Austin news

• 'Generational change': Republicans gain major ground in South Texas

  08-11-2024 02:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Starr County hasn't voted for a Republican in 128 years. On Tuesday, it flipped red for the first time in living memory, along with most of Texas' border counties that are turning toward Republicans after a generation of Democratic loyalty."As Tejanos, we're raised as conservatives, we're Catholics, we're Christians, and we believe that what the Republican Party represents now is what we stand by," Zapata County Republican Party Chair Jennifer Thatcher told Nexstar. Her count
  
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• Texas high school football scores for Thursday, Nov. 7

  08-11-2024 05:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the Texas high school football regular season begins to wind down, the playoff brackets are starting to take shape.Georgetown sealed a district championship with a 31-7 win over Cedar Park on Thursday at Gupton Stadium.
  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 websiteHendrickson clobbered Cedar Creek 77-0 and LBJ nearly did the same 67
  
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• Residents weigh in on Congress Ave. plaza project

  08-11-2024 04:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A community plaza could one day cover a stretch of Congress Avenue, and Austinites have the opportunity to weigh in on what that gathering space could look like.City leaders have proposed a host of what they call improvements along Congress Avenue between Cesar Chavez Street and 11th Street. As part of those proposed upgrades, officials are weighing a possible plaza north of Seventh Street.The Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative has proposed a full revamp of C
  
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• 'You are in Slave Group B': Racist texts sent to Austin students

  08-11-2024 03:28 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Racist text messages are popping up across the country and have now made their way to Central Texas. It's a warning for parents for what might be on their children's phones."When she sent that text to me I was terrified," Sharon Herring said. "I was like, 'Oh my God.' I couldn't understand why somebody would send that."When she sent that text to me I was terrified, I was like 'Oh my God.' I couldn't understand why somebody would send that." Sharon HerringHerring is still in disb
  
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• LIVE: APD conducting death investigation in east Austin

  08-11-2024 02:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person is dead, and the Austin Police Department said it is investigating the incident, which happened in east Austin.APD said on social media it responded to the scene in the 6400 block of East U.S. 290 service road.Police were expected to hold a media briefing to provide more details.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
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• APD: One dead in east Austin homicide

  08-11-2024 02:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person is dead, and the Austin Police Department said it is investigating the death as a homicide, APD Officer Leah Ratliff said during a media briefing Thursday night.At approximately 5:54 p.m., multiple 911 calls were received in reference to a shoot/stab hotshot in the 6400 block of East U.S. 290 service road advising someone had been shot, Ratliff said. Officers arrived at 5:56 p.m. and found a person with "obvious signs of trauma."APD officers, the Austin Fire Departmen
  
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• APD conducting death investigation in east Austin

  08-11-2024 02:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person is dead, and the Austin Police Department said it is investigating the incident, which happened in east Austin.APD said on social media it responded to the scene in the 6400 block of East U.S. 290 service road.Police were expected to hold a media briefing to provide more details.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
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• Texas to perform post-election audit for Nov. 5 election  

  08-11-2024 01:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas is expected to conduct post-election audits for the Nov. 5 election, according to Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson.“Known as partial manual counts, these audits check the results of designated races through a hand-count process,” Nelson wrote. Election night timeline: When was each state called in the presidential election?The audit would be the largest post-election audit conducted in state history, according to Nelson.“Texas leads the way
  
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• Elwood Edwards, man who voiced iconic 'You've got mail' alert, has died

  08-11-2024 01:52 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Elwood Edwards, the man behind AOL's iconic "You've got mail" voice alert has died at age 74, according to his former employer, local Cleveland television station WKYC.
  The outlet reported that he passed away from an undisclosed illness on Nov. 5, a day before his 75th birthday.
  Described by WKYC as a "jack-of-all trades," Edwards worked in various roles at the station throughout the years, from graphics supervisor to camera operator. 3 charged in death of Liam Payne: officials
  
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• Mystery odor forces Delta flight to deplane in North Carolina

  08-11-2024 01:27 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – A Delta flight bound for the Washington D.C.-area was diverted Wednesday because of an odor reported in the flight deck.A Delta spokesperson confirmed to Nexstar that Flight 850 from Atlanta was diverted to Raleigh-Durham International in North Carolina "out of an abundance of caution" because of the odor.Passengers and crew had to deplane and board a new aircraft, but Delta said Thursday the source of the odor is still not confirmed. Is flying on a Tuesday cheaper? Testing 3 T
  
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• 'All-Clear': ACC Eastview lifts secure order following shooting near campus

