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• Elon Musk suggests Cybertruck must be able to cross channel at SPI jetties

  30-09-2022 21:57 via kxan.com
  
  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk suggested this week the company's Cybertruck will be waterproof — and seaworthy enough to navigate a channel crossing from South Padre Island, Texas, to the SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica Beach.
  "Cybertruck will be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat, so it can cross rivers, lakes & even seas that aren't too choppy," Musk posted on Twitter Thursday.
  In a second post, he adde
  
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• How Texans can manage their stress, anxiety over contagious diseases

  18-03-2025 04:06 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The transcript of this live Q&A has been edited for brevity and clarity.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the state prepares to give an update on Tuesday on whether the measles outbreak has infected more Texans. More people have started to become on edge as the numbers continue to climb.
  KXAN Midday anchors Avery Travis and Will DuPree spoke to Thrivework's Licensed Professional Counselor Catherine Atkinson-Greenhaw on how to manage the stress and anxieties that come from contagious d
  
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• Fire in southwest Gillespie County prompts evacuations

  18-03-2025 00:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A fire has begun to burn in southwest Gillespie County, off Interstate Highway 10, and is traveling north in the area of the 498-mile marker and Duderstadt Road, according to the Gillespie County Communications Center. MAP: Where have wildfires burned in Central Texas in 2025?Authorities said evacuations are taking place for Duderstadt Road. Residents north of I-10 or north of Duderstadt Road are asked to prepare to evacuate if needed."Those in the area of Thrill Hill may n
  
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• Texas Senate discusses bill requiring counties to work closer with ICE

  18-03-2025 00:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Among Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's top priorities this legislative session is "requiring local law enforcement to assist the Federal Government's deportation efforts." The bill filed to achieve his goal was left pending in the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee on Monday.Forced cooperation between counties and ICESenate Bill 8 (SB 8) -- filed by State Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown -- would require all Texas counties with 100,000 or more people to join Immigration and
  
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• Ranchers, livestock owners impacted by 9,700+ acre wildfire near Fredericksburg

  18-03-2025 00:18 via kxan.com
  
  GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) --- Fire crews from across the state continue to fight the Crabapple wildfire in Gillespie County. It's burned more than 9,700 acres, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS).By 7:30 a.m. Monday, all roads that were closed were reopened. The City of Fredericksburg said ranchers and livestock owners were impacted by this fire.Firefighter injured in 9,700+ acre wildfire near Fredericksburg; fire is 65% contained"This northern part of Gillespie Co
  
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• APD seeks public help to find 3 suspects in connection with north Austin aggravated robbery

  17-03-2025 23:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is asking for the public's help to find three suspects wanted in connection with an aggravated robbery that happened at a north Austin park in February, per a news release from the agency.Around 7:40 p.m., Feb. 24, the three suspects walked into the Georgian Acres Neighborhood Park, 500 East Powell Lane, and "held a father and mother at gun point as they physically assaulted them and took their personal property," according to police. The victims had
  
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• 'Fire started spreading building to building' East Austin apartment fire started by BBQ pit

  17-03-2025 23:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Several apartment buildings in east Austin are now unlivable after a fire spread from a barbecue pit into the buildings, the Austin Fire Department said. The fire happened around 3 p.m. Saturday at the 6800 block of Wentworth Drive. That’s off Loyola Lane. 32 displaced after fire spreads to multiple buildings in east Austin"There was a guy BBQing on the backside of the road, the wind blew, it made the building catch fire and then the fire started spreading building to buil
  
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• 'Fire started spreading building to building' East Austin apartment fire started by barbecue pit

  17-03-2025 23:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Several apartment buildings in east Austin are now unlivable after a fire spread from a barbecue pit into the buildings, the Austin Fire Department said. The fire happened around 3 p.m. Saturday at the 6800 block of Wentworth Drive. That’s off Loyola Lane. 32 displaced after fire spreads to multiple buildings in east Austin"There was a guy barbecuing on the backside of the road, the wind blew, it made the building catch fire and then the fire started spreading building to
  
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• Austin Visit Center relocates to historic Phillips Building

  17-03-2025 23:29 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Visitor Center on Monday relocated and hosted its grand opening in the historic Phillips Building at 103 E. Fifth Street.The move marks a new chapter for Visit Austin after 10 years at its previous location, according to a press release.Visit Austin said the Phillips Building, originally constructed in 1897, was once home to the Benson Motor Company and is listed as a city of Austin Historic Landmark.The Austin Visitor Center on Monday relocated and hosted its grand o
  
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• Deadly I-35 crash investigation underscores need for work zone safety

  17-03-2025 23:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Multiple agencies, including the National Transportation Safety Board, are investigating the Interstate 35 crash that killed five people in north Austin.The NTSB said it expects to be at the scene for at least a week investigating what happened in the crash."I want to once again give my condolences to the families who lost loved ones and the friends who lost one loved ones and those who were injured in this tragic crash. It is the mission of the NTSB to ensure the safety of
  
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• Houston-area midwife arrested for allegedly providing illegal abortions

