• Glen Powell launches Smash Kitchen organic condiments

    Glen Powell launches Smash Kitchen organic condiments
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Think of a way to to eat classics, like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and barbecue sauce, but without the "junk."
    That's what Glen Powell -- Austin native, actor and producer -- reimagined when thinking of a way to do just that by creating a line of organic condiments with his new team Smash Kitchen.Smash Kitchen is Powell's new line of organic condiments that includes "non-GMO pantry essentials that bring wholesome, crave-worthy flavors without the junk," according to a news rel
  • Austin nonprofit helps Latinas with workforce readiness program

    Austin nonprofit helps Latinas with workforce readiness program
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Latinos make up about a third of the workforce in Central Texas. However, according to a report by the Hispanic Fund, many are "confined to minimal incomes."A workforce readiness program in Austin hopes to help bridge the economic gap. The nonprofit Latinitas created the self-paced course for people to earn certifications in a skill of their choice. Report shows progress, shortfalls in economic growth for Central Texas Latinos"Latinitas is an Austin based nonprofit empowering gi
  • APD asks public to submit photos, videos of Lit Lounge shooting

    APD asks public to submit photos, videos of Lit Lounge shooting
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department's Aggravated Assault Unit detectives on Wednesday requested the public to submit any photos or videos it may have in connection with a shooting at the Lit Lounge that happened on March 30 around 1 a.m.APD said officers responded to the shooting, located near Sixth and Brazos Streets, and when arriving on the scene, they found four individuals with gunshot wounds who confirmed they were shot inside the nightclub. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 4 injured in shooti
  • 38 international students’ immigration statuses revoked at three more Texas universities

    38 international students’ immigration statuses revoked at three more Texas universities
    (The Texas Tribune) -- Thirty-eight more international students at three Texas universities have had their legal status changed in a wave of removals from a federal database that have swept across the state and the nation.Nineteen students from the University of Texas at Dallas and 16 students from the University of North Texas have been removed from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS database, according to university officials. Three students at Texas Tech University
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  • Lawmakers and advocates call for accountability after insurance company hired investigators to look into patients

    Lawmakers and advocates call for accountability after insurance company hired investigators to look into patients
    AUSTIN (Nexstar) - Lawmakers and patient advocates are calling for accountability after a legislative hearing revealed emails indicating an insurance company's use of private investigators to gather information on customers and state lawmakers. Superior HealthPlan receives funding from the state to manage the care of sick and disabled children through programs like STAR Kids.Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into Superior HealthPlan, one day after a heated public hearin
  • Texas House preparing for long budget session

    Texas House preparing for long budget session
    AUSTIN (Nexstar) — On Wednesday morning, Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian, called for a motion to vacate Texas Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows from his seat."He has chosen to take this body in a hard left direction, where we are growing government, we are increasing spending -- and yes that will increase taxes," Harrison said.While his effort fell short by a final 141-2 margin (only Rep. David Lowe, R-Tarrant County, joined in support), the motion could be a preview of a long night fo
  • Victims push back on trucking lawsuit bill

    Victims push back on trucking lawsuit bill
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Families of loved ones killed in commercial trucking accidents are pushing back against a bill they say makes it harder to hold companies accountable.
    Jessica Sprague sits next to her husband and a photo of her son, Colton. (Courtesy: Texas Senate)
    "Colton was killed when a truck driver ran a stop sign and T-boned our vehicle," said Jessica Sprague, of Houston, who wore a button with her 16-month old son's face while her husband held up a framed photo. "That truck driver had a h
  • After election losses, Texas Democrats pick new party leader

    After election losses, Texas Democrats pick new party leader
    AUSTIN (Nexstar) - Texas Democrats are on a losing streak that's lasted more than 30 years. November 1994 was the last time a Democrat won a statewide election in Texas. Now, the state party has a new leader, tasked with turning that trend around.On the last Saturday in March, the Texas Democratic Party's governing board elected Kendall Scudder to lead the party forward.Scudder, who previously served as the party's finance chair, came out on top in a seven-way race to lead the party.Scudder repl
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  • LGBTQ+ health clinic seeks donations amid 'uncertain' federal funding enviornment

