Downtown Austin leaders call light rail key to advancing affordability, growth - Austin news - NewsLocker (2024)

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Later this year, the Austin Transit Partnership will unveil its draft environmental impact statement, a detailed look at all the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of Austin's upcoming light rail system.The draft EIS is a requirement under the National Environmental Policy Act, applied to any projects that receive federal funding. ATP announced in May phase one of its light rail implementation program had entered into the Federal Transit Administration's projec

A wet weather pattern starts this afternoon

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Once again today we have no newscasts due to the golf tournament.An unsettled wet weather pattern will maintain a presence beginning this afternoon as a few scattered showers move in from the north. A few thunderstorms are likely during the middle of the afternoon.
High temperatures today will likely occur during the early afternoon as most maximum temperatures heat up to the low to mid 90s. The normal high this afternoon is 97°. Yesterday's high was 98°.Winds in the upp

Man found guilty of fraudulently stealing condo from elderly woman, daughters

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) — A man who used false documents to take ownership of a condo from an elderly woman and her children was found guilty on Tuesday.A Bay County jury found 37-year-old Olandis Dean Hobbs guilty of grand theft over $100,000, fraudulent use of personal identification information, unlawful filing of false documents, and uttering a forgery and forgery.
Prosecutor Josh James said the fraudulent use of personal identification information charge alone carries a minimum mandat

Ohio woman pleads guilty to making hundreds of 'pointless' 911 calls

ZANESVILLE, Ohio (WTRF) -- An Ohio woman has pleaded guilty to making hundreds of calls to emergency services, effectively using local first responders for unnecessary ambulance rides to the hospital, officials say.Kesha Kennedy, 34, pleaded guilty to felony disrupting public services, felony making false alarms and 25 counts of misdemeanor misuse of 911 systems.Kennedy will be sentenced at a later date.Officials say that beginning in 2020, Kennedy called 911 almost 400 times, complaining of var

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How a faulty CrowdStike update crashed computers around the world

(AP) - Airlines, banks, hospitals and other risk-averse organizations around the world chose cybersecurity company CrowdStrike to protect their computer systems from hackers and data breaches.But all it took was one faulty CrowdStrike software update to causeglobal disruptionsFriday that grounded flights, knocked banks and media outlets offline, and disrupted hospitals, retailers and other services.“This is a function of the very hom*ogenous technology that goes into the backbon

Expecting a package? Your wait may have just gotten longer

(NEXSTAR) – A faulty software update causedtechnological havoc worldwideon Friday, and unfortunately for Prime Day shoppers and others expecting a package, shipping times may also be affected.FedEx confirmed that its network is operating worldwide on Friday, but warned that "potential delays are possible for package deliveries with a commitment of July 19, 2024" after the massive IT outage. Anyone expecting a delivery is advised to check the Service Alerts page for updates or u

Las Vegas locals, tourists gather to watch The Mirage Volcano erupt one last time

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Locals and tourists gathered on the Las Vegas Strip on Tuesday night to watch the iconic Mirage Volcano erupt for the last time before the resort closes."It's unbelievably different from anything you could possibly see anywhere on earth unless you are from Hawaii," Las Vegas local John Davidson said.Davidson, who has been coming to the Mirage for years, made sure to get his last photos in before the resort closes Wednesday."It's kind of sad, we came to a show last week a

FAA investigates Southwest flight that reportedly descended to 175 feet, triggered low altitude warning

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed to Nexstar Saturday that it is investigating an incident involving a Southwest Airlines flight to Tampa Bay, Florida that was forced to divert to Fort Lauderdale last weekend.
According to Flightradar24 data obtained by Reuters, the plane descended to a very low altitude – roughly 175 feet – with 3 miles to go before reaching Tampa International Airport.For context, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 making the flight h

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How to safely eat your deli meat as CDC investigates deadly listeria outbreak

NEW YORK (AP) — As U.S. health officials investigatea fatal outbreak of listeria food poisoning, they're advising people who are pregnant, elderly or have compromised immune systems to avoid eating sliced deli meat unless it's recooked at home to be steaming hot.TheU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventiondidn't mandate a food recall as of early Saturday, because it remains unclear what specific products have been contaminated with the bacteria now blamed for two de

Heat-related Texas deaths climb after Beryl left millions without power for days or longer

SPRING, Texas (AP) — As the temperature soared in the Houston-area home Janet Jarrett shared with her sister after losing electricity in Hurricane Beryl, she did everything she could to keep her 64-year-old sibling cool.But on their fourth day without power, she awoke to hear Pamela Jarrett, who used a wheelchair and relied on a feeding tube, gasping for breath. Paramedics were called but she was pronounced dead at the hospital, with the medical examiner saying her death was caused by the