  17-03-2025 23:14 via kxan.com
  
  (The Texas Tribune) -- A Houston-area midwife has been arrested on allegations she performed illegal abortions, the first criminal charges brought under the state’s near-total abortion ban, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Monday.Maria Margarita Rojas, 48, was charged with the illegal performance of an abortion, as well as practicing medicine without a license, according to Paxton.Rojas, who identified herself as “Dr. Maria,” operated a network of clinics in Waller,
  
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• Fired workers return to federal agencies — but are put on paid leave

  17-03-2025 22:35 via kxan.com
  
  As a result of recent court orders, federal employees are returning to their jobs — but are being put on paid leave.A spokesperson for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) told The Hill that as a result of a court restraining order, it was rescinding the terminations of 419 employees.The spokesperson said that these employees are “mostly in an administrative leave status.”The Hill also obtained a notice that the Commerce Department sent to a staffer it had fired. The notic
  
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• Chick-fil-A tests new menu items in four cities

  17-03-2025 22:26 via kxan.com
  
  (KSWB/KUSI) — Chick-fil-A has begun testing new menu items in four cities across the country, including both coasts.The company is known for its chicken sandwiches, but the new menu items are ice cream-based: Icedream Spin and Icedream Float.Chick-fil-A introduces new spring menu items, brings back fan-favorite sandwichThe first item features the company's Icedream dessert with a customer's choice of soda, and the second item is described as a classic float with a customer's choice of soda
  
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• Loneliness declared an epidemic; Actor and producer hopes to inspire conversation through musical

  17-03-2025 21:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – Loneliness poses a risk as deadly as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, according to a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General report.“We now know that loneliness is a common feeling that many people experience. It’s like hunger or thirst. It’s a feeling the body sends us when something we need for survival is missing,” Dr. Vivek Murthy told The Associated Press in a 2023 interview. “Millions of people in America are struggling in the shadows, and that&rsquo
  
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• ATCEMS discuss response time, challenges of fatal I-35 crash

  17-03-2025 21:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On March 14, a crash on Interstate 35 that involved 18 vehicles resulted in the death of five people and left 11 others injured. Austin-Travis County EMS gave its perspective on its response time to the call and the agency's challenges when evaluating the scene.The agency spoke about its initial response to the crash and how it discovered the severity of the crash. Truck driver in fatal I-35 crash allegedly under influence of drugs, affidavit says"We first started getting 911 ca
  
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• Police say Austin ISD teacher allegedly used AI to create child pornography of students

  17-03-2025 20:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A fifth-grade teacher at a south Austin elementary school is facing additional child pornography charges.On March 11, the Texas Department of Public Safety alerted the Austin Independent School District Police Department that Carl Innmon, 50, was under investigation for possession of child pornography, a first-degree felony, according to AISD. AISD fifth grade teacher arrested, accused of possessing child porn
  Newly filed police documents from March 14 show the teacher at B
  
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• How much does it cost to have a baby in 2025?

  17-03-2025 19:48 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation) — If it's hard to believe you're paying more than $6 for a dozen eggs, imagine the price tag for child-related expenses, such as a car seat or stroller.Baby-related expenses now cost parents more than $20,000 in the first year alone, and that doesn't include birth, according to BabyCenter, a digital parenting resource company that helps support expecting and new parents.The site also has a first-year baby cost calculator tool, which parents can use to estimate the cost of comm
  
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• PHOTOS: Crabapple Fire burns thousands of acres; smoke blown into Austin metro

  17-03-2025 19:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Firefighters continue to battle the Crabapple Fire near Fredericksburg. The fire has burned more than 9,700 acres, prompting evacuations in Gillespie County. MORE COVERAGE: The latest info on the Crabapple FireSmoke from the fire was blown into the Austin metro area over the weekend, as strong winds persisted.Red Flag Warnings are still in effect across much of the area Monday, with very high to extreme wildfire danger expected to continue into Tuesday. Wildfire Tracker: Wh
  
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• Truck driver in fatal I-35 crash allegedly under influence of drugs, affidavit says

  17-03-2025 19:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The driver of a semi-truck that police believe killed five people when the vehicle smashed into nearly stopped traffic on Interstate 35 last week was allegedly under the influence of drugs, according to the driver's arrest affidavit.The Austin Police Department identified the driver as 37-year-old Solomun Weldekeal Araya. He was charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and two counts of intoxication assault with vehicle involving serious bodily i
  
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• Longhorns sweep 1st SEC series, rise in national baseball poll after 17th consecutive win

  17-03-2025 19:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Powered by a sweep in its first-ever series in the Southeastern Conference, Texas moved up three spots to No. 8 in the latest D1Baseball.com Top 25 poll Monday.The Longhorns claimed two wins Sunday against Mississippi State in a doubleheader, 5-3 and 4-1, to run their winning streak to 17 games. The only blemish on the Longhorns' record so far is a 4-3 10-inning loss to No. 16 Louisville in the season opener at Globe Life Field in Arlington. SERIES OPENER: Texas picks up fi
  
