The Austin Daily Drop

The "Death Star" law, designed for state pre-emption of a wide range of local ordinances in Texas cities and set to take effect tomorrow, has been ruled unconsitutional by a judge in Austin: ⁠https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2023-08-30/texas-death-star-law-ruled-unconstitutional-two-days-before-taking-effect/⁠

New details of Ken Paxton's lavish lifestyle as Texas Attorney General come to light in advance of his impeachment: ⁠https://apnews.com/article/texas-ken-paxton-impeachment-perks-travel-cake-97f8ef6ab925785977ff54b796f6c4f9⁠

Dozens of migrants have been treated for razor wire injuries at the border in the last two months: ⁠https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/border-wire-injuries-18336354.php⁠

...While the Los Angeles City Council considers criminal charges against Governor Greg Abbott over continued busing of migrants into that city: ⁠https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-08-30/migrant-bus-abbott-city-council-motion⁠

Studies find that Black babies in Harris County are twice as likely to die before age 1 than those of other racial groups: ⁠https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/29/texas-maternal-mortality-black-women/⁠

ERCOT releases yet another public plea for conservation - and it wasn't even that hot yesterday: ⁠https://abc13.com/texas-power-grid-energy-saving-tips-houston-heat-weather/13719257/⁠

...While ERCOT officials consider measures that would make battery storage more expensive and less effective. What the hell? ⁠https://www.douglewin.com/p/is-ercot-attempting-to-eighty-six⁠

Almost 800 new laws will take effect in Texas tomorrow, and it was hard work isolating the three most ridiculous to pick on: ⁠https://progresstexas.org/nearly-800-laws-take-effect-sept-1-here-are-most-misguided⁠

Ted Cruz decries non-existent medical recommendations on beer consumption (though he might consider cutting back himself): ⁠https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ted-cruz-beer-awkward_n_64f00663e4b0ca54cc6be9d7⁠

And the Ru-Publicans billboard is up in Austin: ⁠https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/2023/08/30/drag-show-gov-greg-abbott-texas-law-austin-billboard-rupublicans-ai-republicans/70717759007/⁠

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A whistleblower report accuses intelligence officers with Operation Lone Star of conducting illegal spying operations: https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-national-guard-whatsapp-spying-border-iraq-watchdog-2023-8

Texas Senators were at the Capitol yesterday in closed-door preparation for next week's impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2023/08/29/senate-prepping-for-texas-attorney-general-ken-paxtons-impeachment-trial/

...While new details of Austin real estate developer Nate Paul's inappropriate access to the AG's office are revealed: https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/29/ken-paxton-nate-paul-brandon-cammack-impeachment/

ERCOT pleads with Texas energy consumers to scale back out of desperation for a seventh time since mid-August: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2023/08/29/ercot-announcement-conserve-energy-texas-heat-wave-hot-weather-temperatures/70710636007/

...While new offshore wind power opportunities are passed over by potential lessees due to Texas' hostile political environment: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/politics/lone-star-politics/after-blistering-summer-texas-voters-to-decide-if-billions-should-go-to-power-plants/3325604/

...And while the state will ask Texas voters to commit billions to the building of new fossil fuel-burning power plants: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/politics/lone-star-politics/after-blistering-summer-texas-voters-to-decide-if-billions-should-go-to-power-plants/3325604/

Democratic members of the State Board of Education say PragerU materials are NOT approved for Texas classrooms....at least not yet: https://www.kut.org/education/2023-08-29/democrats-on-the-state-board-of-education-pledge-to-fight-efforts-to-introduce-prageru-in-texas

Legal challenges by Williamson County against the City of Austin's plans for a supportive housing project for the homeless are dismissed by a judge: https://communityimpact.com/austin/north-northwest-austin/government/2023/08/29/judge-rejects-williamson-county-challenge-over-austin-homeless-housing-project/

And, either due to pride or poverty, Texas remains the top state for retaining its native-born citizens: https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/29/texas-native-born-stay/

Governor Greg Abbott makes highly arguable statements about Texas' "sovereignty" in a national op-ed: https://nypost.com/2023/08/28/texas-gov-abbott-we-will-take-biden-to-supreme-court-to-protect-border/

...While an Operation Lone Star soldier shoots a man across the border on the other side of the Rio Grande in Juarez: https://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/ny-texas-national-guard-soldier-shot-man-juarez-from-el-paso-across-rio-grande-20230829-mu7rzysgrnf4xnnfmvzvcqkg54-story.html

...And a Christian group gains thousands of petition signatures protesting Abbott's family separation tactics at the border: https://www.newsweek.com/thousands-christians-condemn-greg-abbotts-migrant-mistreatment-1822635

Ken Paxton says he will not resign ahead of next week's impeachment proceedings: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/politics/lone-star-politics/wrong-texas-republican-attorney-general-ken-paxton-says-he-wont-resign-ahead-of-impeachment-trial/3325333/

...While Lt. Governor Dan Patrick picks a second judge to be his assistant during the trial: https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/28/ken-paxton-impeachment-presiding-officer-texas/

We apparently came closer to a serious statewide energy crisis last week than most of us thought: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/texas-narrowly-avoided-power-emergency-last-week-18334289.php

LGBTQ+ groups testified yesterday in a Houston courtroom against the new Texas drag ban law: https://abc13.com/drag-shows-senate-bill-12-show-ban-equality-texas/13713193/

Coffee City, in East Texas, has become "a magnet for troubled cops": https://www.khou.com/article/news/investigations/coffee-city-texas-police-officers/285-4220e73c-90d4-474e-b59e-2033270cd8e9

Officials in Anchorage, Alaska are taking cues from Houston on homelessness strategy: https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2023/08/29/seeking-shelterseeking-solutions-is-houston-texas-model-ending-homelessness-anchorage/

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A new law will provide very narrow exceptions allowing doctors to provide abortion care to Texans with problematic pregnancies: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/28/texas-limited-access-abortion-law

A judge finds new transgender care bans unconstitutional - and once again, the Texas AG immediately appeals: https://www.metroweekly.com/2023/08/texas-law-banning-transgender-health-care-to-take-effect/

A San Antonio drag company holds its last show following a ban on public drag performances beginning Friday: https://www.npr.org/2023/08/27/1196219618/a-texas-restaurant-holds-its-last-family-friendly-drag-show-before-new-law-goes-

The financial connections between Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and soon-to-be-impeached AG Ken Paxton raise questions of impartiality: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/state/2023/08/27/texas-impeachment-dan-patrick-ken-paxton-political-money-connection/70682969007/

Parents are worried as Houston ISD's return to school today, for the first time after the state takeover: https://apnews.com/article/houston-school-takeover-texas-libraries-discipline-44afa1a8d85d09cdcfd19879989d5379

Texas now leads all U.S. states in the department of school book banning: https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/27/us/school-library-book-ban-increase-dg/index.html

A tenth migrant bus from Texas arrives in Los Angeles: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-08-26/a-10th-bus-of-asylum-seekers-arrives-in-l-a-from-texas

ERCOT calls for power conservation for a fourth consecutive day (over a weekend?) as cold front-associated winds knock out power for thousands in Austin: https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/sunday-power-outages-cold-front/269-fbc8ae7b-a859-4c25-8738-d2a6ca0aed4e

Mall Of Abilene management abandons rescue plans of area wildlife conservationists and kills most of a colony of Mexican freetail bats roosting in its building: https://www.chron.com/life/wildlife/article/texas-bats-killed-abilene-mall-18331169.php

...While H.E.B. teams with wildlife filmmakers to produce a terrific new five-film series: https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/our-texas-our-future-review-wildlife-conservation/

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ERCOT and the Texas power grid narrowly avoided rolling blackouts last night - what's in store for this hot weekend? ⁠https://www.tpr.org/environment/2023-08-24/strong-possibility-of-power-outages-thursday-evening-san-antonio-asks-residents-to-conserve⁠

...Follow along with ERCOT's supply and demand dashboard, showing a thin margin of error during Friday night football games tonight: ⁠https://www.ercot.com/gridmktinfo/dashboards/supplyanddemand⁠

...While space telescope data may finger Permian methane emissions as a major contributor to this horribly hot summer: ⁠https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Permian-Methane-Flares-Could-Be-Linked-to-Texas-Heatwave.html⁠

Conservative activists are putting huge pressure on GOP Senators to stick with Ken Paxton during the upcoming impeachment trial: ⁠https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/24/texas-senators-ken-paxton-trial/⁠

...While none other that former Texas Governor Rick Perry laments his party's recent lawlessness: ⁠https://www.wsj.com/articles/ken-paxton-and-the-texas-constitution-ag-rule-of-law-impeachment-4da7792c⁠

Denton joins in support of Houston's lawsuit against the new Death Star law: ⁠https://www.keranews.org/government/2023-08-24/denton-joins-arlington-plano-waco-in-opposing-texas-death-star-bill-calling-it-unconstitutional⁠

A Granbury school board trustee is censured for sneaking into a high school library to inspect books in the dark: ⁠https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/08/25/granbury-texas-trustee-censure-library/⁠

