting that happened in Dale on Easter.
  Deputies responded to a crash in the 6000 block of Taylorsville Road on Sunday, where a vehicle with three men inside had lost control and rolled over.Two of the occupants were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the sheriff's office.
  The third person died after first responders attempted life-saving measures.
  The sheriff's office
  
  Read more

• DPS teams with state agencies to enforce Move Over law

  14-05-2025 17:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is joining multiple state law enforcement agencies in a "joint one-day enhanced enforcement operation" happening Wednesday.Texas DPS joined Arkansas State Police, Louisiana State Police, New Mexico State Police and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in the collaborative effort. The operation will focus "on drivers violating their respective state's Move Over, Slow Down laws," DPS said in a news release.The operation will happen from 6 a.m. to
  
  Read more

• Bill to ban child marriages in Texas advances in the House

  14-05-2025 17:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) — The Texas House brought the state one step closer to eliminating a legal loophole that permits child marriages.House Bill 168, by Rep. Jon Rosenthal, a Houston Democrat, tentatively passed 83-51 on Tuesday and will be up for a final vote this week before advancing to the Senate. If passed, the bill would prohibit counties from issuing marriage licenses to minors, even if they are emancipated, and would effectively end any current marriage involving a
  
  Read more

• Travis County wildfire prevention program targets builders, landscapers and homeowners

  14-05-2025 16:41 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) - Travis County fire officials said they would take a new, proactive approach to reducing wildfires through education of builders, landscapers, emergency responders and homeowners.The new initiative gives officials tools to reduce the risk of fires in eastern Travis County, Pflugerville Fire Department and ESD No. 2 Fire Chief Nick Perkins explained. MAP: Where have wildfires burned in Central Texas in 2025?Topics on which officials will be educated include the followi
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Travis County rolls out new wildfire readiness initiative

  14-05-2025 16:41 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) - Travis County fire officials said they would take a new, proactive approach to reducing wildfires.The new initiative gives officials tools to reduce the risk of fires in eastern Travis County through a partnership with Lake Travis Fire Rescue and the Fire Marshal's Office.During a press conference Wednesday, members of Emergency Districts No. 2, 11 and 12 will join county and city officials to lay out details of their plan.
  They said the program will educate governme
  
  Read more

• Abbott seeks stricter bail laws after Texas murder suspect escapes while under house arrest

  14-05-2025 16:24 via kxan.com
  
  VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KETK) - Gov. Greg Abbott continues to seek stricter bail laws after authorities lost track of a murder suspect in Van Zandt County last week.On May 5, Trevor McEuen was due in court after he was charged with murder in connection with the 2023 fatal shooting of Aaron Martinez in Kaufman County. At around 5:33 a.m. that day, McEuen, who had been released from jail after posting a $2,000,000 bond, removed his ankle monitor and left his family's Van Zandt County home where h
  
  Read more

• Kristen's Classroom: Air Quality Awareness Week

  14-05-2025 15:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)—All this week, air quality has been a focus on KXAN News Today as we mark 'Air Quality Awareness Week'. Whether indoors or outdoors, it's important to know what's in the air we breathe in every day.MondayWildland fires are burning in areas with little human development, like forests, grasslands, shrublands, etc. These fires contribute smoke and particulate matter to the air, which can be harmful to breathe in, particularly for vulnerable populations.Vulnerable populations inc
  
  Read more

• Record-early heat wave hits Texas as lawmakers target renewables

  14-05-2025 15:33 via kxan.com
  
  A brutal and record-early heat wave is baking Texas this week — bringing the triple-digit temperatures typical of July to the middle of May.The sudden heat spike, which was made more likely by the decades-long failure to stop burning fossil fuels, creates an acute danger for a populace not yet acclimatized to summer heat.It also comes at a fraught time: as the Texas Legislature debates measures that experts say would curtail the very power supply that will keep the air conditioni
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• What a roommate can save you in Austin in 2025

  14-05-2025 14:23 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The cost of housing typically takes up most of the monthly budget, but sharing the costs can help relieve some of the burden.  SmartAsset, a financial technology company, looked at apartment rents in Texas and found what a person could save if they split the rent of a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate versus renting a one-bedroom apartment. 2024: What a roommate can save youHere’s how much you can save in these five Texas cities:AustinIn Texas, the most drast
  
  Read more

• Record heat continues to settle in through the weekend

  14-05-2025 12:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Temperatures continue to rise with triple digits expected through the weekend.An Extreme Heat Warning will be in place for today from 1 pm to 9pm, the highest alert level for heat used by the National Weather Service. High temperatures could reach up to 111° with heat index values up to 112°.Extreme Heat Warning in effect 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. WednesdayToday's forecast high of 105° in Austin is expected to smash the daily record of 97° (2022), rival the all-time month
  