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• 'We want to be part of the Austin community'; Rolling Stone talks putting together SXSW music showcase

  17-03-2025 19:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Rolling Stone magazine has been a mainstay in music, pop culture, and politics for nearly 60 years. In Austin, the “Live Music Capital of the World,” the zine has developed a solid presence at one of the city’s largest hubs for the intersection of music, pop culture, tech, film, and all things entertainment — South by Southwest.The famed magazine has had an “unofficial” presence at SXSW for more than a decade, but it established a formal partn
  
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• White House fountain gets green makeover for St. Patrick's Day

  17-03-2025 19:11 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) -- The White House is going green — dyeing the fountain on the North Lawn an emerald hue to mark St. Patrick's Day. The swap to a bright green color in the water of the fountain at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. could be seen on Monday during the annual holiday aimed at celebrating Irish culture. Trump to attend Kennedy Center board meeting after takeover
  Giving the fountain a greenified new look is one of the few traditions that President Donald Trump carried over in his firs
  
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• Don Bland, head of Austin Animal Center, on administrative leave

  17-03-2025 18:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin's Chief Animal Services Officer -- and the effective director of the Austin Animal Center -- is on administrative leave, the city of Austin confirmed to KXAN.A city of Austin spokesperson told KXAN:
  The City of Austin can confirm that Don Bland has been on administrative leave since Friday, March 7.  Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer Jason Garza is currently serving as Acting Chief Animal Services Officer.The city did not give a reason for Bland's leave.How propos
  
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• St. Patrick's Day freebies, deals and coupons

  17-03-2025 18:24 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation) — This St. Patrick's Day, restaurants and businesses around the United States are helping shoppers save some green with special deals.St. Patrick’s Day is set to be celebrated by 61% of Americans this year, bringing in an estimated $7 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. Here's a look at how some of the largest chains in the country are chipping in.7-ElevenCustomers can get up to $17 off orders of $30+ using the code LUCKY on the 7NOW delivery
  
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• Shelter open, donations being accepted for those affected by wildfire near Fredericksburg

  17-03-2025 18:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Crabapple Fire near Fredericksburg has burned more than 9,700 acres as of Monday morning. The disaster prompted evacuations for many in the area, and affected local ranchers and livestock, according to the city of Fredericksburg. Here are ways you can help support them. Firefighter injured in 9,700+ acre wildfire near FredericksburgThe fire started around 1 p.m. Saturday in the 8700 block of Crabapple Road, which is 11 miles north of Fredericksburg, according to the city. As
  
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• How did Texas end up in the First Four of March Madness?

  17-03-2025 17:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As college basketball grows, so does the NCAA's crown jewel of events — the men's national tournament, better known as March Madness. A play-in round, increasing the field size from 64 to 68, reflects part of that growth.The First Four has been part of March Madness since 2011, giving teams that may not have made the tournament in previous years a shot at making the field of 64. It's the second tournament expansion since the Mountain West Conference gained Division I
  
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• UMC in Lubbock refutes claims of newborn babies being exposed to measles

  17-03-2025 17:37 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas -- Following a national report that claimed newborn babies were exposed to measles at University Medical Center in Lubbock, the hospital on Monday told EverythingLubbock.com the measles patient did not have contact with any other patients or enter the NICU.A national report on March 14 stated a woman who was in labor was infected with the measles, and doctors did not realize until she had already been admitted. The headline claimed newborn babies in the hospital were exposed to me
  
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• Williamson County pipeline station draws noise complaints, law enforcement attention

  17-03-2025 17:29 via kxan.com
  
  FLORENCE, Texas (KXAN) — On a cloudy Wednesday afternoon, Linda Jo Kuc and dozens of her neighbors gathered in a half-circle shape in her driveway. The ambient hum from a nearby compressor station drifted over grassy plains to their lawnchairs. The noise served as industrial background music, but also a reminder of why they were meeting — to find a way to make the noise stop.Kuc says the compressor station started running last fall. Since then, she says the droning it produces hasn't
  
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• What are wheat pennies, and why are they sometimes worth thousands?

  17-03-2025 15:27 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — The U.S. could move to ditch the penny but that doesn’t mean you should start throwing away your one-cent pieces — especially if they contain a certain grain on them.The penny has undergone several design changes throughout its long history, stretching back to 1793. They were first produced with an image of Lady Liberty on the front and a chain surrounding the text “ONE CENT” on the reverse, then the chain was replaced with a wreath. Then, in the ea
  
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• Forever 21 files for bankruptcy and will close all US locations

  17-03-2025 15:14 via kxan.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (WJET/WFXP) — Nearly one month after popular fast fashion brand Forever 21 began liquidation sales at its U.S. locations, the retailer has officially filed for bankruptcy for the second time in nearly six years, announcing it has begun "winding down" its U.S. operations.All locations have begun going-out-of-business sales and, along with its website, normal operations and sales will continue as the formal winding down process begins.
  Going-out-of-business sales began in mid-Feb
  
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