(Talk1370.com) -- Investigators say they're still working on collecting evidence from the scene of a massive house explosion in Northwest Austin on Sunday. That and more in your Morning Headlines for April 15.
House Explosion Latest: Residents in a northwest Austin neighborhood are starting to put the pieces back together after a massive explosion Sunday morning destroyed one home, caused another to partially collapse, and damaged more than two dozen others. The Travis County Fire Marshal's office on Monday said it's working to gather all relevant facts and evidence in the case; until then, the office says it will keep its investigation under wraps. In addition to homes in the neighborhood, Round Rock ISD says Laurel Mountain Elementary - about a half mile from the scene of the blast - sustained damage, including windows being blown out in the cafeteria and at least one classroom. Maintenance crews were able to clean up that damage Sunday afternoon and operations at the campus weren't significantly impacted Monday.
Bastrop County Signs Off On 290 Toll Study: Bastrop County Commissioners gave their approval to an agreement with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, approving a study on expanding the US 290 toll road from its current end near SH 130 all the way east to Elgin. Under the agreement, CTRMA will fund the study and related planning costs. Assuming the project moves forward, it's expected to help with traffic congestion in Manor and other fast growing areas on the eastern side of the metro. The finished project would be about 13 miles, ending near State Highway 95. That study is estimated to cost about $20 million; if the project moves ahead, construction costs and timing are still to be determined.
Texas House Vote On Direct NIL Payments: The Texas House has given its initial approval to a bill that would allow the state's universities to directly pay student athletes for their name, image, and likeness rights. While outside entities have been able to pay students, schools have been blocked from doing it directly under state law - and the bill would put Texas in line with rule changes the NCAA is expected to make following a class-action lawsuit settlement reached last year. Supporters say the bill will keep Texas at the forefront of recruiting in college sports; opponents say it will grow the gap between the "haves" and "have nots" in the state. Assuming the bill receives a final approval in the House, it's not clear what its future may be in the Texas Senate.
24/7 Weather Center Forecast: Dry cold front moving through will help keep your Tuesday highs down near normal... high of 82 with northerly winds. Temps start warming back up towards the weekend; still tracking the possibility of showers and even some thunderstorms for your Easter weekend.
