30 puppies available for free adoptions at Williamson County shelter - Austin news - NewsLocker (2024)

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) — Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS) announced a special free adoption weekend, starting Friday and running through Sunday.According to WCRAS, the adoption event aims to find homes for 30 puppies.“The need to place these 30 puppies in loving homes is urgent. Puppies bring joy and companionship and thrive in stable environments,” the shelter said. “We urge anyone considering adoption to visit WCRAS and meet these delightful pups.&rdq

Man receives 30 years for murder in 2021 Manor ISD graduate's death

HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A man was sentenced in Hays County on June 7 in connection with the 2021 death of a Manor ISD graduate at a San Marcos apartment complex.According to court documents, 27-year-old Michael Torres pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon related to the death of 19-year-old Lavonte Benford.PAST COVERAGE | 2 charged with murder after death of recent Manor ISD graduateHe was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison for the murder charge and 2

'Edgar' haircuts cause stir in Texas — why?

(NEXSTAR) — Whether or not you know the name of this haircut, you've definitely seen it before. It's something like a bowl-cut-meets-a-Caesar-cut and it's hugely popular among young Latinos, especially in Texas. You guessed it, it's the Edgar cut.But as beloved as the hairstyle is, it isn't without controversy.
Recently, a San Antonio business owner sparked outrage after an "anti-Edgar" meme was posted to the official Facebook and Instagram pages for his restaurant. The photo featured a bi

Study: Austin seeing lower birth rate than US average

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A recent research study looked at Census data for some of the largest U.S. cities to determine where birth rates and family sizes were the highest and lowest.SmartAsset, a financial technology company, found Austin had one of the lowest birth rates in the country.“Jobs and other incentives have driven people in and out of cities for decades. But local economies can also be affected by birth rates and the size of families,” the study said. “From medical fac

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HOLD: Texans are seeing less traffic in every major city except for one

(NEXSTAR) – If there is one thing the majority of drivers can agree upon, it's that nobody likes sitting in traffic. Luckily for Texas residents, it appears that traffic is dropping significantly in most of its largest cities since before the pandemic in 2019, a study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute found.While some of America's large metro areas with a lot of office workers have seen traffic congestion stay rise above pre-pandemic levels, Texas cities have been doing the exa

Rain is gone and the heat is on

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The last rains from Tropical Storm Alberto departed Central Texas early Friday night. Most of the area will be in a dry weather pattern from today going out to Friday.Most rain totals from the storm averaged 1.00" to 2.00". There were several reporting stations that topped 2.00":
4.09" Carmine (Fayette County)
2.84" Manchaca
2.51" Dry Creek near Elroy
2.46" Onion Creek @ 183
2.46" Willow CityNEW BLOG: July forecast released. What to expect in Central TexasHigh pressure in the up

Austin dachshund goes viral showing life on wheels, wiener dog race

AUSTIN (KXAN) — One Austin pup — with help from his human — is using social media to share his day-to-day life as a "wheelie weenie" and encourage other pup owners with similar situations.
Teddy, an 8-year-old dachshund, lost mobility in his back legs about four years ago after he was diagnosed with intervertebral disk disease, or IVDD. The disease is prevalent in dachshunds due to their long spines, impacting 15-30% of the breed.His accounts show his daily routines as a paraly

Austin Police investigating 'suspicious death' in southeast Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Police are investigating a "suspicious death" that happened in southeast Austin on Friday night, the agency said on social media.Around 10:50 p.m., police responded to the scene in the 2600 block of Metcalfe Road.
APD said it will hold a media briefing at the Valero gas station, located at 628 E. Oltorf St. No other details were available Friday.

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APD: 1 dead in southeast Austin homicide

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department investigating a homicide in southeast Austin where one person died.
At around 4:07 p.m. Friday, APD officers responded to a service call on Metcalfe Road. Officers found a body with trauma.MAP: Where have Austin’s homicides occurred in 2024?Police did not have any suspect information.
This is being investigated as the 27th homicide of 2024. People with information can call the APD homicide tipline at 512-974-8477.