  08-11-2024 01:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A SECURE order was temporarily issued at Austin Community College (ACC) Thursday evening after a reported shooting near its Eastview Campus. The college said all exterior doors were locked with "heavy police activity" in the area.Police later issued an “All-Clear” for the campus, and the SECURE order was lifted, according to ACC.According to the Austin Police Department, there was a shooting near Bedford Street and Webberville Road, and one person was taken to t
  
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• Austin FC declines contract options for Alex Ring, four others

  08-11-2024 00:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC announced Tuesday that the club declined contract options for five players, including former team captain Alex Ring.The club declined options for backup goalkeeper Matt Bersano, midfielders Ethan Finlay and Jhojan Valencia and defender Matt Hedges along with Ring. They can re-sign with the team or become free agents. Austin FC picks former FC Dallas boss as next head coachCutting Ring loose opens a designated player spot on the roster for Austin FC, which means sp
  
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• FDA proposes removing ineffective decongestant found in most cold medicine

  08-11-2024 00:35 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing the removal from the market of a common ingredient found in most oral over-the-counter cold medicines because it doesn’t work. The move brings the FDA one step closer to getting products containing oral phenylephrine pulled from stores.  FDA officials said an agency review of the available data found oral phenylephrine is not effective as a nasal decongestant when taken in liquid or pill form, more than a year afte
  
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• Wide receiver Johntay Cook II 'moving on' from Longhorns ahead of Florida matchup

  08-11-2024 00:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed reports Thursday that sophomore wide receiver Johntay Cook II is no longer with the program and that the decision to part ways was "mutual."Cook, a 4-star 2022 prospect out of DeSoto, came to the Longhorns primed to be one of the most dynamic wideouts the program has had. However, three receivers came to Austin via the transfer portal, and along with freshman Ryan Wingo, there just wasn't enough room on the field for ever
  
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• 'These tags have to go:' Law enforcement, car dealership reps debate paper tag law

  08-11-2024 00:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After raising concerns publicly for weeks over a new law that will eliminate temporary paper license plates next year -- tied to widespread fraud and crime -- only KXAN was there when a group representing 1400 car dealerships came face-to-face at the Capitol with law enforcement who backed the bill.
  "I'm not going to talk to you," Texas Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) Executive Vice President Karen Phillips told KXAN after leaving the closed-door meeting at the office of R
  
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• Texas launches initiative to combat fatal traffic crashes

  07-11-2024 23:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new initiative from two Texas state departments aims to crack down on dangerous driving that contributes to serious and fatal crashes.The Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Public Safety unveiled their safety partnership at a joint press conference on Thursday. The day marked the 24th anniversary of the last time Texas saw a deathless day on state roads: Nov. 7, 2000. PREVIEW COVERAGE: Texas campaign to target 24-year streak of daily deaths on
  
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• Texas 'victim' of own successes, says Senate committee on state's housing affordability

  07-11-2024 23:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Senate's Local Government committee met on Thursday to discuss issues related to the state's growing cost of housing, an interim priority placed on the committee members.Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had previously tasked the committee to investigate issues around housing affordability. This hearing marks the committee's last meeting on the topic until the legislative session begins in 2025.Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar was the first to testify before the committee. He pre
  
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• LTISD special education teacher arrested, accused of assaulting 6-year-old

  07-11-2024 23:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A special education teacher at Bee Cave Elementary School was arrested and charged with an injury to a 6-year-old, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.Court records identified that teacher as Rasid Khan Mohagheghian, 42. He was arrested on Wednesday and was released Thursday, court records show. An attorney was not listed for him at the time this article was published. We will update this if that changes.Rasid Khan Mohagheghian, 42 (Austin Police Department Photo)On Oct. 29
  
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• LIVE - KBVO Game of the Week: Georgetown, Cedar Park play for the district title

  07-11-2024 22:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Georgetown and Cedar Park meet with the district championship on the line Thursday at Gupton Stadium, and it's the KBVO Game of the Week.With the teams tied at 5-1, the winner will stand alone at the top of District 8-5A1 while the loser could end up in a three-way tie for second. Rouse and Lake Belton are 4-2 and play Glenn and Killeen Chaparral, the two worst teams in the district, Friday.
  How to find KBVO
  AT&T U-Verse: Channel 1007 (HD) – Channel 7 (SD)Dir
  
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• KBVO Game of the Week: Georgetown runs away from Cedar Park 31-7 in win district title

  07-11-2024 22:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Give the Georgetown Eagles their crown.Junior tailback Jett Walker scored four times on the ground to lead Georgetown to the District 8-5A1 championship in resounding fashion 31-7 over Cedar Park on Thursday at Gupton Stadium.Walker scored on runs of 30, 3, 46 and 43 yards all while punishing the Timberwolves defense with his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame both inside and outside the tackles. He entered the game with 1,743 rushing yards to lead the district.Georgetown led 17-7 a
  
