Georgetown hopeful merger with Williamson County Animal Shelter will happen this fall - Austin news - NewsLocker (2024)

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) -- The Georgetown Animal Shelter is nearly at capacity once again. It's a problem the city hopes to fix by merging with the Williamson County Animal Shelter."Like everywhere, we're growing like crazy, and the shelter that served us in the early 2000s no longer serves us today," Jack Daly, Assistant Public Works Director for Georgetown, said. Daly also oversees the shelter.That growing city -- and growing pet population -- is what city leaders in Georgetown have cited as

Pedestrian dies after being hit by a car on North Lamar Blvd. over the weekend

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A person died early Sunday morning after they were hit by a vehicle on North Lamar Boulevard. The vehicle involved did not stay on the scene.
The Austin Police Department said the crash, which involved a vehicle and a pedestrian, happened on Sunday, Aug. 4, around 2 a.m. in the 10800 block of North Lamar Boulevard. That's a few blocks south of West Braker Lane.
APD said the pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene, and the vehicle involved did not remain on scene.

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Human remains inside crocodile believed to be those of tourist on vacation with family

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Police said Tuesday human remains were found inside alarge crocodilesuspected of killing a tourist in Australia’s second fatal attack in about a month.The latest victim was 40-year-old doctor Dave Hogbin who fell from a steep bank Saturday into the Annan River south of Cooktown in Queensland state, his family said in a statement. The general practice doctor from Newcastle in New South Wales had been traveling on a camping vacation through Queen

Live updates: Harris picks Walz as her running mate

Vice President Harris ended weeks of speculation Tuesday by choosing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as her running mate, according to two sources familiar.The new presidential nominee's team had whittled down a field of Democratic talent to a shortlist of about six men. She was reported to have met with each of the contenders over the weekend.
The guessing game about whom she would pick started shortly after President Biden's poor debate performance against Republican nominee former President Trump

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Harris picks Walz for VP

Vice President Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) to be her running mate as she heads toward a November faceoff against Donald Trump, according to two sources familiar.Walz, 60, emerged as a dark horse contender for the No. 2 slot as chatter over other high-profile names, in particular Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (D), dominated the early portion of the veepstakes.But the Minnesota governor saw his profile rise considerably over the last week, especia

Harris picks Walz for vice president

Vice President Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov.Tim Walz(D) to be her running mate as she heads toward a November faceoff against formerPresident Trump,according to two sources familiar.Walz, 60, emerged asa dark horse contenderfor the No. 2 slot as chatter over other high-profile names, in particular Pennsylvania Gov.Josh Shapiro(D) and Arizona Sen.Mark Kelly(D), dominated the early portion of the veepstakes.But the Minnesota governor&n

Police identify teen killed in July Old Manor Road crash

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department has identified a 16-year-old pedestrian who was killed after being struck by a vehicle on July 28 at midnight in the 5000 block of Old Manor Road.APD said the pedestrian was identified as Allison Sanchez. Sanchez after being struck hit by a vehicle was taken to a local hospital for medical care, where she would later die to her injuries.
Officers said the driver of the vehicle that struck Sanchez was, "not injured, was not impaired, remained on scene

City looks to increase equity in electrical lawn care equipment

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A new city memo from Austin's Sustainability office and Austin Energy lays out the next steps that will be taken to grow the amount of electric lawn care equipment in the city.
It is part of Austin's goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Austin Energy did offer a deal for its customers if they purchased electric lawn equipment at participating stores in the Austin area. The deal offered $30 of savings on lawn mowers, $15 off of weed eaters, and $15 of savings

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Mysterious lights over Austin -- can an app help identify UFOs?

Starlink caught over Central Texas July 9 (Courtesy Amy Burtnett )
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Reports of mysterious lights over Austin happen fairly regularly and Elon Musk is to blame. Starlink,one of the billionaire's pet projects, aims to bring internet to rural parts of the world which can cause a stir with stargazers.It's causing a spike in reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs)."With Starlink and other phenomenon up there in the night sky," said Michael Endl, a professor of astronomy and phy

Hays County Sheriff's Office investigating 'suspicious death' in Buda

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Hays County Sheriff's Department is investigating what it calls a "suspicious death" in a Buda neighborhood Monday.Deputies were dispatched around 5:15 p.m. to the Shadow Creek subdivision east of Interstate 35 for a "discharged firearm" call, the sheriff's office said. They found a dead male and told people who lived in the neighborhood or were within a one-mile radius of it to shelter in place around 7 p.m.The shelter-in-place notice was lifted around 7:45 p.m. HCSO s

