Playoff structure to change for some Texas high school sports - Austin news - NewsLocker (2024)

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some high school sports in Texas will have split divisions in the playoffs starting next school year to match the current structure for the 6A football playoffs and championship.The University Interscholastic League's Legislative Council approved the change Tuesday to use enrollment to split the playoffs for five sports. It will go into effect Aug. 1 and will not affect district alignments.RELATED: Austin ISD playing in College Station? UIL releases football districts for 2

New motion filed to replace state attorney involved in petition removal case for Travis County DA

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The plaintiff who filed the current petition to remove Travis County District Attorney José Garza from office, has filed a new motion in the case requesting the appointed Bell County prosecuting attorney, Jim Nichols, be replaced "on grounds of incompetence," court records show.RELATED: Person who filed petition to remove Travis County DA steps forwardThe request from Mary Dupuis comes days after Nichols filed a motion last Friday to dismiss the case.KXAN attempted t

Texas sues to block new Biden administration rule protecting access to some gender transition care

AUSTIN (The Texas Tribune) -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued the Biden administration over a new federal rule that he says would require states to pay for gender care procedures for transgender people through their Medicaid programs and require health care providers to perform them.“This is yet another example of Joe Biden trying to sidestep the Constitution and use agency rulemaking to advance unpopular, unlawful, and destructive policies,” Paxton wrote in a press releas

TEA awarded over $290 million as part of teacher incentive program last school year

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced Tuesday over $290 million in Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) funds were awarded to nearly 25,000 designated Texas teachers during the 2023-24 school year.TEA said 481 school systems participated in the TIA program, and 306 of them were fully approved to grant teacher designations. To gain full approval, these school systems had to go through a "comprehensive" application process that assessed "data from classroom observations and

Advertisem*nt

Bexar County issues capital murder warrant for Austin shooting spree suspect

BEXAR COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A capital murder warrant was issued for a man accused of a shooting spree that spanned from Bexar County to Austin in December 2023, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office told KXAN on Tuesday.Shane James, 35, was accused of shooting and killing two people, who were later identified as his parents, inside their home in Bexar County. He then drove to Austin and continued the series of violent events that all happened on Dec. 5, 2023.The Bexar County Sheriff's Office

Why are there poles in the middle of a road near FM 973?

AUSTIN (KXAN) — No, your eyes don't deceive you: Drivers traveling along FM 973 in Travis County likely noticed the unusual sight of utility poles in the middle of a roadway right next door. A spokesperson with the Texas Department of Transportation said that's part of a planned widening project underway.TxDOT is currently widening a portion of FM 973 and confirmed to KXAN the state agency is coordinating with Austin Energy on relocating a host of electric poles. For now, those poles are b

'Everyone belongs': City of Austin more effectively tracking hate crime data

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After a weekend where a drag brunch in Austin was canceled due to a bomb threat and where police in nearby Lakeway said they were investigating antisemitic graffiti, we think it's a good time to remind you about a program the City of Austin launched roughly a year ago that is helping them promote resources and track hate incidents."The We All Belong campaign is an anti-hate initiative that we launched last summer to first of all help us to help people report hate crimes and hate

Austin teen serves up pickleball lessons for older adults

AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Anderson High School student is sharing his years-long love of pickleball with a wider audience, launching a service project teaching older residents the love of the sport.Kesh Gupta is a rising senior at Anderson High School. This spring, he launched The Pickled Age, a community initiative designed to offer older residents a social community and physical activity — courtesy pickleball.RELATED: Central Texas adding more pickleball venues as popularity continues to

Advertisem*nt

APD searching for suspect connected to northwest Austin attempted sexual assault

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is asking for the public's help finding a suspect connected with an "attempted" sexual assault, the agency said in a news release Tuesday.On March 30, around 9 p.m., a woman was walking her dog on Osmarea Drive in northwest Austin when police said the suspect "exposed himself" and then "attempted to sexually assault her."Police said the suspect left the area on foot.The suspect is described as a Black man, who is between 17-25 years old, 5 feet

Joey Chestnut won't compete in Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

NEW YORK (WPIX) — Reigning hot dog champion Joey Chestnut will not compete in this year's Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest due in part to a plant-based competitor, officials have confirmed.Major League Eating "bent over backward to accommodate" Chestnut and keep him in the 2024 competition, including allowing him to compete in another hot dog eating contest on Labor Day, George Shea of Major League Eating told Nexstar's WPIX on Tuesday. But when Chestnut took on a new brand deal with