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• KBVO Game of the Week: Georgetown, Cedar Park play for the district title

  07-11-2024 22:24 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Georgetown and Cedar Park meet with the district championship on the line Thursday at Gupton Stadium, and it's the KBVO Game of the Week.With the teams tied at 5-1, the winner will stand alone at the top of District 8-5A1 while the loser could end up in a three-way tie for second. Rouse and Lake Belton are 4-2 and play Glenn and Killeen Chaparral, the two worst teams in the district, Friday.
  How to find KBVO
  AT&T U-Verse: Channel 1007 (HD) – Channel 7 (SD)Dir
  
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• Election night timeline: When was each state called in the presidential election?

  07-11-2024 22:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former President Donald Trump is heading back to the White House after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in Tuesday's presidential election. Interactive maps: President, Senate and House resultsTrump has won 295 electoral votes so far, above the 270 threshold needed to win the election. Harris won 226. Two states have yet to be called: Arizona and Nevada.Here's how election night unfolded, based on state calls by the Associated Press. All times listed below and in the
  
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• 'Homophobic and misogynistic': Texas State University president condemns campus demonstration

  07-11-2024 21:47 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) -- Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse on Thursday responded to a campus demonstration that happened earlier in the week where people were seen carrying signs with "homophobic and misogynistic messages," on them, in Damphousse's words.
  Two men -- who were not affiliated with the university -- were seen on campus Wednesday afternoon carrying signs with the language, according to Damphousse. KXAN also received several photos of the signs via our ReportIt emai
  
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• Kyle man gets life sentence after 7-month-old 'beaten to death'

  07-11-2024 21:34 via kxan.com
  
  HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A Kyle man was convicted on a capital murder charge and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in connection with the death of a 7-month-old infant in June 2022.According to the Hays County District Attorney’s Office, 34-year-old Mark Anthony Briones was babysitting Annalyne Fridley Benavides, his roommate's 7-month-old infant, prior to her death. PAST COVERAGE | Kyle police arrest man in connection to infant deathNov. 1 would have b
  
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• Texans participating in 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

  07-11-2024 20:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's the holiday season! With the start of November comes the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, an annual tradition watched by millions in New York City and across the country.
  This year's parade will feature 22 balloons, seven balloonicles, 33 floats, 11 marching bands, 24 performers, 28 clown crews and 11 performance groups from across the country (and, in some cases, the globe). Among those spectacles, the Lone Star State will bring some Texas pride to the Big Apple this N
  
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• Central Texas shooting spree suspect found mentally incompetent

  07-11-2024 20:13 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man facing multiple charges of capital murder in connection with a Central Texas shooting spree in December 2023 was deemed mentally incompetent Oct. 30, according to Travis County court documents.Shane James, 35, was accused of killing six people and injuring three others during a string of violent incidents Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 in 2023. TIMELINE: How the shooting spree in Austin, Bexar County unfoldedAmong the victims were both his parents in Bexar County and four people i
  
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• 330-unit affordable housing community opens in San Marcos

  07-11-2024 19:54 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) -- Leaders in San Marcos celebrated the grand opening of an affordable housing community Thursday morning.Centro35, a 330-unit affordable housing community off Interstate 35 south of San Marcos' downtown area, celebrated its grand opening Thursday. The complex is located at 508 Labrador Blvd.The NRP Group was the developer behind the community, which will provide "high-quality, amenity-rich housing to residents earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI)," a
  
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• Austin gets $288K grant for ADA-compliant trails, crossings

  07-11-2024 18:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A nearly $300,000 federal grant will help the city of Austin upgrade its trails and pedestrian crossings to be ADA-compliant.Austin City Council approved Thursday the acceptance and allocation of a $288,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The city will provide a $72,000 match for the grant, with that local funding coming from the Austin Transportation and Public Works' capital and operating budgets this fiscal year.
  
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• Tropical tracker: Cat. 2 Hurricane Rafael now moving through the Gulf of Mexico

  07-11-2024 17:42 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows the latest from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Each year, the Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. This year is expected to be very active, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting an 85% chance of an above-average season.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 topic
  
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• Austin City Council elects, candidates react to results

  07-11-2024 17:34 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- KXAN has projected all five Austin City Council races in the November 2024 general election. Four of those races were won outright and one will go to a runoff.
  The Austin mayoral race is still too close to call. You can read why here.District 2Incumbent Vanessa Fuentes will keep the District 2 seat after a commanding win over a single challenger in November's election.
  During her tenure, Fuentes has focused on issues such as raising the city worker minimum wage to $20, expanding
  
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