    LGBTQ+ health clinic seeks donations amid 'uncertain' federal funding enviornment
    AUSTIN (KXAN) – In a time of financial uncertainty, Kind Clinic is seeking community donations so it can continue to provide its clients with consistent care. Every day, hundreds of Texans walk into Kind Clinic for sexually transmitted infection testing, HIV care and prevention and mental health services. While around 20% of Texans are underinsured, approximately 40% of Kind Clinic’s patients lack health insurance, according to the clinic. “We're really helping close
  • Austin man sentenced to 12 years after guilty plea in February 2021 murder

    Austin man sentenced to 12 years after guilty plea in February 2021 murder
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An Austin man was sentenced on March 10 in connection with a February 2021 murder, according to Travis County court documents.The document showed Kieran McGowan pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Toward his sentence, McGowan received 62 days of jail credit.
    His sentencing was related to the murder of Marcel Pimpton at a north Austin apartment complex off West St. Johns Avenue on February 28, 2021.The Austin Police Department at the tim
  • LIST: Austin federal grant funding losses include $50M for flood mitigation, $15M for public health

    LIST: Austin federal grant funding losses include $50M for flood mitigation, $15M for public health
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city of Austin is starting to see the direct impact of federal cuts on its services and staff.
    In a work session Tuesday, Austin City Council members talked about the city's five-year financial forecast. While much of that discussion surrounded the state cap on property tax, and the impact that state law has had on local government, federal cuts are also a major concern for Austin leaders."We find ourselves in real financial pressure for this upcoming budget cycle and the ne
  • Texas guard Rori Harmon wants to 'run it back' with Longhorns

    Texas guard Rori Harmon wants to 'run it back' with Longhorns
    AUSTIN(KXAN) -- Texas senior guard Rori Harmon announced Wednesday she will return for her fifth season with the Longhorns basketball program. Harmon will use a medical redshirt season after going down with a season-ending knee injury in December 2023, playing in just 12 games during her junior season.Harmon said in a social media post that she is pursuing a Master's degree after graduating in three years, writing "why wouldn't I want to run it back?"Harmon averaged 9.3 points, 5.9 assists, 3.5
  • Commissioners approve DWI, drug court program in Hays County

    Commissioners approve DWI, drug court program in Hays County
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- There is a new effort to help people break the cycle of going to jail for repeat drug and alcohol related offenses. This is part of the Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Drug Court program in Hays County that commissioners approved on Tuesday.According to the county, the program will focus on rehab rather than incarceration and will target "non-violent offenders with substance abuse disorders," according to a news release from Hays County.Hays County District Attorney Kelly Hi
  • Austin's China Town shoppers react to Trump's 125% tariffs

    Austin's China Town shoppers react to Trump's 125% tariffs
    AUSTIN (KXAN)— President Trump is lowering tariffs for imported goods to 10% for all countries, except China.That tariff rate for Chinese good imports has gone up to 125%. And it's something that will be felt here in Austin with a number of Chinese American businesses. Trump announces pause in tariffs; markets jumpAustin's China Town shoppers react to Trump's 125% tariffs. (KXAN photos/Tim Holcomb).
    KXAN spoke with shoppers and businesses in China Town in north Austin. It's a center with m
  • Texas Supreme Court Justice announces plans to retire, Abbott to appoint replacement

    Texas Supreme Court Justice announces plans to retire, Abbott to appoint replacement
    AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Wednesday, Texas Supreme Court Justice Jeff Boyd announced his plans to retire this summer before the end of his second term. Boyd's decision to step down means Gov. Greg Abbott will appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of his term.Boyd was appointed in 2012 by former Gov. Rick Perry, and won reelection in 2014 and 2020. He did not give a reason for his retirement.“Throughout his service on the Supreme Court, Justice Boyd has been a model of integrity, impartial
  • Texas lottery player claims he was cheated out of $95 million in 2023 jackpot win

