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• Capital area sees slight uptick in unemployment

  04-04-2025 15:53 via kxan.com
  
  Austin (KXAN) — Texas Workforce Commission data showed that nearly 28,000 people in the surrounding capital area were actively seeking employment in the month of February.According to Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA), a no-cost agency that connects employers and job seekers, the unemployment rate of the nine counties it serves increased from 3.6% in January to 3.8% in February.The breakdown of data by county collected by WSRCA in February is as follows:
  Blanco County: 3.6 per
  
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• Ravens release Justin Tucker, insist it's a 'football decision' amid NFL investigation

  06-05-2025 00:15 via kxan.com
  
  FILE - Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) watches his extra point against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith, File)
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Baltimore Ravens released kicker Justin Tucker on Monday, calling it a "football decision" amid an NFL investigation into allegations that Tucker had inappropriate sexual contact with numerous massage therapists from 2012 to 2016.A story by the
  
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• $100M: Austin mayor responds to skepticism about homelessness spending

  05-05-2025 23:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- There are several numbers floating around about how much the city of Austin may need to spend on homelessness: From the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition's estimate that $350 million is needed to build out Austin-Travis County's homelessness response system in the next 10 years, to an even more recent estimate from Austin's Homeless Strategy Office that the city is roughly $100 million short next fiscal year to respond to homelessness the way it hopes to.Austin Mayor Kirk
  
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• San Marcos Police searching for suspect involved in deadly hit-and-run

  05-05-2025 23:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The San Marcos Police Department is investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian that happened Saturday night in the 4200 block of State Highway 123.Officers responded to a report of a collision involving a pedestrian around 10:46 p.m. in the southbound lanes of SH 123, just south of Skylark Lane. According to a press release from SMPD, officers found 33-year-old Michael Lamar Rucker, of Georgia, dead in the roadway. According to officials, Rucker was hit
  
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• APD: 4 arrested in north Austin apartment crime operation

  05-05-2025 23:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Four people were arrested in connection with a "proactive criminal enforcement operation" conducted by the Austin Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety at a north Austin apartment complex last week, per a news release from APD.The operation happened May 1 at the Thurmond Heights ApartmentComplex, located on Thurmond Street and North Lamar Boulevard, according to APD. Police said law enforcement focused on this area, because it is statistically identified as
  
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• Austin city council to vote on $120M in loans for significant water infrastructure projects

  05-05-2025 22:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Thursday, Austin City Council is expected to vote on three separate loan applications that would bring in as much as $120 million to the city of Austin for several major water infrastructure projects."There are three pretty good sized items on the agenda...all three of them relate to the city of Austin asking the Water Development Board for low interest loans, in some instances zero interest loans, so that we can make certain improvements to our system," Austin Mayor Kirk Watson
  
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• Waves of storms continue a severe risk through Tuesday & Wednesday

  05-05-2025 22:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms continue moving through much of Central Texas. Ongoing activity is non-severe, despite some stronger storms coming through earlier in the afternoon that produced very large hail and beneficial heavy rain in spots. AREA RAINFALL TOTALSWe'll continue dealing with waves of showers and storms into this evening and through Tuesday morning.CENTRAL TEXAS RADARThe potential remains for storms to strengthen to severe levels this evening, overn
  
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• Drag story time bill heard for first time in Texas House committee

  05-05-2025 21:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Members of a Texas House committee debated legislation for the first time that would penalize public libraries for hosting a drag story time event for children. The chamber never took up similar legislation just two years ago, effectively killing it during the previous session, so Monday's hearing could revive an item identified as a priority by some Texas Republicans.
  The House Committee on State Affairs took no action Monday morning on Senate Bill 18, which would str
  
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• Trump announces DC will host NFL draft in 2027

  05-05-2025 21:13 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) – President Trump is expected to announce Monday at the White House that the NFL draft is coming to the nation’s capital in 2027, a source familiar with the announcement confirmed to The Hill.Trump is scheduled to make a “sports announcement” at 1 p.m., according to public guidance issued by the White House. A source confirmed that Trump is slated to share that the NFL draft will soon take place in Washington, D.C., with the goal of holding it on the National M
  
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• Uber launches feature geared toward 'older adults'; ride experience being piloted in Austin

  05-05-2025 20:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Popular rideshare service Uber announced Monday it's launching a "simplified ride experience designed for older adults."According to an early Monday press release from the company, Uber's "senior accounts" feature is going through a pilot phase in Austin before being rolled out to other cities. The feature is an option in the app that was "designed to make getting around easier, more intuitive, and more accessible for older adults," per the release.
  Senior accounts feature large
  
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• MAP: 34 lakes across Texas are now infested with zebra mussels