...While a San Antonio parent successully faces down a Judson ISD campus for requiring NDA signatures to enter the building: ⁠https://nypost.com/2023/08/24/texas-school-tried-to-force-mom-to-sign-nda-to-get-on-campus/⁠

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A Trump-appointed judge in Victoria will hear arguments over the Biden administration's humanitarian parole program, starting today: ⁠https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/biden-immigration-policy-giving-temporary-legal-status-thousands-faces-rcna101383⁠

Whistleblowers at Texas Health and Human Services allege errors and bad management have led to thousands of pregnant Texans and children losing Medicaid health coverage: ⁠https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/help-us-state-employees-blow-whistle-on-errors-they-say-are-kicking-thousands-off-medicaid/⁠

Prager U's backfiring announcement of Texas approval develops - they now say their nonsensical garbage is an "option" for Texas schools: ⁠https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/texas-schools-prageru-18325731.php⁠

...While San Antonio ISD becomes the latest district to claim exemption from the new SRO law, citing funding and staffing limitations: ⁠https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/san-antonio-isd-exemption-texas-law-18324841.php⁠

...And a new school chaplain law is pooh-poohed by...wait for it...a group of chaplains: ⁠https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2023/08/23/texas-school-chaplains-letter/⁠

...And a throwback to the pandemic as an entire Texas school district shuts down over COVID cases: ⁠https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2023/08/23/school-district-in-south-texas-temporarily-closes-due-to-uptick-in-covid-19-cases/⁠

Good environmental news as battery storage is credited for keeping the Texas power grid stable this summer: ⁠https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2023/08/22/batteries-keep-texas-grid-humming-in-heat-waves-00112136⁠

...But bad environmental news as a hotly-contested lignite coal mining operation's expansion plans are approved by state regulators: ⁠https://insideclimatenews.org/news/23082023/texas-mine-expansion-water-worries/⁠

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Texas journalists seeking access to an encrypted e-mail account owned by Attorney General Ken Paxton are denied by his office, claiming "attorney-client privilege": ⁠https://twitter.com/lmcgaughy/status/1694031900988317710?t=w1jWJMjxUIoAEmVUHthoQA&s=03⁠

A federal judge in Austin rejects Governor Abbott's claims of an "invasion" at the border with Mexico: ⁠https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2023/08/22/federal-judge-rejects-texas-migrant-invasion-defense-in-doj-lawsuit-over-border-buoys/⁠

...While the Texas Supreme Court rules that a state law abolishing Harris County's elections administrator will be allowed to take effect on Sept. 1: ⁠https://abc13.com/senate-bill-1750-harris-county-politics-houston-elections-area-politicians/13685768/⁠

Prager U CEO and wackjob Texas State Board of Education member announce that Texas has approved the use of right-wing propaganda in Texas public school classrooms: ⁠https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/prageru-among-educational-lesson-plans-allowed-in-texas-schools-under-new-law/⁠

...While TEA and SBOE scratch heads in confusion, claiming no such approval has been granted: ⁠https://abc13.com/prageru-kids-slavery-video-educational-videos-for-controversial-material-texas-education/13687315/⁠⁠ A Lewisville ISD backtracks on policy after harshly punishing an 8th grader for talking to friends about fears of a shooting threat: ⁠https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2023/08/10/student-discipline-oversight-bolstered-in-lewisville-isd-after-teens-punishment/⁠

...While Houston ISD's new state-appointed superintendent backtracks on cutting recess for elementary school kids: ⁠https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/hisd-s-mike-miles-increases-recess-nes-schools-18310918.php⁠

The Texas power grid gets a mixed report card from a state watchdog: ⁠https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/infrastructure/ercot/2023/08/18/459988/texas-power-grid-has-held-up-well-for-summer-but-still-inefficient-energy-experts-say/⁠

And, an important read on Texas' new "Death Star" law, set to take effect next Friday, and what it means for our city governments: ⁠https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/08/greg-abbott-texas-attacks-austin-with-death-star.html⁠

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The Biden administration and the government of Mexico face off against Texas in federal court today over Governor Abbott's buoys barrier: ⁠https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/judge-texas-oversize-buoy-barrier-us-mexico-river-102442113⁠

...While a ninth busload of migrants, including 16 children, are sent by Texas into the path of Tropical Storm Hilary: ⁠https://abc7.com/los-angeles-migrants-texas-tropical-storm-hilary/13683042/⁠

A growing number of Texans are aware of the charges against Ken Paxton and support his impeachment: ⁠https://abc13.com/why-ken-paxton-impeached-impeachment-trial-texas-voters-attorney-general-legal-issues/13680969/⁠

...While Paxton attorney Tony Buzbee has decided he wants to serve on the Houston City Council: ⁠https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/21/tony-buzbee-houston-city-council-paxton/⁠

A special session on education looms - a House committee has reported its recommendations, which are likely to be ignored by GOP lawmakers: ⁠https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/politics/2023/08/21/texas-house-members-gear-up-for-expected-education-focused-special-session⁠

ERCOT has issued a "weather watch", anticipating high heat and low reserves starting tomorrow: ⁠https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/ercot-issues-weather-watch-for-texas/⁠

...While U.S. House Democrats call for an investigation into deadly heat in Texas prisons: ⁠https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/21/texas-prison-heat-deaths/⁠

And, South Texas is set for a brief break from hot, dry Texas conditions, but there is a storm to endure: ⁠https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/video/first-look-at-harolds-wind-and-rain-in-texas⁠

Thanks for listening! Please help Progress Texas continue our important work at ⁠https://progresstexas.org/⁠.

A Second Amendment group is waging a legal battle to allow the sale of a gun modification device that enables machine gun-style rapid fire: ⁠https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/forced-reset-triggers-illegal-machine-guns-atf-gun-102402318⁠

A former judge who donated to a recent Ken Paxton opponent declines an invitation to participate in the upcoming impeachment trial: ⁠https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/19/dan-patrick-marc-brown-paxton-impeachment-adviser-counsel/⁠

U.S. Senate hopeful Colin Allred reports from a week-long listening tour of Texas: ⁠https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/politics/inside-politics/texas-politics/democrat-colin-allred-travels-texas-listening-tour-us-senate-campaign/287-52952df5-eea1-4ea9-a310-6aab87c09c33⁠

GOP governors from a bunch of flyover states will join Governor Greg Abbott at the border today for a press conference about....something: ⁠https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/governor-kristi-noem-to-join-other-republican-governors-at-texas-border/⁠

New HISD superintendent subjects teacher and students to a musical play about...himself: ⁠https://www.texasobserver.org/houston-isd-takeover-the-musical/⁠

Our new heroes, The Ru-Publicans, are on a quest to buy a billboard in Austin mocking our state's new drag show ban: ⁠https://www.texasobserver.org/houston-isd-takeover-the-musical/⁠

Texas A&M University Police say they will no longer make small-possession pot busts: ⁠https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/texas-a-m-marijuana-18303293.php⁠

...While a cannabis decriminalization push gets going in Lubbock - proving that conservatives enjoy a tasty buzz too: ⁠https://www.marijuanamoment.net/activists-in-another-texas-city-kick-off-effort-to-decriminalize-marijuana-with-signature-gathering-underway-in-lubbock/⁠

A scary piece on scary televangelist Kenneth Copeland and the "Prosperity Gospel" movement in Texas: ⁠https://www.texasobserver.org/these-christians-think-god-needs-you-rich-and-to-rule-the-world/⁠

ERCOT implores Texans to cut back the AC for a second time in four days: ⁠https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/20/texas-ercot-conservation-request/⁠

...While an all-too-brief rain spell and temperature drop appears to be headed for South Texas on Tuesday: ⁠https://www.ksat.com/weather/2023/08/16/tropical-wave-expected-in-the-gulf-of-mexico-next-week-heres-what-were-monitoring/

Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our work at ⁠https://progresstexas.org/⁠.

Parts of SB-1, the 2021 GOP voter suppression bill, have been struck down by a federal judge: ⁠https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/federal-judge-strikes-down-portions-of-texas-voter-suppression-law-s-b-1/⁠

ERCOT pleads for conservation, but keeps the AC on - while energy prices spike 6,000%: ⁠https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/ercot-issues-voluntary-power-conservation-call-texas-heat-wave-2023-08-17/⁠

Tesla stock price continues to slide despite Texas requiring its tech to be used in new charging stations: ⁠https://www.barrons.com/amp/articles/tesla-stock-ev-charging-texas-9555ff9⁠

...While state lawmakers gouge electric vehicle owners with "punitive" fees: ⁠https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/17/punitive-texas-other-states-roadblocks-ev-transition-00110125⁠

Biden administration brushes off Abbott hysteria about an "invasion" at the border: ⁠https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2023/08/17/doj-scoffs-at-texas-invasion-defense-says-buoys-violate-treaty-of-guadalupe-hidalgo/⁠

...While an eighth busload of mostly Venezuelan migrants arrives in Los Angeles from Brownsville: ⁠https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/texas-sends-eighth-bus-with-migrants-to-los-angeles/3208012/⁠

Terrific Andrea Grimes op-ed on the hypocrisy of "pro-life" Texas: ⁠https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/rcna100475⁠

And, Progress Texas is hiring! ⁠https://t.co/2kwlpEQGRp⁠

Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can help us continue our mission at ⁠https://progresstexas.org/⁠.