Texas Ranger reinstated after 2 years of suspension for role in Uvalde school shooting

UVALDE (Nexstar/KXAN) — After previous plans for termination, the Texas Department of Public Safety has reinstated a Texas Ranger who was suspended for more than a year over his response to the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde.
DPS Director Steven McCraw informed Texas Ranger Ryan Kindell on Friday that he would be removed from suspension and allowed to return to his position in Uvalde County, after a grand jury there determined Kindell did not break protocol or laws in his respon

Thomas, Alfred highlight UT athletes going for gold Tuesday in women's 200

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A pair of Longhorns are set to battle in the women's 200-meter dash Tuesday at the Paris Olympics.
Gabby Thomas and Julien Alfred finished as the top qualifiers for the finals following Monday's semifinals at Stade de France. Thomas finished in 21.86 seconds for the fastest time of the night while Alfred clocked in at 21.98. They were the only two runners to finish in under 22 seconds.Thomas won the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a 21.87, nearly the same time

SpaceX warns of 'sonic booms' ahead of fifth Starship test flight at Boca Chica

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX announced the fifth Starship test will aim to catch the Super Heavy booster at the launch site and warns of sonic booms.
In a news release, SpaceX said the fifth flight test will be a potentially major step in building a reusable rocket. For the first time, SpaceX will attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster after it separates from the Starship vehicle."In addition to being a pretty spectacular visual for residents in Cameron County, the rocket'

Council members reveal amendments, cuts as Austin nears budget finish line

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Next week, Austin City Council is expected to finalize its budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. After the city manager released his proposed budget last month, city council members having been working to gather public input, file amendments and in some cases, propose cuts.Austin city manager proposes record budget — how much will it cost taxpayers?Here's an idea of the remaining timeline:
August 6: City Council will host a work session to discuss homeless services spending

Texas athletes claim more Olympic medals than most countries

AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- If Texas were a country, its native and trained athletes would have the sixth-highest medal count at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Texas' native athletes and those who competed at Texas universities have won a total of 30 medals as of Aug. 5, just below Australia's 32.The United States has so far earned 78 medals, including 20 gold, 30 silver, and 28 bronze.PHOTOS: These Team USA athletes won medals at the 2024 Paris OlympicsLIST: These athletes with Texas ties won medals at the 2

What will Olympic discus champ Valarie Allman do to celebrate gold? 'Go all out' on barbecue

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Valarie Allman launched her fourth throw in the women's discus competition nearly 70 meters to repeat as Olympic champion Monday at Stade de France.Allman's winning mark of 69.50 meters (about 228 feet) was two meters further than silver medalist Bin Feng of China, and this one felt a lot different for Allman than her win in Tokyo.Valarie Allman, of the United States, competes during the women's discus throw final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Saint-

Austin emergency personnel push back against 'single stairway' code proposal

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin emergency personnel are sharing concerns about a resolution approved by Austin City Council earlier this year regarding proposed code changes to allow single staircases in multifamily residences.Austin City Council approved May 2 a resolution directing the city manager "to evaluate and provide options for Council to adopt building code updates that would allow a single stairway for multifamily developments up to at least five stories." That resolution cited both Seattle a

South Congress karaoke lounge may close after decades in business

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Longtime karaoke lounge Ego's Bar may be closing its doors after 45 years on South Congress Avenue in Austin.
"Alright, Y'all, We're gonna be real with you. It's not looking like Ego's is going to be open much longer," a social media post began.From SoCo to So Costly: Changes to South Congress making area too costly for some localsThe potential closure follows issues with collapsing pipes and the possible demolition of the building Ego's is located in, the post continued.
On Mon

MAP: Safe mobility upgrades made to these Austin campuses ahead of school year

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The 2024-25 school year is just around the corner in Central Texas, and the City of Austin's Safe Routes to School program has plenty of sidewalk, crosswalk and cycling infrastructure upgrades done to help students safely walk, bike and roll to school this year.The city's Safe Routes to School program recently completed improvements at 14 school campuses in the City of Austin's full purpose jurisdiction, with active work underway on 13 campuses. Six campuses are on deck for addi

Longhorns training camp nears full pads, coaches poll tabs squad at No. 4

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns aren't quite in full pads yet in training camp, but head coach Steve Sarkisian likes what he sees so far.Sarkisian said after Monday's practice that the first five days of camp have been competitive and he's "very proud of the team."‘I feel like I’m crying from a yacht’: Longhorns begin preseason camp with good problem to have"We're getting the guys out of their comfort zones and we're going to learn when we're out of it," Sarkisian sa

