(NEXSTAR) – It's been almost 20 years since we've seen a geomagnetic storm as strong as the one heading our way this weekend. Power operators and other groups that maintain critical infrastructure are preparing for what might happen when the coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, hit Earth. But is there anything you should be doing? A G4-level solar storm, such as the one expected to hit as soon as Friday evening, can cause issues with the power grid, radio communications and the accuracy of GPS. The most noticeable impact for the everyday person – not working in aviation, satellite communicati ..read more

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has passed a $105 billion bill designed to improve safety and customer service for air travelers, a day before the law governing the Federal Aviation Administration expires. The bipartisan bill, which comes after a series of close calls between planes at the nation’s airports, aims to boost the number of air traffic controllers amid a shortage, improve safety standards and make it easier for customers to get refunds after flights are delayed or canceled, among other measures. After passing the legislation on a strong 88-4 vote, the Senate passed ..read more

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A University of Texas at Austin professor was fired by the university Thursday days after he was arrested in connection with a pro-Palestine protest on campus. An attorney representing the professor told KXAN that a specific reason for his firing was not given. Richard Douglas Heyman, a liberal arts professor, was charged with interference of public duties-- a Class B misdemeanor-- following an incident with law enforcement on April 29 on the UT south lawn. Heyman was arrested on Wednesday, May 8, online court records say ..read more

TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) — The City of Taylor provided an update on the ongoing Justice Center project for the city's new city hall building. During a city council meeting Thursday, the project's architect, Randall Scott, provided a 3-D conceptual layout of the new building, which will hold council chambers, a community room, the municipal court, utility billing, the police department and city hall services. West view digital rendering of ongoing Justice Center project (Courtesy: City of Taylor) Southwest view digital rendering of ongoing Justice Center project (Courtesy: City of Taylor) Second ..read more

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- One person is dead after a deadly vehicle-bicycle crash on the U.S. 183 Toll, according to Austin-Travis County EMS. Around 3:59 p.m., medics responded to the crash in the 7300 block of U.S. 183 Toll southbound. That's near U.S. Highway 290. Drivers should expect extended traffic closures as the investigation continues. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) said all southbound lanes are closed due to the crash. No further details were released Friday ..read more

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) -- Lisa Walling was driving home Thursday, trying to beat the storm, when "all of a sudden it was like softballs coming through the sky and windshields shattering," she said. Below are photos of the damage the hail caused to her car. Lisa Walling said softball-size hail smashed through her windshield. Smashed windshield in Dripping Springs. Hail damaged the front windshield as well. Broken glass inside the car from the smashed back window. When the hail started getting worse, Walling said she pulled over so the car was partially covered by a tree. "I thought ..read more

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department released 911 audio and body camera videos Friday stemming from a deadly shooting in northwest Austin on April 27. APD said officers shot and killed a 44-year-old man, identified by police as Thomas Dray Price, after police said he refused to comply with orders and drop a gun ..read more

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Friday, the Austin Independent School District superintendent announced another round of anticipated budget cuts that will impact jobs at the district’s headquarters.  Officials said potential reductions impacting class sizes and teacher planning periods are currently off the table but might have to be considered down the road.   District officials credited the increased financial pressure with being a result of lawmakers' failure to increase state funding for schools, specifically the amount of funding districts get per student.  Superintendent Matias S ..read more

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Leaders broke ground Friday on a permanent supportive housing project that will eventually house people experiencing chronic homelessness. Seabrook Square II, near Martin Luther King Jr. and Airport Boulevard, will add 60 permanent supportive housing units to east Austin. Those units will include wrap-around services like mental health care, substance use treatment and case management. "Permanent supportive housing is really our most intense way to support individuals who have been homeless the longest and have the greatest needs," said David Gray, homeless strategy officer fo ..read more

(NEXSTAR) – Americans are suckers for meats we barely need to chew. Whether it’s a succulent pile of pulled pork, a slice of melt-in-your-mouth brisket, or a bite of falling-off-the-bone ribs, Americans love a great plate of tender barbecued meats that — if necessary — we could tear apart with a fork and gum down our throats ..read more