  Read more

• Granlund's hat trick fuels Stars to 3-1 win over Winnipeg, 3-1 series lead

  14-05-2025 05:30 via kxan.com
  
  DALLAS (AP) — Mikael Granlund had his first career playoff hat trick, Jake Oettinger stopped 31 shots and the Dallas Stars beat Winnipeg 3-1 on Tuesday night, taking a 3-1 series lead over the top-seeded Jets in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.Mikko Rantanen upped his NHL-leading playoff total to 19 points (nine goals) with the primary assist on Granlund's second goal that broke a 1-1 tie with 2:08 left in the second period and put the Stars ahead to stay.MORE
  
  Read more

• Reverse Fire: Crews battle wildfire west of Fredericksburg

  14-05-2025 05:17 via kxan.com
  
  FREDERICKSBURG, Texas (KXAN) -- Crews were battling a wildfire just west of Fredericksburg in Gillespie County on Tuesday and officials named it the Reverse Fire. The affected area is estimated at 75 acres and it's 45% contained as of Tuesday night, per a press release.The fire broke out around 2:45 p.m. near the 400 block of East Grand Oaks Drive, the release said. It has generally moved east and north and is located before U.S Highway 290 and Reeh-Weinheimer Road. Fredericksburg
  
  Read more

• Austin FC is like a band trying to 'connect all the dots'

  14-05-2025 03:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC started 2025 with promise, sitting near the top of the Western Conference table after a hot start, but now they're near the playoff cut line almost three months into the season.Verde and Black hope to get back on the right track Wednesday against Atlanta United, a team that's won just twice and sits in 14th place in the 15-team Eastern Conference. With unseasonable, record-breaking heat expected for the Austin area this week, the match has been pushed to 8 p.m. fr
  
  Read more

• Senator's bill would save Texas Lottery, but end Lottery Commission

  14-05-2025 01:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) - A Texas state senator who previously called for eliminating the Texas Lottery is now proposing legislation that would keep the games going. Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, filed Senate Bill 3070, which calls for transferring lottery operations to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and abolishing the Texas Lottery Commission.Hall was one of the first lawmakers to call for an investigation into the Texas Lottery Commission over their alleged role in a con
  
  Read more

• Texas House passes bill to eliminate STAAR, replace with different testing program

  14-05-2025 00:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- When elementary and middle school students begin the 2025-2026 school year in September there's a chance they could be facing a new era of testing in Texas public schools.
  The Texas House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill to eliminate the STAAR, a standardized test the state uses to monitor student performance. It has faced criticism from school leaders and lawmakers who say the end-of-year test places too much stress on students to perform well.
  "If you have
  
  Read more

• ‘Rabid’ fox bites hiker six times in rare fox attack 

  14-05-2025 00:11 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) – Michelle Danos, a Texas State University student, said she went to a lower Purgatory Creek trail Sunday evening to clear her head. “I got off work, thought maybe I want to go on a hike,” she said.  Fox reportedly attacks at least four in San Marcos, prompting rabies concernsShe walked toward a field of blooming Prairie coneflowers when she heard rustling behind her. “It was a fox,” Danos said. “It just started walking
  
  Read more

• 'Highly respected': City of Killeen mourns fire captain killed in north Austin crash

  14-05-2025 00:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city of Killeen is mourning the loss of Fire Captain Marvin Taylor III, who was killed in a two-vehicle crash in north Austin over the weekend.The Austin Police Department identified Taylor, 45, as the victim in the crash, per a news release from the agency on Tuesday. It happened in the 600 block of Koenig Lane, near Airport Boulevard, shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday. APD: 1 dead following crash off Koenig LaneRodney Bremby, 34, was arrested in connection with the crash, accord
  
  Read more

• For Quinn Ewers, falling to last round in NFL draft presents an opportunity

  13-05-2025 23:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Quinn Ewers met with reporters after practice during the Dolphins' rookie minicamp and candidly said, "I didn't expect to fall as low as I did."
  He was referring to his pick in the NFL draft. But in the same breath, he turned the conversation to the opportunity to achieve a childhood dream. TRENDING: FOX says it will broadcast Texas-Ohio State in Week 1 of 2025 season. Fans do not approve"It is what it is, at the end of the day, and I have the same opportunity that everyone
  
  Read more

• Austin FC delays Wednesday's game due to intense heat, officials warn to be proactive

  13-05-2025 23:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)— Austin FC moved its game against Atlanta United on Wednesday back 30 minutes because of heat.The game set for 7:30 p.m. will now happen at 8 p.m.Possible record-breaking heat in Central Texas began Monday. The rest of the week is set to be warmer than usual this time of year.
  Austin and Travis County even came together to give a warning about heat on Tuesday.
  "We're used to hot days. We don't constantly think of being in the heat as an emergency," Eric Carter Travis County C
  
  Read more

• US agency asks Tesla questions about its Austin 'robotaxi' plan

  13-05-2025 22:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- Tesla will have to answer questions from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about its plans to launch automated driving systems in Austin.
  According to the NHTSA's letter sent on May 8, the agency requested certain information from Tesla regarding its development of driving automation technologies."As you are aware, NHTSA has an ongoing defect investigation (PE24031) into FSD collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions," the letter read.Tesla rea
  