More game times released for Texas football's first SEC season

AUSTIN (KXAN)— The University of Texas will have three 11 a.m. Central Time kickoffs for the 2024 season. The Southeastern Conference released several kickoff times for the upcoming season on Tuesday.Along with the previously announced 11 a.m. game at Michigan on Sept. 7, Texas will get the morning kickoff in back-to-back weeks — at home vs. Florida on Nov. 9 and the following Saturday at Arkansas.Southwest Airlines to fly nonstop to Detroit for UT-Michigan gameSeveral Texas start t

Search underway for swimmer who went missing in the Colorado River in Bastrop Monday

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) -- Recovery efforts are underway for a swimmer who went missing in the Colorado River in Bastrop on Monday evening, according to Bastrop County Emergency Services District No. 2.
A call came in around 7:45 p.m. as a water rescue/missing swimmer for a man in his 30s in the 400 block of East Riverside Drive in Bastrop.
A witness stated that the swimmer appeared to be struggling and went under and didn't resurface.
Bastrop County ESD 2 said search efforts are affected by rapid

Body of missing adult swimmer recovered in Colorado River in Bastrop

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) -- Emergency crews in Bastrop County found the body of a man in his 30s Tuesday morning.
The swimmer went missing in the Colorado River in Bastrop on Monday evening, according to Bastrop County Emergency Services District No. 2 Battalion Chief Kyle Swarts.
A call came in around 7:45 p.m. as a water rescue/missing swimmer in the 400 block of East Riverside Drive in Bastrop.
A witness stated that the swimmer appeared to be struggling and went under and didn't resurface.
"We,

Local family at center of new fentanyl education movement, a month after son's death

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Matthew Wright should have been enjoying his last summer before going off to Texas State University to study psychology.
Instead, a little over a month ago, the 18-year-old and youngest of three died of fentanyl poisoning.
His family said he passed unexpectedly at their home in Cedar Park. He had aspirations to help other young people with their mental health, as he had struggled himself.
Matthew Wright, 18, passed away after fentanyl poisoning (Courtesy:

Presiding judge not dismissing removal petition against Travis County DA Jose Garza yet

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dib Waldrip, the presiding judge assigned to oversee the petition to remove Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza, filed a notice Tuesday morning in response to the state's recent motion to dismiss the case. The judge's notice indicated a dismissal is not happening without factual information supporting the motion.RELATED: County attorney files motion to dismiss removal petition against Travis County DAKXAN reached out to Waldrip about the notice and will update this s

Presiding judge not dismissing removal petition against Travis County DA José Garza yet

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dib Waldrip, the presiding judge assigned to oversee the petition to remove Travis County District Attorney José Garza, filed a notice Tuesday morning in response to the state's recent motion to dismiss the case. The judge's notice indicated a dismissal is not happening without factual information supporting the motion.RELATED: County attorney files motion to dismiss removal petition against Travis County DAKXAN reached out to Waldrip about the notice and will update

Tracking the Tropics: Disturbance forms off Florida Gulf coast. Could it develop?

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- A tropical disturbance with a chance of development formed off the Florida Gulf coast on Tuesday morning.
An area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms is expected to move across Florida over the next day or so, dumping several inches of rain on the region.
Its chance of development, however, is low. The National Hurricane Center said the system has a zero percent chance of development in the next two days.It has a 20% chance of "slow" development over the next seven da

ACC Elgin reopening Wednesday after water main break; boil water notice issued for part of Bastrop Co.

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Austin Community College Elgin is closed on Tuesday due to a water main break, according to its social media.
All classes and activities at ACC Elgin were canceled Tuesday, but the campus will reopen Wednesday under a boil water notice, ACC said. The college recommended bringing your own water to campus Wednesday. All other ACC campuses remained open.The AquaWater Supply Corporation also issued a boil water notice for part of Bastrop County. The water supply

ACC Elgin closed due to water main break; boil water notice issued for part of Bastrop Co.

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Austin Community College Elgin is closed on Tuesday due to a water main break, according to its social media.
All classes and activities at ACC Elgin are canceled for the day. All other ACC campuses remain open.The AquaWater Supply Corporation also issued a boil water notice for part of Bastrop County. The water supply said the notice was issued due to distribution system pressure losses caused by a line break that happened Tuesday. It didn't specify where t

Invasive tree-killing beetle spreading, moving south in Texas

AUSTIN (KXAN) — An invasive wood-boring beetle is quickly spreading in Texas, thanks to human interactions.Emerald ash borers are an invasive species that bores into ash trees—whether it's a healthy or stressed, dying tree. Wizzie Brown, aTexas A&M AgriLife Extension Servicesenior extension program specialist, said entomologists are concerned because it's wiping out ash species.The emerald ash borer (EAB). (Courtesy: Texas A&M Forest Service)
The beetles were firs

UT says it will discipline students who violated campus rules during pro-Palestinian protests

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The University of Texas at Austin issued a statement Tuesday morning stating that it will carry out disciplinary action against students who violated campus rules during pro-Palestinian protests on April 24 and 29.The University has made clear that we enforce institutional rules, and the conduct notices sent to students who violated our rules during protests on April 24th and 29th reflect that commitment. The actions and stated intentions of those participating in these protests

Which Austin food vendors will be at Blues on the Green this year?

