2024 election: Exploring claim Texas is 'sleeper battleground state' - Austin news - NewsLocker (2024)

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Democrats have long claimed the state is within reach of flipping, yet no Democrat has won statewide here in 30 years. However, a late shakeup on the top of the ticket is raising hopes this year, and one familiar leader went viral this week for arguing Texas could be more competitive than ever.
During a recent appearance on MSNBC, Beto O'Rourke said he believed Texas is a "sleeper battleground state," citing how Kamala Harris could fire up Democrats there since she be

Facing budget deficit, Austin ISD board approves tax rate election

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Monday, the Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a voter-authorized tax rate election (VATRE) to help reduce the district's multi-million dollar deficit going into the 2024-25 school year.
According to Austin ISD, the district has a $119 million deficit. The district estimates that if voters approve the tax rate increase, the shortfall will be reduced to $78 million before budget cuts. The money, according to district officials, would be used to incre

A man was losing hope his sister's 1980 murder would be solved, now there's a break in the case

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Charles Wolfe was only 15 years old when his sister, Susan, was murdered.“Susan was always a surrogate mom to me,” Charles said. “She was 10 years older, and when I look back at the family videos and movies, I'm always in her care.”On the night of Jan. 9, 1980, Susan Leigh Wolfe, who was only 25 at the time and a nursing student at the University of Texas, was kidnapped while walking to a friend’s house, according to Austin Police.A witne

US says Israel accepts latest Gaza cease-fire deal, putting onus on Hamas

(The Hill) - Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accepted a final, bridging proposal to conclude a cease-fire deal in the Gaza Strip, and put the onus on Hamas to bring the agreement to a close.“In a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, he confirmed to me that Israel accepts the bridging proposal, that he supports it,” Blinken said during a press conference from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.&ld

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'All options' available at running back for Texas Longhorns, including transfer portal

AUSTIN (KXAN) — There are less than two weeks before the Texas Longhorns begin the 2024 college football season, and while the coaching staff feels comfortable with the healthy running backs the Longhorns have, they wouldn't be opposed to adding another player from the transfer portal.Head coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday he's "looking at all options" when it comes to rebuilding depth at the position following season-ending knee injuries to projected starter CJ Baxter and freshman Christi

Affidavit: Austin Police arrest Uber driver accused of sexual assault

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A 38-year-old man was arrested after a victim accused him of sexual assault while he was driving for Uber in May, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.On May 4, around 3 a.m., the victim told the Austin Police Department they fell asleep in the rideshare and woke up to the Uber driver sexually assaulting them, according to the affidavit.The victim then provided police with the license plate number on the Uber driver's license plate, court records said.That information then l

Mayor's office: 'No future plans' to rename Austin airport after President Johnson

AUSTIN (KXAN) — There are "no future plans" to move forward with a proposal to rename Austin-Bergstrom International Airport after President Lyndon B. Johnson, a spokesperson for Mayor Kirk Watson told KXAN.The LBJ Foundation proposed the renaming to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act, which President Johnson signed into law in 1964."We've had a preliminary conversation with foundation officials about this last year," a spokesperson for the mayor told

'Your worst nightmares': Fireworms wash up on 2 Texas shores

MUSTANG ISLAND, Texas (KXAN) — Beachgoers have something new to keep an eye out for before heading to Texas beaches this summer: fireworms.
"Your worst nightmares are washing up right now in the form of fireworms!" a Facebook post from the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies said.
Texas A&M researchers said a few painful worms were found recently on Mustang Island and Padre Island. The fireworms were found on logs with barnacles, which the fireworms may have been feedin

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'What I've done for 37 years': Texas legend Colt McCoy retires from football

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former Texas Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy announced he's calling it a football career.In a video posted to YouTube, McCoy announced his retirement from football after 12 NFL seasons with Cleveland, San Francisco, Arizona, Washington and the New York Giants."Football's been what I've done for 37 years. I gave it all I had," McCoy said in the video.McCoy is set to join NBC Sports' coverage of Big Ten Football this season, working as a game analyst with appearances on the

Watch live coverage of the DNC ahead of Biden's speech on night 1

Editor's note: The video player above features live interviews from the DNC Convention, as well as news updates and views from the United Center. Coverage will transition to the full slate of prime-time speeches this evening at 5 CT.
(NEXSTAR) - Following a hasty rebranding effort, Democrats open their 2024 Convention in Chicago on Monday riding a tide of momentum that has completely reshaped the party's prospects for retaining the White House for the next four years.
President Joe Biden is plan

LIVE: DNC kicks off with Biden and Hillary Clinton poised to take stage on night 1