Police say second suspect in Round Rock shooting in custody

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A second suspect is now in custody in connection to the deadly shooting at Old Settlers Park during the Round Rock Juneteenth celebration last weekend, the Round Rock Police Department said on social media Friday.Police said gunfire erupted after two groups got into a fight.Round Rock shooting suspect admits to firing shots, court documents sayAround 8:30 p.m., police said a "male juvenile suspect" was taken into custody and then transported to the Williamson County Detention C

ATCEMS: 1 dead, 1 seriously injured in Del-Valle 3-vehicle crash

DEL VALLE, Texas (KXAN) -- One person is dead, and another is seriously injured after a three-vehicle crash in Del Valle Friday night, Austin-Travis County EMS said on social media.Shortly after 9 p.m., ATCEMS medics responded to the crash on Pearce Lane and Kellam Road, where a total of five people were involved. That's near State Highway 130 and State Highway 71.Medics said two of the three vehicles rolled with a possible ejection. Travis County STARFlight also responded to the scene and trans

Round Rock shooting suspect admits to firing shots, court documents say

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- The 17-year-old arrested in connection with Saturday's shooting in Round Rock that killed two people and injured 14 others admitted to shooting another person in the leg, according to his arrest affidavit KXAN obtained Friday evening.So far, Ricky Thompson III is the only person arrested in the case. Police Chief Allen Banks said Thursday the department is still looking for additional suspects.PREVIOUS: Police announce arrest of 17-year-old suspect related to deadly

'It's just not safe': Neighbors advocate for RM 1826 expansion

HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Drivers have marveled at the gleaming temple in Hays County along Road to Market 1826 since 1995.That’s where Michael Roberts has spent most of his time for the last two dozen years.“It is open to the public. So anybody can come and enjoy the property and the temple,” he said.Roberts said he’s in charge of events at the temple. Another role he has picked up over the years has been directing traffic when there’s a crash i

Austin ISD discussing tax rate increase in November

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday night, Austin ISD trustees unanimously approved a $1.2 billion budget for next year, but the district is still facing a large deficit."Without an increase in funding for public education, without an increase to the basic allotment not only will you see additional reductions that will impact the classroom you will see that state-wide," said Austin ISD CFO Ed Ramos.Ramos said with the district facing a deficit for the next school year, they had to make cuts. But t

DNA match possibly linked to 1980 Austin cold case, search warrant says

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- A DNA match may help authorities solve a 1980 Austin cold case, according to details in a Travis County search warrant affidavit filed earlier this week.Authorities filed the search warrant to obtain DNA swabs from a man who may be connected with the death of Susan Leigh Wolfe. The man is currently in a Massachusetts prison, the search warrant statesOn Jan. 9, 1980, around 10 p.m., the Austin Police Department received a call from a man who said he witnessed a kidn

Mom shares perinatal mood disorder experience to help others

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- “Postpartum is like a slap in the face,” Georgetown mom Juliette Ferguson said.Ferguson, a mom of three boys, said she was stunned after she had her first son. The anxiety was so bad she could not eat or sleep. It would manifest in anger or rage, and she remembers feeling aching loneliness.“This should have been a massive red flag to myself, to my husband. I was standing in the living room. The baby was screaming, and I was having a time trying to console him.

Women's prison holds a graduation for inmates earning high school diploma

LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) — More than 70 state prison inmates earned their high school diplomas on Friday at the Gregory S. Coleman Unit.
The Coleman Unit is home to a unique program hosted by the Goodwill Excel Center that empowers inmates to pursue their education through an accelerated learning program for adults. This unit's justice education campus is one of four located in Texas prisons that offers inmates the chance to earn their high school diploma and is the only one in a women's fac

Workers frustrated with South Congress paid parking

AUSTIN (KXAN) — In March, the Austin City Council approved a measure that would convert over 100 parking spaces on and near South Congress into paid spots. More recently, new paid parking signs have popped up as a result, and it's a change that has frustrated some workers.PAST COVERAGE: Austin installing paid parking along South CongressIsabell Quinn, a server at restaurant Two Hands on South Congress, is displeased with the current parking situation. Two Hands doesn't provide parking per

Gov. Abbott deploys resources to support New Mexico with wildfires, flash flooding

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - Texas Governor Greg Abbott has deployed Texas emergency management resources to New Mexico in response to the wildfires surrounding Ruidoso and flash flooding impacting the state, his office announced on Thursday, June 20."As we continue to move through hurricane season, Texans are no strangers to the devastating effects of severe weather," said Governor Abbott. "While the initial force of Tropical Storm Alberto dissipates, Texas was able to swiftly and effectively respon

Fires burning near Ruidoso total more than 24K acres

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) —The South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire, burning near Ruidoso, New Mexico, continue to grow and together are estimated to be over 24,000 acres as of Friday morning, June 21, according to Watch Duty.The South Fork Fire is estimated at 16,542 acres with 0 containment. The Salt Fire is estimated at 7,652.3 acres with 0 containment, according to Watch Duty.President Joe Biden issued a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the fires on Thursday, June 20. Federal funds w