Texas House impeachment managers respond to Paxton attempts to dismiss with more tawdry details: ⁠https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/16/ken-paxton-impeachment-evidence-senate/⁠

A ruling to limit the use of a safe and effective abortion medication has mostly been reversed - same judge will preside over upcoming Planned Parenthood lawsuit: ⁠https://arstechnica.com/health/2023/08/appeals-court-rules-on-abortion-pill-case-but-it-changes-nothing-for-now/⁠

U.S. Rep Greg Casar fights for federal solution as mandated water breaks for outdoor workers in Texas are set to end Sept. 1: ⁠https://www.npr.org/2023/08/16/1194279276/texas-workers-are-speaking-up-before-the-ban-on-guaranteed-water-breaks-starts⁠

A Texas woman is arrested after phoning in a death threat against a judge overseeing one of Donald Trump's several indictments: ⁠https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/08/17/texas-woman-arrested-abigail-shry-threaten-judge/⁠

Not surprising - but Texas teachers are leaving the profession in droves as lawmakers ignore obvious solutions: ⁠https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/report-many-texas-teachers-are-underqualified-and-leave-within-five-year/3318297/⁠

As the worst days of the heat wave approaches, economists estimate over $9B in losses to Texas businesses due to the heat: ⁠https://abc13.com/houston-economy-heat-impact-on-business-texas-landscaping/13658579/⁠

...While Franklin County residents fight AGAINST the development of solar farms: ⁠https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/16/texas-solar-farm-ban-counties-attorney-general/⁠

Since our restaurants need business, pick one from Yelp's Top 100 Restaurants in Texas List and go to town: ⁠https://www.yelp.com/collection/vDbu1mpLEKomVmXmXNWG0Q/Top-100-Places-to-Eat-in-Texas-2023⁠

Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can join the fun here: ⁠https://progresstexas.org/⁠

A closer look at the Planned Parenthood lawsuit shows that an anonymous whistleblower working with Ken Paxton stands to take home 20% of any judgement: ⁠https://www.forbes.com/sites/darreonnadavis/2023/08/15/what-to-know-about-texas-lawsuit-that-could-cost-planned-parenthood-18-billion/?sh=67fec23f4ae3⁠

...And that Amarillo, where the case is being heard, itself has no Planned Parenthood clinics: ⁠https://apnews.com/article/planned-parenthood-texas-medicaid-6c016b80c0cf76e3b8f9577ad6ea8e69⁠

A lawsuit to block Texas' ban on care for transgender youth has its first day in court: ⁠https://www.kut.org/health/2023-08-15/lawsuit-to-block-texas-ban-on-care-for-transgender-youth-has-its-first-day-in-court⁠

...While a school board meeting in deep East Texas over a trans elementary school teacher goes as one might expect: ⁠https://www.12newsnow.com/article/news/local/teacher-gender-controversy-divides-kirbyville/502-5d6a01e8-4b5b-40f5-a43d-b4ac2e23444b⁠

On the Border: whoda thunk that Greg Abbott would put his deadly border barrier up on the Mexican side? ⁠https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-floating-border-barrier-technically-in-mexico-survey-finds/⁠

...While Operation Lone Star-related high-speed DPS chases and crashes are WAY up in El Paso: ⁠https://www.ktep.org/ktep-news/2023-08-14/operation-lone-star-leads-to-more-dps-troopers-in-high-speed-pursuits-resulting-in-collisions-in-el-paso⁠

...and Hispanic U.S. Congressmen rally the Biden Administration to stop the separation of migrant fathers from their families: ⁠https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/hispanic-democrats-send-letter-urging-biden-administration-to-investigate-texas-separation-of-migrant-fathers⁠

A new state law interfering in Harris County elections is found unconstitutional - and is immediately appealed: ⁠https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/judge-calls-new-texas-election-law-unconstitutional-state-102296644⁠

A recent Miss Texas winner is running for the Texas House: ⁠https://www.expressnews.com/politics/article/miss-texas-house-campaign-18296949.php⁠

Dallas attorney Sidney Powell is up on RICO charges in Georgia - but continues hawking her merch: ⁠https://www.businessinsider.com/sidney-powell-indictment-georgia-election-conspiracy-theories-defiant-2023-8⁠

Illinois carpetbagger and unconvicted double murderer Kyle Rittenhouse has a new gun-nut org based in Texas: ⁠https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/16/kyle-rittenhouse-texas-foundation/⁠

And there's a fundraiser this weekend for victims of the wildfires in Maui in Bedford: ⁠https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/native-hawaiians-north-texas-fundraiser-maui-residents-hawaii-wildfires/⁠

Thanks as always for listening! Learn more about what we do at Progress Texas and how you can help at ⁠https://progresstexas.org/⁠.

Texas launches a lawsuit designed to destroy Planned Parenthood: ⁠https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/texas-planned-parenthood-repay-millions-dollars-102273480⁠

Women forced to carry medically hopeless pregnancies to term under SB-8 continue to tell their stories: ⁠https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-abortion-plaintiff-hopes-daughters-death-can-ultimately-help-others/3316090/⁠

The Biden Administration calls on U.S. Supreme Court to take up controversial Texas social media law: ⁠https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/08/14/biden-supreme-court-social-media-texas-florida/⁠

TCEQ sues Shell (for a pittance) over fire at its Deer Park facility: ⁠https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/environment/article/shell-fire-lawsuit-texas-environment-18294678.php⁠

Christian Nationalist darling ⁠Matt Schaefer⁠ will not run for re-election to the Texas House - but is eyeballing a Senate seat: ⁠https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/environment/article/shell-fire-lawsuit-texas-environment-18294678.php⁠

Brad Pascale, digital disinformation master for Donald Trump, has returned to his native Texas: ⁠https://www.sacurrent.com/news/san-antonio-tech-bro-turned-trump-insider-brad-parscale-has-moved-back-to-texas-32408210⁠

Illinois Superintendent of Education makes a strong pitch for Texas teachers to head north: ⁠https://www.the74million.org/article/open-invitation-to-florida-and-texas-teachers-come-to-illinois-we-trust-you/⁠

Thanks for listening! Find out more about Progress Texas, what we do, and how you can join in at ⁠https://progresstexas.org/⁠.

As a migrant child dies on a Greg Abbott bus to Chicago, California Governor Gavin Newsom calls our Governor's care for human life "absolutely appalling": ⁠https://www.ktvu.com/news/newsom-calls-out-texas-gov-after-3-year-old-migrant-dies-on-bus-to-chicago⁠

Also appalling - someone is stealing water barrels intended to save the lives of migrants in the Texas desert: ⁠https://www.npr.org/2023/08/12/1193621286/texas-migrants-drinking-water-barrels-disappeared⁠

Texas AG's office reverses itself on status of unborn fetuses - are they people, or not? ⁠https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/12/texas-fetus-rights-prison-guard-lawsuit-abortion⁠

Austin attorney Mindy Montford - a Democrat - will play a role in the Ken Paxton impeachment trial: ⁠https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/state/2023/08/14/texas-impeachment-austin-lawyer-could-be-key-witness-in-paxton-trial/70570511007/⁠

Dallas attorney Sidney Powell - definitely not a Democrat - is thought likely to be the target of impending criminal charges in the Trump investigation: ⁠https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/donald-trump-jack-smith-sidney-powell-indictment-1234804906/⁠

The EPA trashes Texas coal cleanup as "do-nothing policy", demands drastic reduction of emissions that are affecting national parks: ⁠https://insideclimatenews.org/news/13082023/epa-texas-disagree-haze-rules-national-parks/⁠

And here we go again: COVID-related hospitalizations are spiking in Texas, just as the kids go back to school: ⁠https://www.ktsm.com/news/texas-covid-hospitalizations-jump-again-maps-show-where-its-worst/⁠

Thanks as always for listening! Find our more about Progress Texas and how you can join the fun at ⁠https://progresstexas.org/⁠.

Operation Lone Star claims Noah's Ark as their excuse to place deadly barriers in the Rio Grande: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/border-buoys-noahs-ark-18289332.php

Chip Roy leads charge to defund the Border Patrol: https://www.politico.com/minutes/congress/08-10-2023/roy-approps-demands/

Federal grand jury calls witnesses connected to Ken Paxton: https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/10/ken-paxton-grand-jury/

As predicted, DPS officers patrolling Austin are targeting Black and Latino Texans: https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/10/texas-austin-dps-state-troopers-police-communities-color/

Texas public schools, soon required by law to post armed guards, can't find or afford to hire them: https://www.expressnews.com/news/education/article/school-security-new-law-hb3-18285762.php

Texas judge says outcome of Harris County election challenges by GOP will take time to complete: https://news.yahoo.com/texas-judge-says-no-quick-211601128.html

Yet another all-time ERCOT power demand record yesterday (the third just this week): https://www.reuters.com/world/us/texas-power-use-hits-record-third-time-this-week-amid-heat-wave-2023-08-10/

...While extreme heat can mess you up faster than you think: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/08/10/well/live/heat-body-dehydration-health.html

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend! Learn more about Progress Texas, including how you can support our ongoing and important work, at https://progresstexas.org/.