    Texas lottery player claims he was cheated out of $95 million in 2023 jackpot win
    AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- A Texas lottery player filed a lawsuit in Travis County on Tuesday alleging his May 2023 Lotto Texas jackpot prize was severely diminished by $95 million because a group of lottery retailers and a London-based sports gambling company conspired to rig a lottery drawing less than a month before his win.
    The plaintiff's name is Jerry B. Reed of Hood County, Texas. On May 17, 2023, the lawsuit says Reed won the Lotto Texas jackpot which, at the time, was worth $7.5 million. Less
  • Man gets 20 years in prison for murder following fatal 2021 shooting

    Man gets 20 years in prison for murder following fatal 2021 shooting
    AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was convicted and sentenced March 19 after pleading guilty to a first-degree murder charge related to a February 2021 fatal shooting. RELATED | 4 face capital murder charges in connection with deadly February shootingAccording to Travis County court documents, 28-year-old Sammie Spencer received a 20-year prison sentence for the murder charge, which was related to the death of 27-year-old Marcel Pimpton.Three others were also arrested and charged related to Pimpton's
  • Are dire wolves de-extinct? Genetically engineered pups spark controversy

    Are dire wolves de-extinct? Genetically engineered pups spark controversy
    Three genetically engineered wolves that may resemble extinct dire wolves are trotting, sleeping and howling in an undisclosed secure location in the U.S., according to the company that aims to bring back lost species.The wolf pups, which range in age from three to six months old, have long white hair, muscular jaws and already weigh in at around 80 pounds — on track to reach 140 pounds at maturity, researchers at Colossal Biosciences reported Monday.Dire wolves, which went
  • Wall Street surges to one of its best days since WWII after Trump pauses most tariffs

    Wall Street surges to one of its best days since WWII after Trump pauses most tariffs
    NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks soared to one of their best days in history on a euphoric Wall Street Wednesday after President Donald Trump said he would back off on most of his tariffs temporarily, as investors had so desperately hoped he would.The S&P 500 surged 9.5%, an amount that would count as a good year for the market. It had been sinking earlier in the day on worries that Trump’s trade war could drag the global economy into a recession. Bu
  • Stocks soar after Trump pauses some of his tariffs

    Stocks soar after Trump pauses some of his tariffs
    NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are surging on a euphoric Wall Street Wednesday after President Donald Trump said he would temporarily back off on some of his tariffs, as investors had desperately hoped he would.The S&P 500 was up 7.8% in afternoon trading. It had been down earlier in the morning amid worries about Trump's trade war and whether it would cause a recession as economists fear. But it spiked immediately after Trump sent the social-media posting that investors have been waiting
  • S&P 500 soars 9.5%, one of its largest gains since WWII, after Trump pauses most tariffs

    S&P 500 soars 9.5%, one of its largest gains since WWII, after Trump pauses most tariffs
    NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks surged to one of their biggest gains since World War II after President Donald Trump paused his tariffs against most other nations, as investors had desperately hoped he would. The S&P 500 soared 9.5% Wednesday. The index is still below where it was when Trump announced his sweeping set of tariffs last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average flew nearly 3,000 points higher, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 12.2%. Trump, though, did raise tariffs further on China. T
  • Trump announces pause in tariffs; markets jump

    Trump announces pause in tariffs; markets jump
    President Trump on Wednesday jacked up tariffs on China to 125 percent and implemented a 90-day pause on his previously announced tariffs against all other trading partners, causing a major surge in the markets.“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately. At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping o
  • Athena's owlets are hatching, so what's next for them?

    Athena's owlets are hatching, so what's next for them?
    AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's been a month of egg watch 2025 for Athena the owl and now her eggs are hatching at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The first owlet broke out of its shell on Wednesday, marking its journey into this world.For years, Athena has made her nest at the southwest Austin center and thanks to our partnership with the center and Cornell Lab, we have been able to see every moment this year. Camera captures owlet hatching at Austin wildflower centerAccording to Benjamin W
  • Athena's owlets are hatching, so what's next?