  Read more

• Protest at Burnet Middle connected to potential loss of teachers, administrators

  13-05-2025 22:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Parents and students at Burnet Middle School made their voices heard Tuesday morning as they gathered to protest the potential firings of teachers and administrators.This comes as Burnet, Dobie and Webb middle schools face a critical school year ahead where they must show signs of improvement or face state intervention from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).Students and parents protested at Burnet Middle School on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, as the campus prepares for the loss of
  
  Read more

• Austin's Homeless Strategy Office announces $300K available for family support services

  13-05-2025 21:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) announced on Tuesday morning a new, one-time funding opportunity of up to $300,000.The office said the goal of the funding is to "provide supportive services and limited financial assistance to families experiencing homelessness." Austin’s homeless strategy office identifies $101 million needed for new strategies to address issuesThe money was made available through city of Austin General Fund dollars and approved b
  
  Read more

• TCSO investigating Monday murder, says suspect is victim's ex son-in-law

  13-05-2025 20:17 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The Travis County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a woman in her 50s was stabbed to death Monday afternoon.
  TCSO said it received multiple calls reporting that someone had been murdered on Monday, shortly after 4 p.m., at a home in the 14500 block of Oliphant Street. That's in the Austin's Colony neighborhood in eastern Travis County.
  When deputies arrived, they found a woman in her 50s with stab wounds. Life-saving measures were performed, but the woman wa
  
  Read more

• New parking shuttle to provide transport for Zilker Park, Barton Springs visitors

  13-05-2025 18:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austinites will soon have an easier way to access a congested part of Zilker Park and Barton Springs every weekend just in time for summer.Austin Parks and Recreation is launching the Zilker Loop May 24, a free service to transport visitors from a "less congested Stratford Parking Lot to popular areas in the park including Zilker Playground, Barton Creek and Barton Springs Pool."Zilker Loop will run every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. and will continue through Sept. 1,
  
  Read more

• Time to brush up on boating safety

  13-05-2025 17:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Summer's earlier arrival here means the lakes will be busy with boaters. The National Safe Boating Council has designated May 17-23 as Boating Safety Week. It is designed to ensure that all who take to the waters enjoy them safely.This summer pastime is one where families and friends come together to enjoy the serenity of being on the water. Some people enjoy the thrill of wakeboarding, while others will head out to their favorite waterway to enjoy the glistening sunsets th
  
  Read more

• TxLege data: How long do sessions last and how many bills are typically passed?

  13-05-2025 17:22 via kxan.com
  
  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 topics including weather and climate, politics, education, sports and growth in Texas. Each story in the KXAN Data Hub is updated as new data becomes available.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Each legislative session, thousands of bills are filed by state lawmakers, but how many actually become law? And how long does each session typically last?KXAN dug through the
  
  Read more

• Former CDC director warns of measles risk as vaccine rates drop

  13-05-2025 16:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the measles outbreak has surpassed 1,000 cases nationwide, with the majority, 700, in Texas.“This is a disease that was considered eliminated from the United States,” said former acting CDC director Dr. Rich Besser. “The only reason that we're seeing this pop up in the way that we are is because vaccine rates have declined.”
  The CDC found that 96% of the 1,001 confirmed cases were
  
  Read more

• APD clears 100% of homicide cases from 2023, department says

  13-05-2025 16:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said it has cleared 100% of homicide cases from 2023 for the first time in 18 years. The last time the department cleared all homicide cases in a year was 2005.Chief Lisa Davis will hold a press conference with Det. Brice Bishop and Sgt. Nathan Sexton, both in APD's homicide unit, Tuesday morning.APD data shows 75 homicides were reported in 2023, up from 71 the previous year, but down from a record-high 90 in 2021. MORE DATA: Austin's homicides
  
  Read more

• 12-year-old, 13-year-old arrested in Del Valle homicide

  13-05-2025 15:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two juvenile boys were arrested and charged in connection with the homicide of a 20-year-old in early May.According to the Austin Police Department, 20-year-old Anthony Salas died after he was shot, then hit by a vehicle while he and a family member were trying to recover their stolen vehicle on Saturday, May 3. PREVIOUS: Austin police search for persons of interest after 20-year-old killed while trying to recover stolen vehiclePolice said it happened in the Sun Chase neigh
  
  Read more

• Solar energy to aid grid stability during May heatwave

  13-05-2025 14:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As temperatures rise earlier than usual in Austin, concerns about the energy grid's capacity to handle increased demand are growing.Energy experts are optimistic that solar power will help meet the heightened energy demand, thanks to the abundant sunshine forecasted for. This renewable source is expected to provide a significant boost to the power supply, easing the strain on the grid. Summer lawn maintenance to keep your grass healthy in hot weatherEnergy experts are monitoring
  
  Read more

Follow @Austin_News_US on Twitter!