The McCombs Business School at UT Austin has been hosting a radical white supremacist scholar: ⁠https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2023-08-09/new-report-reveals-ut-austin-scholar-wrote-for-white-supremacist-publications/⁠

Houston City Council invites 2028 Republican National Convention to town in near-unanimous vote: ⁠https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/houston/article/houston-republican-convention-city-council-votes-18287278.php⁠

Yet another record single-day energy demand met by ERCOT yesterday, made possible by renewable energy providers: ⁠https://www.reuters.com/world/us/texas-power-use-hits-record-again-amid-heat-wave-2023-08-09/⁠

Democratic lawmakers press USPS on hot weather care for its letter carriers: ⁠https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2023/08/09/texas-congressmen-push-usps-to-give-mail-carriers-bottled-water-breaks-from-extreme-heat/⁠

Texas wildfire danger reaches its second-to-highest risk level: ⁠https://www.kvue.com/article/weather/texas-drought/wildfire-preparedness-level-texas/269-94ec2f71-b237-4f96-a932-67dbcbe9227f⁠

...While Texas actually remains behind wildfire stats for mid-August (knocks on wood): ⁠https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/09/texas-wildfires-2023-heat-wave/⁠

Texas Republicans estimate a 0.1% chance of a conviction in Ken Paxton impeachment trial: ⁠https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/ken-paxton-trial-senate-conviction-chances/⁠

Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how YOU can join the fun at ⁠https://progresstexas.org/⁠.

Orange river buoys deployed by Governor Abbott and Operation Lone Star are modified with razor-sharp circular saw blades: ⁠https://theweek.com/greg-abbott/1025651/circular-saw-blades-divide-controversial-rio-grande-buoys-installed-by-texas⁠

Texas officials at the border have defied warnings about breaking international and Federal law for months: ⁠https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2023/08/08/docs-show-rio-grande-agency-warned-texas-for-months-on-border-buoys-before-turning-to-doj/⁠

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro isn't buying DPS claims of "working well" with U.S. Border Patrol: ⁠https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/border-eagle-pass-democrats-18284715.php⁠

A Texas A&M professor says all this cruelty at the border won't work anyway: ⁠https://theeagle.com/opinion/column/abbotts-barrels-wire-fences-wont-work/article_d9a953be-34c3-11ee-ab39-17dc6a41f352.html⁠

Texas gets another national black eye, this time from Rolling Stone: ⁠https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/texas-abortion-bounty-law-ruling-1234802301⁠

Texas abortion ban, lifted for a few hours last week, now heads on appeal to the Texas Supreme Court: ⁠https://www.npr.org/2023/08/08/1192750247/what-just-happened-when-texas-abortion-bans-briefly-lifted-and-what-comes-next⁠

Watch Ted Cruz squirm as he explains voting against a wave of funding for Dallas-area microchip manufacturing: ⁠https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/politics/texas-politics/sen-ted-cruz-explains-vote-against-chips-act-after-tour-of-dallas-county-inland-port/3312776/⁠

Patriot Front finds itself on opposing ends of two lawsuits: ⁠https://www.dallasnews.com/news/courts/2023/08/08/texas-extremist-group-patriot-front-sued-over-boston-attack-of-black-man/⁠

Texas judge orders Southwest Airlines lawyers to undergo training...by an extremist hate group: ⁠https://newrepublic.com/post/174906/texas-judge-orders-airline-lawyers-take-training-far-right-hate-group-adf⁠

A climate change-related migration OUT of Texas may be on the horizon: ⁠https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/heat-climate-change-migration-texas-south-southwest/⁠

Before you flee, plant a tree! Free fruit trees offered in San Antonio this weekend: ⁠https://www.mysanantonio.com/lifestyle/outdoors/article/free-trees-san-antonio-parks-18285502.php⁠

Thanks for your support! Learn more about Progress Texas at ⁠https://progresstexas.org/⁠.

Gerrymandering trial starts in packed Galveston courtroom: https://www.galvnews.com/news/gerrymandering-trial-starts-in-packed-galveston-courtroom/article_f86c3afd-c325-5b95-829b-3aed69ab7452.html

Gov. Abbott holds ceremonial signing for law restricting trans athletes in the name of supporting women's sports: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/gov-abbott-holds-ceremonial-signing-for-law-restricting-transgender-athlete-participation-womens-sports/287-e18f29db-322c-4c7d-a5a4-3e331d90bb1b

...While Trump trashes U.S. Women's National Soccer Team: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/07/trump-us-womens-soccer-team-00110074

Both Cruz and Cornyn voted to confirm "Far Left" judge Trump wants removed from Jan. 6 trial In 2014: https://www.businessinsider.com/which-republican-senators-voted-tanya-chutkan-judge-trump-january-6-2023-8

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo bravely goes public about seeking mental health care: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2023/08/07/harris-county-judge-lina-hidalgo-taking-leave-of-absence-to-receive-treatment-for-clinical-depression/

Ken Paxton's lawyers, unsatisfied with 19 of 20, now want ALL impeachment articles thrown out ahead of trial: https://www.axios.com/2023/08/08/ken-paxton-impeachment-dismissed-effort

And this horrible Texas heat may be having horrible impacts on your mental health: https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/heat-impact-mental-health/285-cbea6a81-f966-4b7c-86b4-dc22c1c675f0

Thanks for listening! Find out more about Progress Texas and our ongoing mission at https://progresstexas.org/.

Austin health and government authorities have declared the spread of monkeypox locally to be an official health emergency.

The CHIPS And Science Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden yesterday, could be huge for Austin's burgeoning microchip manufacturing sector.

As local school districts resume classes, AISD is still struggling to fill teaching positions - all while a new poll finds that the overwhelming majority of public school teachers in Texas are on the verge of leaving the profession.

The LCRA is resisting calls to reform its water management policies to adjust for increasing demand and dwindling supply - they say existing plans, set to be updated in 2025, are sufficient for now.

A recent hike in minimum wages for City of Austin employees is likely to cause future budgetary challenges.

A new tower planned for the Domain will be the tallest yet in Austin's "second downtown".

Alex Jones, thus far found liable for about $50 million in the Sandy Hook defamation case, could be protected from paying most of that judgement due to a 2003 lawsuit reform law.

Monday marked the 30th anniversary of the 1992 Save Our Springs election, via which enduring local ordinances to protect Barton Springs were enacted.

The body found at Mount Bonnell on Saturday while a fallen pedestrian was being rescued has been identified as 21 year old Prabin Gharti.

A dog left behind in a car after its owner was arrested by Round Rock police on Sunday died of heat exhaustion before animal control could arrive to take custody of it.

Barton Springs Pool has been declared safe for swimming, following the identification of toxic algae downstream in Barton Creek.

Despite slowing economic numbers nationally, the Austin economy seems to be roaring along. However, the Texas Workforce Commission predicts that Austin's rate of job growth will soon be surpassed by neighboring suburban cities.

Austin has been ranked #8 on a new list of the best ice cream cities in the U.S. - and #1 in Texas.

St. David's Medical Center has been named the 8th best hospital in Texas, and the 37th best in the country.

Austin Monthly has profiled Austin author Gabino Iglesias, whose new novel "The Devil Takes You Home" is gaining attention from Hollywood.

Wildfires in the Austin area remain a threat: the Hermosa fire near Wimberley is 35% contained, and the much larger Big Sky fire near Dripping Springs has reached 60% containment. Meanwhile data from the Texas A&M Forest Service shows that 90% of wildfires are caused by human activity, not natural causes.

LoneStar, the operator of ABIA's South Terminal, has sued the city over its move to reclaim the facility via eminent domain.

Redevelopment plans for a stretch of the East 6th Street bar district are a go, despite lingering concerns about historical preservation.

A group of Texas cities, including Austin, have sued Disney, Netflix and Hulu, claiming millions in overdue franchise fees tied to the use of public communication lines for their streaming services.

A modest production boost by OPEC sustains a continued, now-51-day-long drop in gas prices - the statewide average is now $4.33 per gallon, Austin's average is $3.68, and the cheapest gas in Central Austin this morning is $3.45.

New studies show that for renters, the Austin/Round Rock metro is the most expensive rental market in Texas, requiring a full-time worker to make at least $27.90 per hour to afford a two-bedroom home. 41% of Austinites are renters.

Acclaimed BBQ joint la Barbecue has been burglarized for a fifth recent time, losing 20 briskets with thousands of dollars in market value.

Austin will host the Red Bull BC One championship breakdancing qualifier this weekend.

Wildfires near Austin continue burning: the Big Sky fire near Fredericksburg has burned nearly 1,500 acres and is 60% contained, the Smoke Rider fire near Dripping Springs burns on as well, now having consumed 1,200 acres and several homes with 70% containment, and a third wildfire has forced evacuations near Wimberley. Austin Fire is pleading with local smokers to keep their lit butts inside their cars.