Local perks for National Ice Cream Day

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Sunday is National Ice Cream Day and what better way to beat the summer heat than with ice cream from your local favorites.According to the International Dairy Foods Association, in 1984 former President Ronald Reagan named July National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday in July as National Ice Cream Day.
A number of local ice cream shops in Austin have already begun planning special menu items and promotions. We have compiled a list of places for you to stop by this Sunday t

'Hot Summer Nights' crucial for downtown bars during summer slump

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- "Hot Summer Nights," a crucial event for bars on Red River Street, wrapped up in downtown Austin on Saturday.Outside of the music venue Empire, it was last-minute soundchecks early Saturday evening, ahead of what is scheduled to be another busy night."The last band of Friday night we were actually at capacity, so we were one in and one out. So it's wonderful when we're at capacity and we have folks excited to be here," said Empire floor manager Claire De León.The bar is o

House fire leaves South Austin resident without a home

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Fire Department put out a house fire on the south side of Austin Saturday evening, according to a social media post from the agency.AFD said that the fire blew through the roof of a home in the 7200 block of Whispering Oaks. Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services transported an adult male to an area hospital for a smoke inhalation evaluation.APD says the fire was accidental and caused heavy damage that will leave the resident displaced. Crews stayed at the scene

Which central Texas schools will offer free lunch this year?

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The 2024-2025 school year is around the corner and many parents are asking which school districts will offer free lunch.
All school districts have the opportunity to apply for the Community Eligibility Provision program but not all districts may eligible for the state program.
In order to be eligible for this program each school must have a high enough percentage of students that are automatically eligible for free school meals also known as, an Identified Student Percentage or

Trump accepts GOP nomination, Dems push back Biden vote

KXAN investigative producer Dalton Huey and KXAN photojournalist Lauren Ryan contributed to reporting in this article. KXAN digital reporter Cora Neas compiled and edited this article.AUSTIN (Nexstar) – Austin resident Ben Shrader attended former President Donald Trump's July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, after the campaign sent him an invitation. There, he met with Trump and other VIPs a half hour before the attempted assassination.
“I walked up – little old me – and

From SoCo to So Costly: Changes to South Congress making area too costly for some locals

AUSTIN (ABJ) -- South Congress Avenue has transformed a lot over the years. Today, it is one of the most expensive areas in the city and home to several retailers.This street once housed simpler stores, such as a vacuum repair shop, but now has luxury retail spots like Hermes or Lululemon.Austin Business Journal's Sahar Chmais said the change "from South Congress to SoCo" has made the area too costly for some locals."This has become a street that many Austenites don't feel is accessible to them.

ABJ talks with KXAN about evolution of Austin's SoCo

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- South Congress Avenue has transformed a lot over the years. Today, it one of the most expensive areas in the city and home to several retailers.This street once housed simpler stores, such as a vacuum repair shop, but now has luxury retail spots like Hermes or Lululemon. Austin Business Journal's Sahar Chmais says the change "from South Congress to SoCo" has made the area too costly for some locals."This has become a street that many Austenites don't feel is accessible to them.

Malicious actors trying to exploit global tech outage for their own gain

As the world continues to recover from massive business and travel disruptions caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, malicious actors are trying to exploit the situation for their own gain.
Government cybersecurity agencies across the globe and CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz are warning businesses and individuals about new phishing schemes that involve malicious actors posing as CrowdStrike employees or other tech specialists offering to assist those recovering fr

Foundation holds 6th free Back-to-School Backpack Drive in Lockhart

LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) — The Connie S. Amaya Education Aid Foundation, based in Lockhart, held its sixth annual Free Back-to-School Backpack Drive for students in Central Texas on Saturday.Students were able to pick out one backpack at no cost during the event. Other donated supplies were also available for students, according to organizers.Free backpack drive in Lockhart (KXAN photo/Lauren Ryan)Free backpack drive in Lockhart (KXAN photo/Lauren Ryan)Free backpack drive in Lockhart (KXAN p

Culinary instructor talks local benefits of Texas Michelin Guide

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas is close to having its first Michelin-star restaurant, with several cities, including Austin, becoming featured destinations. The announcement could benefit not only restaurant-goers but also local culinary students.RELATED | Texas could soon be home to a Michelin star restaurantJamie Vaughn, a culinary arts educator with Austin ISD, spoke with KXAN about Austin's recent recognition in the Michelin Guide, which could create more job opportunities for students and all

Do you really have to wait to go swimming after eating?