Beloved Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek honored with US Postal Service Forever Stamp

SALT LAKE CITY (KTVU) -- QUESTION: This long-time host of "Jeopardy" is now honored with a United States Postal Service 'Forever Stamp.'ANSWER: Who is Alex Trebek?That's right, the beloved "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek will be honored with a "Forever Stamp" to celebrate his legacy and the show's 60th Diamond Celebration.
The sheet of 20 identical stamps resembles the array of video monitors that make up the "Jeopardy!" game board. Written on each stamp is the prompt "This naturalized U.S. citizen

Watch: Southwest jet buzzes Oklahoma neighborhood

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is looking into what caused a Southwest Airlines plane to drop within several hundred feet of an Oklahoma neighborhood earlier this week.Flight data shows Southwest Airlines Flight 4069, a Boeing 737-800 en route to Oklahoma City from Las Vegas, flew as low as 400 feet above the City of Yukon just after 12 a.m. Wednesday morning while on a final approach to Will Rogers World Airport.Boeing given 90 days by FAA to come up wit

'Horrific': Woman shot, injured at Round Rock Juneteenth ceremony speaks

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- LaTonya Ray has two wounds on her upper thigh, one where the bullet went in, and another where it went out.
"It was actually very horrific," she said. "It stung."She said she was at Round Rock's Juneteenth ceremony Saturday, walking to the other side of the crowd to find her husband when gunfire erupted. Two women - Ara Duke and Lyndsey Vicknair - died in the shooting and a total of 14 people were injured.RELATED: Police announce arrest of 17-year-old suspect related

'Horrific': Woman shot, injured at Round Rock Juneteenth celebration speaks

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- LaTonya Ray has two wounds on her upper thigh, one where the bullet went in, and another where it went out.
"It was actually very horrific," she said. "It stung."She said she was at Round Rock's Juneteenth ceremony Saturday, walking to the other side of the crowd to find her husband when gunfire erupted. Two women - Ara Duke and Lyndsey Vicknair - died in the shooting and a total of 14 people were injured.RELATED: Police announce arrest of 17-year-old suspect related

Traffic Alert: Vehicle fire causes delays in northwest Austin

Editor's Note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Friday, June 21, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said officers were responding to a vehicle on fire in northwest Austin Friday afternoon.According to APD, the scene was on Research Boulevard heading north at the Braker exit ramp.Police said drivers should expect closures and delays, as well as find alternate routes.

IKEA opens new store at the Domain, with a twist

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Global home furnishing retailer IKEA has officially opened the doors of its new location at the Domain.In January, IKEA unveiled its plans to open up its second store within Austin; however, this store differs from the original retail stores due to its new "Plan & Order" format.The new format gives customers the unique experience of sitting down with an IKEA expert to design, plan and quote products. While products cannot be purchased within the store at 3306 Esperanza

ACC sees increase in enrollments after offering free tuition

Editor's Note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Friday, June 21, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Community College District (ACC) said it saw an increase in fall enrollment one month after registration opened.“Preliminary data indicate a significant increase in enrollment, especially among new students,” ACC said.The community college said enrollments were up nearly 23% from last year and up more than 29% compared to two years ago.New student registration

Austin's Kirk Watson puts focus on transportation at annual mayor meeting

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Mayor Kirk Watson is in Kansas City this week for the 92nd U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting, serving as the vice chair of the Standing Committee on Transportation.At the meeting, Watson said cities should be more focused on localism when investing in the transportation system in the United States. KXAN Traffic Anchor Erica Brennes spoke with Watson to learn more about what this meeting means for Austin.Q&A with Mayor Kirk WatsonThis Q&A has been edited for clarit

Dan Patrick laments Texas not enacting Ten Commandments law first

AUSTIN (KXAN) — This week Louisiana became the first state in the country to require schools to display the Ten Commandments in their classrooms, which struck a nerve with one prominent Republican in Texas.
On his personal X account, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick posted a screenshot Thursday of a headline noting this milestone for Texas' neighbor, and he expressed his disappointment in a similar proposal failing to become law here in the state.
"Texas WOULD have been and SHOULD have been the first

GPA discrepancies resolved after software updates, Austin ISD says

Editor's Note: The above video shows KXAN News' top morning headlines from Friday, June 21, 2024.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin ISD provided an update Thursday on the district’s rankGPAcalculations after discovering discrepancies.“We are happy to report that we have completed the software updates required to resolve the inconsistencies and have verified that the software is now working as intended,” the district said.RELATED | Austin ISD recalculating high school sen