Following the lead of several other Texas cities including Austin, San Marcos city officials announce that their police department will not investigate violations of new abortion bans in Texas.

The Alex Jones jury has delivered a verdict, awarding the parents of Sandy Hook shooting victim Jesse Lewis's parents $4.1 million - they had sought $150 million. Two more trials to go for Jones.

As of Thursday, Austin has set its third-longest streak for consecutive triple-digit days at 20. Forecast models are predicting a chance of rain this weekend, and Colorado State is predicting potential hurricane relief for Central Texas. We'll believe it when we see it.

City officials are considering September as a good starting point for the first pilot run of Austin's guaranteed income program, the first to be tried in Texas. The city is also calling for input on how it should manage Austin's homelessness situation.

Local animal shelters, facing overcrowding, are struggling to adhere to Austin's standards as a no-kill city.

Austin has been ranked #1 on a new list of cities measured by lowest carbon footprint.

Meanwhile Brewing will host a book fair titled "Lagers and Literature" on August 28 to benefit the Inside Books Project, featuring pop-ups by the Austin Public Library, the Harry Ransom Center, Typewriter Rodeo and more.

Cameron "Dicker The Kicker" has left the building - leaving a gaping hole in Texas Football's special teams plans.

Live music for the weekend: the Hot Summer Nights free local music series continues through Saturday at venues all over the Red River Cultural District and beyond. Friday catch a long-awaited rescheduled show with David Gray at ACL Live, COIN at Stubb's, and Black Pistol Fire at Emo's. Saturday sees Leon Bridges at the Moody Center and Franz Ferdinand at Stubb's. Sunday, Christian Lee Hutson plays the Parish.

Several significant wildfires are burning near Austin now, including the Blue Bluff fire near Walter E. Long Park is 85% contained, while the much larger Smoke Rider fire, east of Dripping Springs on the Hays/Blanco County line, is only 30% contained - see the InciWeb map for real-time tracking of wildfires and their progress. All are amidst another pass of potentially record-setting heat today and tomorrow. And while our friends on the Texas coast might not fully agree, Central Texas looks forward to hurricane season for potential drought relief.

Parents of Sandy Hook victims testified yesterday in the ongoing defamation damages trial of Alex Jones, saying that conspiracy theories spread by Jones has made their lives "a living hell".

Following the closure of Tesoros on South Congress, neighboring Lucy In Disguise is set to close after 38 years.

ACC will almost double its spending on compensation for its employees, including a minimum wage hike to $20 per hour.

Following the lead of cities including Austin and Denton, officials in San Antonio and Dallas are considering local ordinances that would decriminalize abortion. A similar measure in El Paso recently failed on the tie-breaking vote of its mayor.

As drought persists, levels in Lake Travis have dropped near 50%, leading to concerns about boating safety. Meanwhile, swimming has been declared off-limits at Wimberley's Blue Hole due to high bacteria levels and low visibility.

Jurors in the Alex Jones defamation trial have been told that members of the families of Sandy Hook shooting victims are suffering from PTSD, and have been placed under secure isolation after "encounters" with presumed Jones supporters in Austin.

Austin ISD police Lt. Wayne Sneed has been selected as the district's first Black chief of police.

A rash of burglaries has struck a series of pet grooming salons in Austin.

H-E-B has issued a recall for half-gallons of its Creamy Creations light mint chocolate chip ice cream, as it contains wheat, but does not bear an allergy label.

Austin ranks #4 on a new list of the most insect-infested U.S. cities.

The Mohawk live music venue and Breakaway Records are collaborating on a new high-fidelity vinyl bar on Austin's Music Lane in SoCo.

Westlake Chaparral and new Clemson Tiger QB Cade Klubnik has won his second Offensive Football Player of the Year award in this year's USA Today High School Sports Awards Show.

The end of July marks the hottest July in Austin history - following the hottest June, and the hottest May - marking the first time that's happened three months in a row in our recorded history. This summer (which isn't over yet) now ranks 7th-ever in days over 100 degrees. A severe lack of rainfall has led to impending use restrictions in the Texas Hill Country.

Longtime and legendary KUT/KUTX radio host John Aielli has died at 76.

Amidst a contentious trial to determine damages that Alex Jones will be required to pay the families of Sandy Hook victims he's been found guilty of defaming, Jones has placed the company behind his Infowars network into bankruptcy.

A full third of Austin's currently-listed homes for sale have seen price reductions, indicating a cooling and stabilizing of the bonkers local real estate market. Meanwhile the Austin area is rated #1 in the country in demand for new apartment construction - and forced locations began Sunday for residents of the Congress Mobile Home and RV Park, which was sold late last year; the new owners want the old tenants out.

Texas achieved the nation's largest job gains in June, and statewide unemployment fell by a full percentage point between May and June, to 4.1%, which remains slightly higher than the national average.

As the new school year approaches, health experts are advising Texas colleges to prepare for the possibility of monkeypox outbreaks.

The Austin City Council has earmarked $350,000 for a continued, deeper research dive into the Austin Police Department's culture and practices.

A pilot who had taken off from Austin on a solo flight to El Paso lost his engine and was forced to land on Interstate 20 near Pecos last week.

Round Rock has been rated the 37th-richest city in America.

The Teens Who Care nonprofit, launched in 2020 by a pair of Westwood High students, has funded school supplies for over 11,000 lower-income Austin area students.

Amidst recent sudden closures, Eater.com has published a new list and map of 22 Essential Craft Breweries in Austin.

Austin FC continues a stellar sophomore season with a shutout win over Sporting KC, and striker Sebastian Driussi is in the MLS MVP conversation.

Weekly CDC COVID risk levels are released: Blanco County is upgraded to High risk, joining Milam, Fayette, Caldwell and Lampasas Counties, while the rest of the area remains at Medium risk, including Travis and Williamson. COVID-related hospitalizations have continued to slowly rise to 188, up from 170 one week ago. Meanwhile, monkeypox cases have continued to climb, and Austin Public Health confirms that West Nile virus has been detected in Travis County mosquitoes.

Austin has officially seen its hottest July record, and we're now in drought conditions that are the worst in over a decade.

Former Austin auto dealership magnate Erik Charles Maund, in jail in Nashville awaiting trial for arranging the murders of a mistress and her estranged boyfriend, is accused of attempting to arrange the murder of one of his accomplices - from behind bars.

As part of yesterday's marathon session, the Austin City Council has approved a $350 million bond for affordable housing efforts on the November ballot.

The Travis County Commissioners Court has approved a resolution imploring LCRA to take more impactful measures towards conservation of water in the Highland Lakes system.

Austin's police and transportation departments are working on strategies to reduce the rising number of severe car accidents in the city.

Speaking of APD, the Austin Chronicle has published an article on the department's use of long range acoustic devices or LRAD's as a crowd control measure - if improperly used, they can cause permanent hearing loss and brain injuries, and in theory interfere with heart function.

The race for Austin Mayor just got a little testier, as candidate Celia Israel has characterized parts of her opponent and former Mayor Kirk Watson's housing plan as "racist".

The two-screen Doc's drive-in movie theater near Buda is for sale - the land and the business are included for just under $4 million.

Amidst ongoing drought conditions, wildfires have been popping up all over the area, and Jacob's Well in Wimberley has stopped flowing, for only the fourth time in recorded history.

Day two of the Alex Jones Sandy Hook trial ended with lawyers for the opposing sides squaring off over video evidence from Jones' InfoWars show, resulting in the jury being dismissed early.

Austin's residential real estate market shows signs of a cooldown, including dropping prices and rising inventory - however, no relief is yet in sight for renters, as prices continue to rise amidst tight inventory.

Speaking of tough times for renters - the Austin Animal Center credits a wave of evictions for overcrowding at its shelter, as renters are forced to give up their pets.

On the Austin City Council's extensive agenda today: considering a return of the Austin Police Department's use of license plate readers, and codifying the exact parameters that make an establishment a "live music venue".

The nonprofit Urban Alchemy has been contracted to run the ARCH homeless shelter in downtown Austin - their experience in the area is under some doubt.

The parent company of Spectrum has found itself owing $7 billion - billion, with a "b" - in punitive damages stemming from a case in which one of its technicians murdered an elderly customer in Irving.

Float Fest made its return last weekend with a stellar lineup of artists - and a litany of problems.

Texas is ranked #1 in the United States for production of renewable energy.

Bummed about the end of Choco Tacos? We know a place in Austin where you can still get one.

Weekend live music: Friday shows include Cat Power at Emo's, A.R. Rahman at the Bass Concert Hall, A Giant Dog at the Mohawk. Both Friday and Saturday, catch The Shins at ACL Live. Saturday features Third Eye Blind at Germania Insurance Amphitheater, a Madam Radar album release at the 04 Center. And Sunday catch a terrific band I discovered by accident last weekend, Die Spitz are wrapping their monthlong Sunday residency at Hotel Vegas. 

With the official judgement by the U.S. Supreme Court officially overturning Roe v Wade, the 30-day countdown to a full abortion ban in Texas begins: that ban will become effective on Thursday, August 25.

Alarming drops in lake levels are accompanying the ongoing drought, with Lake Travis now down to 54% of its capacity.