Editor's note: The video player above features live interviews from the DNC Convention, as well as news updates and views from the United Center.
(NEXSTAR) -- Following a hasty rebranding effort, Democrats have kicked off their 2024 Convention in Chicago, riding a tide of momentum that has completely reshaped the party's prospects for retaining the White House for the next four years.
President Joe Biden is planning to give a lengthy endorsem*nt of Harris and sharply criticize former President D

LIVE: DNC Day 1 kicks off with Biden and Hillary Clinton poised to take stage

Editor's note: The video player above features live interviews from the DNC Convention, as well as news updates and views from the United Center.
(NEXSTAR) -- Following a hasty rebranding effort, Democrats have kicked off their 2024 Convention in Chicago, riding a tide of momentum that has completely reshaped the party's prospects for retaining the White House for the next four years.
President Joe Biden is planning to give a lengthy endorsem*nt of Harris and sharply criticize former President D

LIVE: Day 1 of DNC kicks off with Biden poised to deliver closing remarks

Editor's note: The video player above features live interviews from the DNC Convention, as well as news updates and views from the United Center.
(NEXSTAR) - Following a hasty rebranding effort, Democrats have opened their 2024 Convention in Chicago riding a tide of momentum that has completely reshaped the party's prospects for retaining the White House for the next four years.
President Joe Biden is planning to give a lengthy endorsem*nt of Harris and sharply criticize Trump before he leaves C

Dems look to honor Biden, build momentum at night 1 of DNC

Editor's note: The video player above features live interviews from the DNC Convention, as well as news updates and views from the United Center. Coverage will transition to the full slate of prime-time speeches this evening at 5 CT.
(NEXSTAR) - Following a hasty rebranding effort, Democrats open their 2024 Convention in Chicago on Monday riding a tide of momentum that has completely reshaped the party's prospects for retaining the White House for the next four years.
Just one month ago, Republi

Almost every Texan considers housing affordability a problem, new survey finds

AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a contentious election year, it seems nearly impossible to find an issue that unites almost every Texan, but something nearly everyone appears to agree on right now is that the price of housing is a problem.
A survey published recently by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University found that 90% of Texans consider housing affordability as a problem in their part of the state — with 44% considering it to be a big problem and 46% saying it's somewhat of

LIVE: Austin teen stars in new movie 'AfrAId'

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A 13-year-old from Austin is making a name for himself in Hollywood and will be back on screens nationwide on Labor Day.Wyatt Lindner, 13, has starred in movies and television series since 2018. Lindner booked his first commercial at the young age of 4.He is best known for his role in the TV series Titans, Apple TV's Little America and his latest film AfrAId, a Blumhouse production, will be hitting the box office this Labor Day.Lindner will sit down with our KXAN Live Ancho

Austin teen stars in new movie 'AfrAId'

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A 13-year-old from Austin is making a name for himself in Hollywood and will be back on screens nationwide on Labor Day.Wyatt Lindner, 13, has starred in movies and television series since 2018. Lindner booked his first commercial at the young age of 4.He is best known for his role in the TV series Titans, Apple TV's Little America and his latest film AfrAId, a Blumhouse production, will be hitting the box office this Labor Day.Lindner will sit down with our KXAN Live Ancho

Public input wanted on the future of Texas Rail

AUSTIN (KXAN) — There will be a 2024 Texas Rail Plan virtual meeting on Monday from 4:30 to 6 p.m.Officials will discuss the latest priorities of the 2024 Texas Rail Plan and go over the federal funding eligibility requirements.
The Texas Department of Transportation said recent updates include the development of policy concepts, programs and agency-specific strategies to improve the efficiency of freight movement and maintain on-time passenger service.There have been statewide discussions

Today could be the hottest day of the summer

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's more of the same today with afternoon high temperatures reaching up to 100° to 104°. Austin has reached 100° to 102° 25 times in 2024. We have, for now, five more days of highs reaching triple digits before afternoon highs slip a little below 100° for the weekend.
Today could be the hottest day of the yearSunday's highest heat index reading was 108° reported at both Cameron and La Grange. Most heat index readings ranged from 102° to 108°, num

Summer heat likely peaks this week

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Another hot afternoon will wrap up with yet another triple digit day and probably one of our hottest days of the year.
Heat Advisories remain in effect today. For the greater Austin area the advisory will be in effect until 8 p.m. For Lampasas, Milam, and San Saba Counties, the advisory will be in effect until 9 p.m.Monday's Heat Advisories for much of Central TexasNEW BLOG: September forecast released. When will triple digits endTonight will be mostly clear and warm with lows