  05-05-2025 20:03 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) — More than 30 lakes across Texas are infested with zebra mussels, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.The invasive species was first detected in Lake Texoma, no
  
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• Despite being swept by Arkansas, Texas hangs on to No. 1 in D1Baseball.com Top 25

  05-05-2025 19:44 via kxan.com
  
  FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - MAY 3: Dylan Volantis #99 of the Texas Longhorns throws a pitch during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Baum-Walker Stadium at George Cole Field on May 3, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Longhorns 13-8.(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — This late in the season, polls aren't so much about how a specific team performs as it is about how teams around them in the rankings do, and that certainly was the case when th
  
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• 116 Texas school districts have moved to four-day weeks, affecting more than 129,000 students

  05-05-2025 19:33 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.Editor's Note: The video above is from March 6, 2023, when this story was first published.AUSTIN (KXAN) — At least 116 school districts across Texas have now switched to four-day school weeks,
  
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• Rare earth element extraction tech may give US a new edge in China trade war

  05-05-2025 19:15 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The race for rare earth elements is on. For years, China has dominated the industry by investing in both extraction and production of an essential ingredient for everything from televisions to cars to even glasses.A solvent carrying rare earth elements passes through a filter. (Eric Henrikson/KXAN)
  Last week, the United States and Ukraine announced a new trade deal. Part of this deal included access to Ukraine's mineral supply in exchange for military aid.Now, new research
  
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• Cinco de Mayo deals: Where to get discounted food, drinks on May 5

  05-05-2025 18:51 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (WPIX/NEXSTAR) – America’s Cinco de Mayo traditions may not always be an authentic reflection of Mexican culture, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be joyous celebrations filled with music, fun and food.If you plan your day right, you could also get steep discounts on some of that Mexican-inspired food — however authentic or inauthentic it may be. What does Cinco de Mayo celebrate?Have a look below to find out which chains are offering deals or freebies on t
  
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• 'Undercover interview' leads to Texas AG investigation into Austin ISD

  05-05-2025 18:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking legal action against the Austin Independent School District after his office said it was made aware of a claim that top officials "implemented an unwritten policy of developing and teaching curricula in the (district) in violation of state law prohibiting instruction on critical race theory (CRT) and related topics," a court document said. Texas Legislature bans critical race theory from classroomsCritical race theory is a co
  
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• Another 'undercover interview' leads to Texas AG investigation into Austin ISD

  05-05-2025 18:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking legal action against the Austin Independent School District after his office said it was made aware of a claim that top officials "implemented an unwritten policy of developing and teaching curricula in the (district) in violation of state law prohibiting instruction on critical race theory (CRT) and related topics," a court document said. Texas Legislature bans critical race theory from classroomsCritical race theory is a co
  
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• Austin Police investigating homicide near Del Valle school

  05-05-2025 17:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is investigating a homicide that happened in Del Valle early Saturday morning.APD said officers were called to the 5400 block of Ross Road, which is near Del Valle Elementary and Middle School, around 3:20 a.m. Saturday.
  Officers found one person dead at the scene, APD said.APD is investigating the death as the city's 23rd homicide of the year.This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
  
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• Delta Air Lines to launch new Austin-Palm Springs nonstop in November

  05-05-2025 17:09 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Delta Air Lines will launch a new nonstop route between Austin and Palm Springs, California, in November.The seasonal route will launch Nov. 8. Flights will operate on Saturdays only, by Delta Connection, through April 26, 2026.Flights are set to leave Austin at 11 a.m. and arrive in Palm Springs at 1 p.m. local time. Returning flights leave Palm Springs at 12:07 p.m. and arrive at AUS at 5:07 p.m.Rival American Airlines previously flew the AUS-PSP route but canceled it in
  
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• Austin Under 40 Awards to honor city's young leaders

  05-05-2025 16:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin's young leaders and mentors will be honored for their community impact this Saturday during the 26th annual Austin Under 40 Awards.A group of 90 finalists across 18 categories is looking to win in their category as well as take home the Austinite of the Year title.A panel of more than 70 judges, who are both past leaders and prominent in their industry, helps determine who qualifies and ultimately wins.Austin Under 40 Awards finalists mingle before the 2024 ceremony. (Cou
  
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• What has Round Rock ISD done so far since voters approved $933M in bonds?