Alex Jones calls the first day of his trial to determine damages he owes families of the Sandy Hook shooting victims a "kangaroo court" - he's no-showed day 2 today. Jones and InfoWars are being sued for $150 million by just one of those families.

City officials are considering an accreditation program for bars on 6th Street, in an effort to improve safety.

The Austin City Council will hold its first regular meeting in over a month tomorrow, with an agenda pileup of at least 200 items they are tasked to discuss and vote on.

CASA of Central Texas, an organization that provides legal support to children in foster care in the southern portion of the greater Austin area, is in need of hundreds of volunteers.

Austin ranks #1 in a ranking of Texas cities by median salary growth over the last two years.

UT students living in the new luxury housing complex The Standard have spoken out about unsafe and unsanitary conditions in the building.

Long a target of criticism, the Austin Aquarium is under renewed scrutiny for alleged animal mistreatment.

Two longtime local dining faves return: sushi mongers Kome have reopened their dining room after 30 months of takeout-only service, and Indian establishment G'Raj Mahal, known for its quirky original location on Rainey Street, is set to reopen in East Austin. Meanwhile, 4th Tap Brewery is closing after filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Both KUT and veteran Austin TV reporter Fred Cantu are out with updates on the current COVID scenario in Austin, which officially remains at Medium risk according to CDC guidelines. Local COVID hospitalizations have continued to edge upwards - last night's count was 192, over double the count of 93 one month ago.

Even with gas prices dropping, they're still very high considering the price of crude oil.

The first day of school has been announced for all area districts, including August 15 for Austin ISD.

Austin Community College has partnered with Dell Medical School to launch a new mental health program for ACC students.

Cody Cowan is leaving the job of executive director of the Red River Cultural District, a position he has held for most of the lifetime of the non-profit that oversees the live music venues in that area of downtown - a replacement is being sought now.

The Swan Songs Serenade concert to benefit the end-of-life care nonprofit Swan Songs will happen on October 23 at the Four Seasons Hotel.

And we keep thinking the heat wave may be past us, but we're expecting 103 today, and 102 over the upcoming weekend.

As monkeypox concerns continue to mount, Texas finds itself short on vaccine doses compared to demand.

The unionizing trend amongst Austin businesses continues as employees of Tiff's Treats are organizing and asking for higher wages.

A Texas Tribune article points to low wages, overwork, substandard benefits, pandemic concerns and political polarity as reasons for the shortage of teachers in Texas. Austin schools are also facing a shortage of crossing guards as the school year approaches.

Jury selection begins today for the first of three trials to determine damages owed by Alex Jones to the families of Sandy Hook shooting victims, whom he has been found guilty of defaming.

A North Texas mental health facility has stopped accepting Travis County jail inmates for the treatment they need in order to stand trial.

Austin FC fell just short of another comeback against the New York Red Bulls last night, losing the match 4-3, and has also (as expected) terminated the contract of Cecilio Dominguez.

Our historic scorcher continues through this weekend, though a possible pattern change could spell at least moderate relief. Meanwhile, the Texas electric grid hit a new all-time demand record on Wednesday, crossing the 80,000 megawatt threshold for the first time ever - that's more demand than the states of California and New York on the same day, combined.

The Austin City Council voted yesterday to limit the enforcement of state abortion laws by city agencies. The GRACE Act was passed unanimously.

Fayette and Lampasas counties have been upgraded to High COVID risk, while Blanco and Mason drop from High To Medium, and Gillespie drops from High to Low risk. Travis and Williamson Counties remain at Medium and Hays remains at High risk. Local COVID-related hospitalizations have plateaued over the last week or so, with the count at 154 as of last night.

Both the Austin Police Department and school districts across the Austin area are facing critical staffing shortages.

Willie Nelson's operation at Luck has announced a fall show - "Lucktoberfest" - featuring Tanya Tucker, Los Lobos and more.

Longstanding West Campus haunt Cain & Abel's is in the way of a new high-rise student housing project, but its actual demise could still be "years" away.

Did we mention that gas prices are dropping? They're falling faster in Texas than in any other state.

The "Banksyland" exhibit, showcasing the art of enigmatic urban artist Banksy, is running now at a secret Austin location - you have to buy a ticket to find out where to go.

On the heels of a new American non-stop to Vail, Colorado comes a new Southwest direct to Montrose, gateway to Crested Butte and Telluride.

While 47 U.S. congressional Republicans voted with the unanimous Democrats to codify same-sex marriage into federal law on Tuesday, the only one from Texas was Tony Gonzales of San Antonio - the rest, including the several who represent gerrymandered slices of Austin, voted against.

Kaitlin Armstrong had her first court appearance yesterday, during which she entered a plea of not guilty. She's charged with first-degree murder.

Samsung is considering a massive additional investment in the Austin area including 11 new chipmaking plants - a $200 billion spend that could create as many as 10,000 new jobs.

Gas prices have continued to drop, now down to a local average of $4.02 per gallon - that's 20 cents below this time last week. The cheapest gas in central Austin as of this morning is $3.82.

A new study finds Austin squeaking into the top ten most educated cities in America - the only one in Texas to do so.

Austin history: Huston-Tillotson University has been registered on the National Register of Historic places, and the 1929 Hancock-area home where both Tom Miller and Emma Long once lived is likely to officially become a historical landmark via the Austin Historic Landmark Commission.

Dale Watson's iconic coin-covered Telecaster-style guitar was stolen from a Houston restaurant's parking lot last weekend.

Weekend live music highlights: Friday shows include Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder at the Haute Spot and Blackillac at Jester King Brewery. Saturday and Sunday the Float Fest is on at Gonzales Texas with Deadmaus, Vampire Weekend and Chance the Rapper headlining Saturday, and Marshmello, Cage The Elephant, Lord Huron, Tove Lo and CHVRCHES playing Sunday. And the Ripplefest heavy metal and stoner rock festival runs through the weekend at the Far Out Lounge and Stage.

And, while blazing temperatures continue through the early part of next week, some relief may be on the way - highs in the upper 90's, by the current forecast, will begin by next Thursday and extend into early August.

Austin's hottest summer ever plows on: high temperatures threaten daily records every day for the rest of this week, while July could become the first month in Austin with no measurable rainfall since 2015. Meanwhile, the struggling Texas power grid has created a dangerous feedback loop: as power generators are allowed to violate emissions standards to stay online longer, ever more greenhouse gases are released - exacerbating climate change.

Fundraising data for Mayoral and Austin City Council members and candidates has been released. Meanwhile, the Austin City Council is set to meet on Thursday to discuss local measures related to abortion access.

Crime stats: citywide crime is trending downward, with the exception of aggravated assault, which is up 17 percent.

Austin is set to sever ties with the nonprofit that has run the ARCH homeless center downtown for years.

Project Connect has broken ground on the new McKalla Station, which will provide rail service to Q2 Stadium.

The first non-stop flight between Austin and Vail, Colorado will be in place by Christmas.

Texas State University is offering a class on "the cult of celebrity", focusing on Harry Styles.

Several Uvalde developments over the weekend: The special House committee assigned to investigating the Robb Elementary shooting released its findings on Sunday, finding widespread "systemic failures" and "egregiously poor decision making" in the police response, while the New York Times has acquired a document indicating intent by local law enforcement in Uvalde to steer the "narrative" on the shooting response more favorably. Uvalde city leaders have placed acting police chief Lt. Mariano Pargas on administrative leave as they launch an internal review. The father of one of the slain children was ejected from a private briefing and surveillance video review on Sunday in Uvalde because he "wasn't on the list". The gunman is said to have given many clues of impending trouble over the past few years, including developing the nickname "school shooter". And calls have begun for criminal penalties over the mismanagement of the response.

Amidst persistent record-threatening heat, several Texas power plants are running non-stop and deferring maintenance in order to keep up with electricity demand.

Monkeypox worries continue as a case is confirmed at UT.

An Austin couple has donated $2 million to Beto O'Rourke's gubernatorial campaign, his largest single donation yet, reported as part of a February-June fundraising haul totaling almost $25 million, topping fundraising during the same period by Governor Greg Abbott.

A record $5 billion budget for Austin's '22-'23 fiscal year is proposed, including a 16% reduction in property tax rates, raises for city employees and increased city fees.

The Austin City Council will meet this week to discuss abortion access in Austin, including the "Guarding the Right to Abortion Care for Everyone" or GRACE Act. 

Austin FC is "cruising" atop the MLS West at the mid-point of the season as a Saturday night draw at FC Dallas gives Austin its first official trophy as a club: the "Copa Tejas" state championship.

Taylor's Fred Kerley leads a U.S. sweep of the men's 100-meter dash at the world track and field championships in Oregon on Saturday, posting a time of 9.86 seconds.

The ACL Festival has released its day-to-day lineup and released single-day tickets for sale as of Friday - all of those single-day passes remain available this morning.

And another brutally hot week looms: expect heat advisories all week and highs reaching a peak of 107 on Wednesday, as a new pass of Saharan dust continues to degrade air quality through tomorrow.

It's official: we've just completed the hottest week in Austin's recorded history.