    Athena's owlets are hatching, so what's next?
    AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's been a month of egg watch 2025 for Athena the owl and now her eggs are hatching at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The first owlet broke out of its shell on Wednesday, marking its journey into this world.For years, Athena has made her nest at the southwest Austin center and thanks to our partnership with the center and Cornell Lab, we have been able to see every moment this year. Camera captures owlet hatching at Austin wildflower centerAccording to Benjamin W
  • Tre Johnson entering NBA draft after one season with Texas Longhorns

    Tre Johnson entering NBA draft after one season with Texas Longhorns
    AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Southeastern Conference freshman of the year Tre Johnson said he's one-and-done at Texas and will enter the NBA draft.Johnson, who made his announcement on ESPN on Tuesday, averaged 19.7 points per game to lead the SEC and broke Kevin Durant's school freshman record with 39 against Arkansas late in the regular season. LIST: Texas Longhorns men’s basketballtransfer portal updates, players returning to programThe 6-foot-6 guard shot 39.7% on 3-pointe
  • Historic tank completes trip home to Japan thanks to Fredericksburg museum

    Historic tank completes trip home to Japan thanks to Fredericksburg museum
    AUSTIN (KXAN) — The National Museum of the Pacific War, which is located in Fredericksburg, helped return a World War II-era tank to Japan following an exchange for an authentic replica of the Type 95 Ha-Go Light Tank.According to the museum, the exchange marked the end of a bilateral agreement signed in March 2024.“Unlike its predecessor, this newly acquired replica will be actively utilized in the Museum’s immersive living history programs, significantly enhancing visitor exp
  • New 183A Toll is open between Leander and Liberty Hill

    New 183A Toll is open between Leander and Liberty Hill
    AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority has wrapped up the 183A Toll Extension that now connects Leander to Liberty Hill.The new portion of the 183A Phase 3 expansion is a five-mile stretch of 183A that will cost you $2.38 to take.So that means you now have the option to bypass the traffic lights at Hero Way, San Gabriel Parkway, Bryson Ridge Trail. Whitewing Drive and SH 29.In addition to the toll lanes, CTRMA added a shared-use path that runs alongside the newly con
  • Man will serve no prison time after sentence in 2023 fatal crash

    Man will serve no prison time after sentence in 2023 fatal crash
    AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was sentenced March 5 in connection with a February 2023 fatal crash.According to Travis County court documents, 31-year-old Miguel Villanueva-Ramirez pleaded guilty to one count of collision involving death. He was convicted on the lesser charge of collision involving injury and received a 315-day prison sentence. RELATED | Man charged nearly a year after fatal rollover in east AustinToward his sentence, Villanueva-Ramirez received a jail credit of 323 days, so he wi
  • Trump's latest round of tariffs have taken effect — and more retaliation is coming. What we know

    Trump's latest round of tariffs have taken effect — and more retaliation is coming. What we know
    NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump has launched tariff wars with nearly all of America's trading partners. And there's no end in sight.
    A number of sweeping new taxes on goods from other countries are already here — and more took effect on Wednesday. Trump implemented higher rates for his latest and most severe volley of duties, which he calls “reciprocal” tariffs. Further escalation is set to soon follow. China has vowed to roll out a heightened set of counter tariff
  • Thom's Market sells Austin stores as owner opts for retirement

    Thom's Market sells Austin stores as owner opts for retirement
    AUSTIN (ABJ) — Austin-based Thom’s Market has been sold, and its three stores will be getting name changes.Bill Thom, owner of the 18-year-old business, said he has opted to retire as he nears 70. He declined to disclose the name of the buyer but described it as a local company with convenience stores and other businesses around Austin.New sales tax permits for the markets trace back to Austinite Lahzat Khanjae, who has a history with convenience stores in the Austin area, according

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