  05-05-2025 15:56 via kxan.com
  
  ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- In November 2024, voters approved $933 million for Round Rock schools. Six months later, the district said it is making significant progress on various projects.The funding, which was secured through three bond propositions, is being used for general purposes, technology and fine arts.Round Rock ISD teacher named ‘Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year’ for 2025The district has already distributed hundreds of new laptops to teachers and is preparing thousands
  
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• Texas helps veteran-owned businesses, which contribute $1.18 billion to state's economy

  05-05-2025 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Veteran-owned businesses contribute $1.18 billion to Texas' economy — and Texas, in turn, has programs to support those entrepreneurs, according to the Texas Veterans Commission.
  "We're a small team and our job is to assist all veteran entrepreneurs in the State of Texas no matter where they're at in their journey to start, grow or even exit their business," said Megan Tamez, Texas Veterans Commission Entrepreneur Program director.
  KXAN News at Midday had the Army vet
  
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• Uninvited guest incites gunfire at family BBQ in southeast Houston leaving 1 dead, 14 injured

  05-05-2025 13:58 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KIAH) — One person is dead and more than a dozen others were injured when gunshots broke out at a party in Southeast Houston.
  The Houston Police Department (HPD) is investigating the shooting, which occurred shortly before 1 a.m. in the 6000 block of Cherryhill Avenue.Witnesses told officers that the shooting began when an uninvited guest arrived. The guest was told to leave, but he opened fire before doing so.Witnesses reported that gunfire came from other directions as well, and
  
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• Taylor High School teacher wins Lifetime Achievement Award during Sunday ceremony

  05-05-2025 04:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Sunday, one Taylor ISD educator took home a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards ceremony.“The Lifetime Achievement Award salutes teachers with more than 20 years of experience,” ceremony organizers said.Vicki Rowe, an Advanced Placement English teacher at Taylor High School, received $25,000 in cash and a $25,000 grant for her school.The ceremony was held in downtown Austin, and hundreds of educators and community l
  
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• What is an 'omega block' and how will it affect Texas' weather

  05-05-2025 03:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An omega blocking pattern is named after the Greek letter (Ω) and slows down the ordinary west-to-east flow of weather systems across the country.
  The setup is shaped like the letter, with a stationary high pressure in the northern Plains, surrounded by two 'closed' low pressure systems.
  This pattern prolongs weather patterns, often leading to multiple days or weeks of the same conditions.
  Tommy's Travel Forecast: Omega block increases storm chancesIf the high pressure rid
  
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• Westwood High School debate team competes in international competition

  05-05-2025 01:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN)-- The Westwood High School debate team spent the weekend competing in the 24th annual International Public Policy Forum in New York City.The competition gives high school students from around the world the opportunity to engage in written and oral debates on issues of public policy.The Westwood High School team earned a spot among the final eight teams competing in finals.
  The competition started in October 2024 with 283 teams from 26 countries and 30 U.S. states.This year teams di
  
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• Longhorns the No. 3 seed in SEC softball tournament, earn double bye

  05-05-2025 01:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns softball team ended its regular season with a series sweep of Kentucky and heads into the Southeastern Conference tournament in Athens, Georgia, as the No. 3 seed Thursday.As a top-four seed, Texas gets the first two days of the tournament off and begins play at 4 p.m. CDT Thursday, possibly against sixth-seeded Florida, 11th-seeded Ole Miss or 14th-seeded Missouri. Ole Miss and Missouri meet Tuesday in the first round, with the winner advancing to play
  
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• Longhorns add well-traveled quarterback Matthew Caldwell through transfer portal

  04-05-2025 22:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas added depth to its quarterback room Sunday with the commitment of Troy's Matthew Caldwell.Troy quarterback Matthew Caldwell (12) runs the ball past Coastal Carolina defensive back Courtney Eubanks (2) during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Troy, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
  Caldwell has one year of eligibility after using a redshirt season as a freshman at Jacksonville State. Texas will be his fourth school. Following his redshirt
  
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• Tommy's Travel Forecast: Omega block increases storm chances

  04-05-2025 22:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An omega blocking pattern will deliver an abundance of Gulf moisture to the southern Plains and Deep South, allowing widespread thunderstorms to return as we enter the new workweek. A few storms may be severe.
  In the Midwest and Northeast, heavy rain is expected to disrupt travel plans, with localized flash flooding possible.
  The northern Plains will likely be warmer than normal with a mostly dry week ahead.
  Omega Blocking Pattern
  This weather phenomenon is named after the Greek
  
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• LIVE: Tommy's Travel Forecast: Omega block increases storm chances

  04-05-2025 22:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An omega blocking pattern will deliver an abundance of Gulf moisture to the southern Plains and Deep South, allowing widespread thunderstorms to return as we enter the new workweek. A few storms may be severe.
  In the Midwest and Northeast, heavy rain is expected to disrupt travel plans, with localized flash flooding possible.
  The northern Plains will likely be warmer than normal with a mostly dry week ahead.
  Omega Blocking Pattern
  This weather phenomenon is named after the Greek
  
  Read more

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