Austin Public Health finds itself not only battling the spread of monkeypox, but also the spread of misinformation about the disease. Meanwhile, Hays, Caldwell, Gillespie and Mason Counties have been upgraded to High COVID-19 risk level.

CNBC's annual "Top States For Business" poll finds Texas to be the fifth-best state in the U.S. for business - but the second-worst state to live in. Only Arizona is worse for "life, health and inclusion".

More from that expansive Austin Monitor poll says Austinites find local news valuable, but disagree on how good our local media is, with conservatives particularly critical. The full spread of data from the poll has also been released for your perusal.

Taylor residents remain resolved to honor the legacy of Dr. James Dickey, the Black community leader whose historic home was destroyed by an arsonist last weekend.

The Hot Summer Nights free live music series has announced its lineup of bands and participating venues, with shows scheduled between August 4 and 6.

Adding insult to injury, the current historic heat wave has also resulted in the worst air quality in Central Texas in a decade. Meanwhile, ERCOT's chief is concerned about the ability of Texas' older power generators to keep up with the ongoing record demand for power this summer.

Austin Public Health declares that monkeypox has achieved community spread in Austin. Meanwhile, COVID-19 risk remains at Medium level for Travis County, and hospitalizations continue tracking upward - as of yesterday at 159, up from 68 one month ago.

Friends of an elderly cyclist who died in a hit-and-run crash in March are offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

The director of Austin's Office of Civil Rights remains on paid leave following an investigation that appears to confirm employee allegations of a hostile work environment.

Trash collection schedules have been moved earlier to allow workers to avoid the worst of the afternoon heat - we're now asked to have containers on the curb by 5:30am.

A new poll commissioned by the Austin Monitor shows deep division in Austin over police spending and public safety, and that Austinites are dissatisfied with local government - and keen to vote in November.

Lawyers for Alex Jones want to bar any mention of white supremacism or extremism from the cupcoming trial to determine how much he owes the families of Sandy Hook shooting victims whom he defamed. Meanwhile, his ex-wife Kelly Jones claims to have "insider info" which she's volunteering to the House Select Committee on the January 6 insurrection.

A stretch of West Sixth Street, roughly the block east of Clark's Oyster Bar, is being eyeballed for a vertical mixed-use makeover.

Our Thursday weekend live music outlook: Friday shows include Brandi Carlile and Lucius at Waterloo Park, Purity Ring at ACL Live, Billy Currington at Round Rock Amp, and the Roky Erickson Birthday and Ice Cream Social at Hotel Vegas. Saturday catch the Rebirth Brass Band at the Far Out Lounge, Atmosphere at Stubb's, Coheed and Cambria at Waterloo Amphitheater, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd at ACL Live.

And extreme heat continues, with a high of 105 coming today - but with a welcome chance of rain, most likely between 3pm and 10pm today.

The release of hallway surveillance video from last month's shooting incident at Robb Elementary is being criticized by community leaders in Uvalde, while families and residents criticize those same leaders for a lack of transparency.

Our historically horrible heat wave continues, with temps expected to remain over 100 each afternoon as far forward as the forecast goes - but there is a decent chance of rain coming Thursday. Meanwhile, amidst recent ERCOT calls for Texans to conserve energy, we learn that large companies, which use a lot more power than private customers, are not required to scale back usage during tight conditions.

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the suspicious fire that destroyed the historic home of a Black community leader in Taylor.

A dog has died after swimming at the "Barking Springs" area near Barton Springs Pool - investigators are looking into possible toxic algae contamination.

Austin FC has reclaimed the top spot in the MLS Western Conference with a thrilling win over the Houston Dynamo.

Longtime South Congress Italian bistro Enoteca Vespaio has closed, and will be replaced with the Oaxacan concept  Chapulín Cantina - neighboring Vespaio Ristorante remains open.

Eater.com's 38 Essential Restaurants In Austin list has undergone its quarterly update, adding Usta Kababagy, Birdie’s, and Canje.

A new ranking of the top resorts in Texas includes Austin's Commodore Perry Estate and Omni Barton Creek Resort at #2 and #3, respectively.

Bruce Springsteen has announced his first Austin show in over a decade, at the Moody Center on February 16, 2023.

Legendary Austin guitarist Eric Johnson has released two new albums.

Blistering heat continues - but, no official calls for conservation from ERCOT as of this morning. However, we should expect those calls to become common throughout the summer.

A mental patient who escaped from an institution in North Texas two weeks ago has been apprehended in Austin, where he killed his father years ago, but was acquitted on an insanity defense.

A new local poll finds that lack of affordability is the top issue facing Austin according to respondents, distantly followed by crime and homelessness. Austin's rental rates continue to increase at a pace beyond national averages.

Recent STAAR test results indicate a gradual recovery from the widespread academic progress slowdown attributed to the pandemic, but there's still ground to make up in most subject areas for Texas students.

The City has decided to limit the number of rental scooters available along Congress Avenue from the Capitol to Lady Bird Lake, and for one block in either direction of Congress along that stretch between Colorado and Brazos.

The Austin Board of Realtors expects at least a slight drop in Austin home prices to come soon, following a drop in sales volume and an increase in inventory.

ABIA is now offering walk-up enrollment for TSA PreCheck - but, it will still take three to five days for applications to be approved.

Reba McEntire will bring her U.S. tour to the Moody Center on October 28, and Lyle Lovett and his Large Band will tape for Austin City Limits in August.

Another excessive heat warning today, as the moment that those of us who shivered through the multi-day statewide power outage in February of 2021 had feared: that experience appears primed for a possible, and potentially much more dangerous repeat as ERCOT urges Texas energy consumers to cut back today - a situation that's likely to become familiar over the rest of the summer. Sunday, the hottest July day ever recorded and the third-hottest day overall historically for Austin, saw two major local power outages due to system issues suffered by Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative.

Governor Greg Abbott pledges to "look into" whether Austin is violating a new state law that penalizes cities for reducing law enforcement budgets - the Austin Police Department's budget is the highest it has ever been, at $443 million annually.

Investigators are looking into a weekend fire that destroyed the historic home of a Taylor civil rights pioneer, which was being renovated into a museum.

Murder suspect Kaitlin Armstrong faces a new charge: using another person's passport to leave the country.

Austin's monkeypox case count climbs: we now have six confirmed local cases, and three others presumed to be monkeypox.

Alamo Drafthouse faces a potential union conflict after the firing of an employee which is being construed by its union members as retaliation.

Austin FC comes off a shutout win at Atlanta United to return home for a Tuesday night match at Q2 vs the Houston Dynamo.

Again, an excessive heat advisory is in place today as we expect afternoon highs to climb into the upper 100's, perhaps 107, with similar weather (and potentially, similar power grid strain) likely for Tuesday and Wednesday. Highs back down into the 100-102 degree range as of Thursday.

Almost the entire state of Texas is now in a state of drought, with about 16% now in exceptional drought, including the the Hill Country and watershed areas critical to replenishing the Colorado River.

Confirmed monkeypox cases in Texas have climbed to 20. Meanwhile three local counties - Blanco, Lampasas and Milam - have risen to High risk status for COVID-19 spread according to the CDC. Local hospitalizations continue rising steadily, now up to 142 from 118 one week ago.

Gas prices continue dropping - the statewide average price is now down 16 cents over the last week, hitting $4.33 per gallon, which is still way higher than this time last year when it was $2.81. GasBuddy reports the cheapest gas in central Austin this morning is $4.19.

Airport news: ABIA set a third-straight all-time monthly record for passenger volume in May, topping 2 million in a single month for the first time. Meanwhile, the Austin airport is to receive $15 million for expansion, via President Joe Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Texas Football is ranked #4 in predicted outcomes among the Big 12 in its media preseason poll, behind Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Baylor, who place at the top of the preseason poll for the first time.

Free outdoor entertainment: tonight marks the return of Zilker Theatre Productions free presentation of Newsies at Beverly Sheffield Hillside Theatre at Zilker Park. Shows run Thursday thru Sunday evenings at 8:15 through August 13. And, the Austin Symphony's Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park continue on Sundays at the Long Center through August 28, those shows start at 8pm.

Demand on the Texas power grid has already surpassed the projected summer peak, about a month earlier than expected, with another all-time high of 77,460 megawatts set on Tuesday.

Restrictions including a GPS tracker and passport surrender are being discussed as part of bond terms for murder suspect Kaitlin Armstrong. The real story here though, is that her release, after six weeks on an international flight from a murder charge, is being discussed at all.

A new Texas State University study shows that three separate opportunities to stop the Robb Elementary shooter last month were missed by law enforcement officers.

A lawsuit has been filed in Travis County against the owners of a short-term rental in Comfort in which cameras had been installed in its bedrooms, and against Austin-based Vrbo, via which the plaintiffs rented the space.

A new UT/Texas Politics Project poll finds most Texans opposing abortion bans, and historic highs for respondents who believe our state is on the wrong track.

Austin FC has announced the addition of Ecuadorian winger Washington Corozo, on a six-month loan deal from Peruvian Liga 1 club Sporting Cristal.