Much of the area remains under Heat Advisories

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's more of the same today with afternoon high temperatures reaching up to 100° to 104°. Austin has reached 100° to 102° 25 times in 2024. We have, for now, five more days of highs reaching triple digits before afternoon highs slip a little below 100° for the weekend.
Today could be the hottest day of the yearSunday's highest heat index reading was 108° reported at both Cameron and La Grange. Most heat index readings ranged from 102° to 108°, num

LIVE: Today could be the hottest day of the summer

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's more of the same today with afternoon high temperatures reaching up to 100° to 104°. Austin has reached 100° to 102° 25 times in 2024. We have, for now, five more days of highs reaching triple digits before afternoon highs slip a little below 100° for the weekend.
Today could be the hottest day of the yearSunday's highest heat index reading was 108° reported at both Cameron and La Grange. Most heat index readings ranged from 102° to 108°, num

Getting hotter

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's more of the same today with afternoon high temperatures reaching up to 100° to 104°. Austin has reached 100° to 102° 25 times in 2024. We have, for now, five more days of highs reaching triple digits before afternoon highs slip a little below 100° for the weekend.
Today could be the hottest day of the yearSunday's highest heat index reading was 108° reported at both Cameron and La Grange. Most heat index readings ranged from 102° to 108°, num

Manor ISD planning future pay raises, offering all students free meals

MANOR, Texas (KXAN) -- Manor ISD is hoping to build off of the one percent pay raise it already gave to teachers and staff at the end of last school year.Superintendent Dr. Robert Sormani said the district is calling for an additional two percent raise.However, voters will have the final say on whether that happens. The proposal calls for the raises to by paid for by a voter approval tax rate election. If passed in the November election, the district would receive an additional $4.8 million in t

New ‘first of its kind’ veteran resource hub to open soon in Dripping Springs

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) – Kathryn Chandler said after moving to Dripping Springs, she noticed a lack of spaces for veterans to meet and connect.“My father being a Vietnam veteran, I was like, ‘Let's do this,’” she said, “I mean, we owe this to these guys.”She and others in the veteran community started fundraising for the Patriots' Hall of Dripping Springs five years ago. Now, after raising $8.4 million, it is nearing completion.

New ‘first of its kind’ veteran, resource hub to open soon in Dripping Springs

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) – Kathryn Chandler said after moving to Dripping Springs, she noticed a lack of spaces for veterans to meet and connect.“My father being a Vietnam veteran, I was like, ‘Let's do this,’” she said, “I mean, we owe this to these guys.”She and others in the veteran community started fundraising for the Patriots' Hall of Dripping Springs five years ago. Now, after raising $8.4 million, it is nearing completion.

Downtown Austin Alliance talks budget impacts

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin City Council just signed off on a $5.9 billion budget, the largest yet in city history. Some of that money will also go towards sheltering people experiencing homelessness and for programs to improve downtown safety.Downtown Austin Alliance senior vice president Bill Brice talked with KXAN about the funding and how it will impact downtown Austin."Addressing problems like homelessness and public safety take coordinated systems and creative approaches," Brice said.

NASCAR Cup race at Michigan suspended until Monday after rain wouldn't go away

BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) —NASCARsuspended theFireKeepers 400until Monday, running out of time Sunday to run a race that was delayed and interrupted by rain.On Lap 51 of the 200-lap Cup race, cars went to pit road to wait and see if the rain would go away in time to get at least half of the race completed to make it official and avoid having it spill over into an extra day for the second straight year at Michigan.The race was set to resume at 11 a.m. EDT.During driver in

Jim Schlossnagle contract details: Big third year will make Texas Longhorns skipper highest-paid NCAA baseball coach

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Once Jim Schlossnagle hits the third year of his proposed contract as the Texas Longhorns head baseball coach, he'll become the highest-paid coach on the diamond in the entire country.According to the agenda book for the upcoming University of Texas System Board of Regents meeting Aug. 21-22, Schlossnagle will make a relatively modest $1 million base salary for the first two years of his seven-year contract and make a massive leap to $2.86 million to start the third year. T

Rare sighting: 'Doomsday fish' found near Southern California shore

SAN DIEGO (KSWB/KUSI) – In a rare and perhaps ominous sighting, an oarfish was found floating near California's La Jolla Shores over the weekend.According to a spokesperson from Scripps Institution of Oceanography atUCSan Diego, a team of science kayakers and snorkelers were out in La Jolla Cove Saturday afternoon and found the dead oarfish.Several people then worked together to carry the sea creature from the ocean to the bed of a truck using a paddleboard. The oarfish was the