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's back! After initial cancellation plans earlier this year due to rising costs, Austin City Limits Radio's Blues on the Green returns for its 33rd year Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at Zilker Park.RELATED: How to get to, from 2024 Blues on the Green in AustinACL Radio credited action taken by Austin City Council along with H-E-B's financial assistance as reasons behind the concert series' return. As Austinites flock to Zilker, here's a look at some of the food vendors you c

Texas Senate panel to hear testimony on border security

AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- The Texas Senate's Committee on Border Security will hear invited testimony from state and local officials regarding their "participation in border security" Tuesday morning. It's part of the chamber's work to monitor the implementation of new laws before the next legislative session begins in January.Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick tasked the committee of three Republicans and two Democrats with three broad interim charges:
"Securing the Texas-Mexico Border":Reviewing state and l

How long may Operation Lone Star last?

AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- The Texas Senate's Committee on Border Security heard testimony from state and local officials regarding their border enforcement efforts Tuesday morning, part of the upper chamber's work to monitor the implementation of new laws before the next legislative session begins in January.Among key questions on current priorities and the efficacy of recent laws, senators probed the sustainability of Operation Lone Star - Texas' unilateral efforts to patrol the border, fortify barri

Wet times this afternoon and evening

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Early afternoon thunderstorms, non-severe, were moving across San Saba and Lampasas Counties. There were pockets of heavy rain moving through these counties with only afew lightning strikes detected. A Flood Advisory will be in effect for northern Mason County until 3:45 this afternoon.The afternoon forecast calls for additional showers and thunderstorms with the possibility of a few of the stronger thunderstorms reaching severe limits.
The Austin metro area is forecast to see s

Storms with heavy rain and gusty winds arriving

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Scattered storms continue to move from northwest to southeast through the area. Gusty winds and heavy rain will be our primary concern, but some hail is possible with any stronger storm. Of course, if you can hear thunder, you'll want to move indoors.Scattered storms will continue to move through the Hill Country and Austin Metro through the early evening commute. Our eastern counties should start seeing storms after 4 p.m.Area rain totalsThe potential for strong to severe thun

Storms return early Wednesday ahead of building heat

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Scattered storms continue to move from northwest to southeast through the area. Gusty winds and heavy rain will be our primary concern, but some hail is possible with any stronger storm. Of course, if you can hear thunder, you'll want to move indoors.Scattered storms will continue to move through the Hill Country and Austin Metro through the early evening commute. Our eastern counties should start seeing storms after 4 p.m.Area rain totalsThe potential for strong to severe thun

Scattered storms possible later today

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Isolated to scattered storms will be possible over the next 48 hours before it's back to the summer-like heat & dryness.Check out some high rain totals in the southern Hill CountryLike what played out yesterday, isolated to scattered storms are likely to bubble up in spots this afternoon and evening. Not everyone will see storms - in fact, most will not - but those who do will need to be on the lookout for a strong or severe storm. A level 1 to 2 out 5 severe risk is in pla

Mysterious boat signals new age of watersports on Lake Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Clad in space grey, a quiet boat quickly stalked its way across Lake Austin this month. Nearly silent when compared to its gas powered brethren, the Arc Sport is a fully electric wake boarding boat built by former Space-X engineers. Its arrival could be an early sign that the next age of boating will soon arrive in Central Texas."It's the first time you're getting into an EV car and you plant your foot. That feeling, that rush that you get? It's the same thing as driving th

Southwest Airlines to fly nonstop to Detroit for UT-Michigan game

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Fans cheering on the Longhorns at this year's UT-Michigan game now have another nonstop option to make the journey.Southwest Airlines will offer two nonstop flights ahead of the game on Sept. 7. Flights will depart Austin at 11:40 a.m. on both Thursday and Friday, Sept. 5 and 6, and will land at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) at 3:35 p.m. local time. The airport is about 25 miles east of Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. on Saturday,