LIVE HORNS REPORT: Longhorns training camp nears full pads, coaches poll tabs squad at No. 4

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns aren't quite in full pads yet in training camp, but head coach Steve Sarkisian likes what he sees so far.Sarkisian said after Monday's practice that the first five days of camp have been competitive and he's "very proud of the team."‘I feel like I’m crying from a yacht’: Longhorns begin preseason camp with good problem to have"We're getting the guys out of their comfort zones and we're going to learn when we're out of it," Sarkisian sa

Appeals court to hear foster care case, as Texas tries to remove longtime judge

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A federal appeals court is expected to hear the latest arguments in the fight over the Texas foster care system, including a striking request from the state to remove the longtime judge in the case.
For years, the lawsuit has been marked by tense moments between U.S. District Judge Janis Jack and leaders from the state's child welfare agencies, as she called for major reforms to the way the state handles the cases and treatment of thousands of children in its permanent care.BACK

Austin ISD chief financial officer arrested, accused of insurance fraud

Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Monday, Aug. 5, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The former chief financial officer for Austin Independent School District, Eduardo Ramos, 51, was arrested on an insurance fraud charge, according to the Round Rock Police Department.
Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura placed Ramos on leave on Saturday. District officials said the felony charge is unrelated to his work with the district. Ramos previously submitted his

New Mexico governor launches campaign to recruit Texas medical workers

AUSTIN (KXAN) — New Mexico's governor is running a new coordinated campaign aimed at recruiting Texas medical workers to work in her state.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham paid for full-page advertisem*nts to run Sunday in five newspapers, including the Austin American-Statesman. Those ads included an open letter from the governor, where she framed her pitch around offering a different political environment for those practicing in Texas.
"I know that legal restrictions on healthcare in Texas h

Buca di Beppo files for bankruptcy; Austin location among several abruptly closing

ORLANDO (WJET/WFXP) — Just days after several Buca Di Beppo locations -- including one in Austin -- abruptly closed, the company filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.
According to the court documents filed just before midnight on August 4, 2024, the Orlando-based company currently holds $0 to $50,000 in assets and owes at least $15 million - $50 million to at least 30 creditors.
The bankruptcy filing comes only days after the company abruptly closed 13 underperforming stores.
Buca di Beppo has

OSHA investigating worker death at Tesla's Texas Gigafactory

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A federal agency is investigating the death of a person last week at the Tesla Gigafactory.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration confirmed the agency is investigating an incident where a worker died.
The Travis County Sheriff's Office and Austin-Travis County EMS responded to the Tesla factory around 8:30 a.m. Aug. 1. The call type was changed to deceased person, the sheriff's office confirmed.No other investigation information was shared, but the

Austin, CapMetro to roll out bike, pedestrian safety upgrades downtown

Editor’s Note: The above video shows KXAN News’ top morning headlines from Monday, Aug. 5, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Safety enhancements are coming to a stretch of downtown Austin, courtesy a collaboration between CapMetro and the City of Austin, including the city's mobility bonds program.The two entities coordinated on pedestrian safety upgrades and improved cycling infrastructure on Trinity Street and San Jacinto Boulevard, with the project corridor running from Cesar Chavez Street to

Austin resident wins $29M Lotto Texas jackpot

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An Austin resident claimed a $29 million Lotto Texas jackpot prize from a June drawing that had been sold at an Austin convenient store.The winner purchased the Quick Pick ticket from Salt Springs Xpress, located at 8101 Salt Springs Drive, Ste. A in Austin. They have chosen to remain anonymous, according to a Monday Lotto Texas release.RELATED: What is the largest lottery prize ever won in Texas?The Austin resident learned they had the winning ticket while away from work, tell

Stocks plunge as weak jobs report, tech woes rattle Wall Street

(The Hill) -- Stocks plunged Monday morning as mounting concerns about the strength of the U.S. economy and the outlook for microchip production shook Wall Street.The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened with a loss of 1,100 points Monday, plunging 2.8 percent after the opening bell. Dow futures tumbled more than 1,200 points before the market opened Monday.The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite plunged 6.2 percent and the S&P 500 index sank 4.2 percent after the market opened.“The U.S. is the

Enrollment opens for Round Rock Citizens Police Academy

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Locals can get a first-hand look at how the Round Rock Police Department operates with its annual Citizens Police Academy.RRPD Chief Allen Banks said the program has been offered in the city since the mid-90s with interest growing every year.According to the City of Round Rock's website, the program lasts 12 weeks with one class every Tuesday night.Banks said program participants will shadow sworn police officers and civilian staff. Some examples of the departmen