(AP) - Did your parents warn you against jumping in the pool right after eating? They were misguided.In most cases, there’s no need to wait at least 30 minutes after eating to go for a swim, doctors say.That old warning stems from worry that people might drown or struggle because blood will be diverted to their full stomachs instead of their muscles.In reality, people still have plenty of blood flowing to their muscles after eating, said Dr. Matthew Badgett of the Cleveland Clinic. A forme

These signs point to a potentially bad late summer for travel disruptions

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) - The 2024 tropical storm season is off to a strong start after Hurricane Beryl became the earliest category 5 hurricane on record.
The tropics have been quiet lately due to an influx of Saharan dust, but that is not expected to last. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is forecasting an extremely active hurricane season with 17-25 named storms (14 is average), 8-13 hurricanes (7 is average), and 4-7 major hurricanes (3 is average).
Hurricane season peaks in the late summ

'She's really lucky': Dog saves owner with dementia after days lost in Utah heat

EMERY COUNTY, Utah (KTVX) – A dog is being credited with saving its owner, an elderly woman with dementia, after she wandered from a cabin in Utah’s central mountains and became lost for nearly three days amid the scorching summer heat.“She’s really lucky that she had her dog with her,” said James Thomas, the conservation officer who found the woman.
The incident happened last month near Joe's Valley in western Emery County. On June 24, the woman went out for an eve

Taco Bell's newest item pays homage to classic menu staple

(KTLA) - Taco Bell’s latest limited-time menu offering is another twist on a classic menu staple. The California-based chain debuted Cheesy Street Chalupas nationwide this week. The new menu item doubles as a new twist on Chalupa, which originally debuted in 1999, and a nod to street tacos and street food culture, the company said in a statement.The Cheesy Street Chalupas features fresh onions, cilantro, and a choice of protein, all wrapped in chalupa shells stuffed with melted mozza

Florida drivers tried to take selfie with 'depressed' black bear, sheriff says

*Video above: Black bear spotted in Florida's North Port community.TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) - Florida deputies are reminding residents to keep their distance from bears after onlookers tried to take a selfie with a "depressed" black bear on Thursday.The black bear was spotted hunched over near a telephone pole on the north side of Highway 98 near County Road in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, the Walton County Sheriff's Office said.
The bear was "clearly not in the mood for pictures" and showed signs of se

Why your COVID symptoms may feel different with this wave of infections

(NEXSTAR) – Coronavirus levels are once again "very high" in several U.S. states as the country experiences a summer wave of COVID-19 infections. For many Americans it's been more than six months since they've had a booster shot or a recent infection, leaving them vulnerable to getting sick again.
For those experiencing a reinfection, the symptoms they feel this time around may be different.
"No two COVID infections really have behaved the same," Dr. Joseph Khabbaza, a pulmonary and critic

Pan Am is returning to skies in 2025, and packages start at $65K: What's included?

(NEXSTAR) – Longing to return to the airline industry’s “Golden Age” of travel, with spacious seating, in-flight freebies and an open bar?Just be prepared to pay for it.A Pan Am-branded plane will be returning to the skies in 2025, offering a select group of passengers a multi-destination travel experience that retraces some of the now-defunct airline’s original transatlantic routes for one “all-inclusive” price.The flight program, appropriately called &

Heat is to blame for thousands of deaths. Here's how it actually kills you

(NEXSTAR) – In an average year, heat takes more lives in the U.S. than hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes combined. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the death toll of extreme heat waves to be around 1,220 annually.
But the way heat kills people is less obvious than other violent natural disasters. The difference between life and death can be decided by just a few degrees, experts say.Your body's resting temperature is supposed to be around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit

These Texas cities have the lowest quality of life, study shows

(NEXSTAR) — The state of Texas might be a major draw for relocators based on its economy and friendly tax laws but not everything is great everywhere in the state. Recently, lawn care information and research resource Lawn Starter compared the U.S.' 500 largest cities to determine which areas have the most going for their residents — and Texas did not fare well.The list's bottom-most entries are almost entirely made up of Texas cities.Texas ‘tourist traps’: Which ones ar

DSHS: Texas reports 76% increase in mpox cases this year

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Texas Health and Human Services has issued a health advisory in reference to the ongoing transmission of mpox in the state.Mpox, formerly referred to as Monkeypox before it was renamed by the World Health Organization in 2022, is an infectious viral disease that can cause blistering.The infection spreads from direct skin-to-skin contact with the mpox rash or lesions from a person who has the infection, DSHS stated.
After a global outbreak in 2022, the num