Texas Longhorns RB Bijan Robinson has been named the preseason media Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Meanwhile, as Texas prepares to depart the Big 12, the conference is considering six Pac-12 schools for possible inclusion: Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and Washington.

Longtime stand-up comedy staple the Cap City Comedy Club is set to hold its first show in its new location in northwest Austin tonight.

Weekend live music options: Friday shows include Cory Morrow at the Haute Spot and The Belle Sounds at 3TEN ACL Live, Saturday catch the Austin Chamber Music Festival at the Austin Chamber Music Center, Alvin Crow's 50th anniversary show at the Broken Spoke and Fiddlehead at the Mohawk.

Friday also sees the first of three free evening outdoor movies at Waterloo Park with a screening of Sing 2, starting at 7:30.

Murder suspect Kaitlin Armstrong is back in Austin.

State Sen. Roland Gutierrez and Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin say that families of the Uvalde shooting victims are suffering delays in getting compensation benefits from the state, and that the compensation payments have been insufficient.

Austin gas prices, while still flirting with record highs, have taken a dive of over 15 cents per gallon over the last week. Meanwhile, Austin's traffic levels have built back to pre-pandemic levels of gridlock.

Citing extreme drought conditions, LCRA has decided to deny Highland Lakes water to agricultural customers in the lower Colorado River basin.

A scandal is developing over a golden retriever that was reported missing from the Lucki Dog boarding facility in Spicewood, but later found buried on the facility's property.

Austin Public Health has requested testing supplies and vaccines from the federal government to help tackle the potential spread of monkeypox in Central Texas.

The current labor agreement between the City and the Austin Police Association will expire in three months - representatives of both are continuing to negotiate a new contract.

Longtime KXAN news anchor Robert Hadlock, the longest-serving current anchor in Austin, is set to retire in mid-July.

The original Z'Tejas location on West 6th is set to close by the end of the year.

Austin has been ranked among the least-affordable cities in the country for minimum wage earners.

As shootings mar Independence Day celebrations across the nation, we had local trouble as well: Austin Fire Department crews were dispatched to as many as 90 fires between 8pm and midnight Sunday. Trouble on the water as well as three water incidents resulted in a drowning, a missing swimmer and one hospitalization for drowning. An attendant at a fireworks stand in northeast Austin shot at two men who were attempting to rob the business late last night, wounding one of them. And in more positive news, the owner of 12 Fox Beer Company in Dripping Springs decided to cancel his annual fireworks show yesterday, due to dry conditions.

The Texas Supreme Court ruled late Friday that an abortion ban dating back to 1925 can now be enforced, undermining last Tuesday's temporary blocking of the law.

More public pools have opened as of the weekend, including Martin Pool and Dottie Jordan Pool, with more opening next Sunday the 10th, including Ramsey Pool and Mabel Davis Pool.

Tesla's Gigafactory east of Austin is set to undergo an additional 500,000 square foot expansion.

Eight local business leaders have mad the national round of Ernst & Young's annual Entrepreneur Of The Year competition.

Austin FC managed a comeback from a two goal deficit to beat the Colorado Rapids yesterday 3-2 - Landon Cotham at Moontower Soccer says "grit and a winning mentality are necessary traits of good teams in this league".

Kaitlin Armstrong, suspected of the murder of pro cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson, has been caught after six weeks on the run in Costa Rica.

Travel advisory: holiday weekend backlog has begun to stack up at Austin Bergstrom International Airport, with long lines, delays and cancellations.

Members of the Texas State Board of Education are recommending that social studies curriculum for 2nd graders refer to slavery as "involuntary relocation".

That suspected case of monkeypox in Travis County has been confirmed, as contact tracing efforts continue.

The Austin Fire Department is warning that conditions are too dry for any truly safe use of fireworks, though they are allowed in the usual locations. Also, personal watercraft will be banned for the 4th of July weekend on Lake Austin.

The University of Texas has been ranked number 2, only behind Rice, in a new ranking of the best college investments.

After a brief shutdown for renovations, venerable cajun restaurant Cypress Grill in South Austin is set to re-open in August to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

Concertgoers at Emo's in East Austin have become frequent targets of car booters in nearby parking lots.

Hi Sign Brewing is primed to open their new taproom next weekend, on July 9.

The forecast for the holiday weekend has gotten hotter - we now expect 100-degree highs at a minimum beginning Friday and lasting at least through mid-July.

Four men are facing federal charges in connection to the mounting count of 53 migrants who died of heat exhaustion after being abandoned in a tractor trailer near San Antonio this week - including the driver of the truck, who tried to pass himself off as a migrant himself when confronted by police.

The first Texas city on record saying it will not enforce new abortion restrictions in Texas isn't Austin - it's Denton.

Following the closure of Jacob's Well this week comes the closing of Hamilton Pool, also due to high bacteria levels in the water. Meanwhile, after months of pleading for new lifeguards, some of them have not been getting paid on time by Austin's Parks and Recreation Department.

Austin's Music Commission is requesting that the City Council expedite the deployment of the Live Music Fund to an earlier date than the one currently planned, next July.

Stream Realty Partners, the company heavily invested in revitalizing East 6th Street has unveiled plans for new live music venues in several spaces it controls, including the former Buffalo Billiards and Dirty Dog spaces.

SXSW is planning an offshoot event in Sydney, Australia, in October of 2023 (it's spring down there at that time).

Travis and Williamson counties both made U.S. News' new rundown of the 500 healthiest counties in the country - Collin County ranked highest in Texas at #50, and Williamson significantly outranked Travis, at #121 and #295, respectively.

Thursday live music roundup for the weekend: Friday shows include album releases with  Sir Woman album release at The Parish and Big Bill at Hotel Vegas, a TC Superstar tour kickoff show at Cheer Up Charlie's, Bigg Robb at Antone's as part of their 47th Anniversary run, and a Nancy Griffith tribute show at the Cactus Cafe. Saturday catch Antone's anniversary fun with Jimmie Vaughan, a heavy 2nd Anniversary party at Hold Out Brewing with Holy Death Trio and Eagle Claw, and Los Pendejos del Norte featuring Ed Miller of Sun Radio and Rich Brotherton of the Robert Earl Keen band at New World Deli. Sunday Fleet Foxes are at Waterloo Park's Moody Amphitheater, and the Antone's anniversary features Miss Lavelle's Birthday Bash. And Monday the 4th, Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic rolls into Q2 Stadium for the first time with Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Tyler Childers, Allison Russell, Steve Earle & the Dukes, and tons more.

Austin weather: a tropical disturbance in the northwestern Gulf Of Mexico is expected to dump rain on the Texas coast, and there's hope some of that will come our way, but officially our rain chances for this week are dropping and our hopes for significantly cooler temps are fading too. Highs Thursday and Friday of 96, rain chance now down to 20% for Friday. We're back to upper 90's by Saturday, and then back to what looks like a long string of triple digit days starting Tuesday.

COVID numbers are on the rise once again - including hospitalizations, as Travis County remains at Medium risk level. Meanwhile, monkeypox has achieved a limited degree of community spread in Austin.

A Harris County judge has issued a temporary restraining order that suspends a 1925 law banning abortions - thus, Texas clinics can resume performing the procedure under recently-imposed limits.

The death toll among an abandoned truckload of immigrants found near San Antonio this week has reached 51 - authorities have arrested three men suspected of operating the illegal immigration ring.

A man who killed his father in Austin in 2013 but was acquitted on an insanity defense, has escaped from a mental health facility in north Texas. His mother says she's "terrified" and considers him to be dangerous.

H-E-B and the Butt family have donated $10 million towards the rebuilding of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.

The popular Jacob's Well swimming hole in Wimberley has been declared off-limits due to high bacteria levels.

The ACL Festival has made additions to their 2022 lineup, including Death Cab For Cutie, Culture Club, Austin's Adrian Quesada, and more.

The Statesman has released a collection of charts that show just how bad our hot, dry summer has been so far - though we have seen worse at this point in the year. We're hoping for more rain in the next few days, but be advised that it could impact outdoor plans for the holiday weekend.

In the wake of the overturning of Roe v Wade, several companies with presences in Austin have announced that they'll cover travel costs for employees seeking abortion care. Travis County DA Jose Garza has announced that his office will not prosecute abortion-related cases, and Austin City Council Member Chito Vela is spearheading a resolution discouraging Austin police from investigating allegations concerning abortion. The decision has also prompted an increase of interest in vasectomies and tubal ligation procedures.

A city-commissioned consumer advocate team is warning that proposed utility price hikes from Austin Energy will present significant challenges to lower-income Austinites.

The downtown building housing Vince Young Steakhouse, dating back to 1912, is facing demolition.

The Harry Ransom Center at UT is creating a new endowment named for actor Robert De Niro, who is set to host a 65th anniversary gala for the Ransom Center in September.

Six Austin companies have made a new ranking of the "Best Companies To Work For".

Hoffbrau Steaks, one of Austin's oldest restaurants, has closed down again - this time because it's just too hot.

The last two Blues On The Green shows for the year will feature Shinyribs on July 19 and Black Joe Lewis on July 20.

Good and bad news with the weather: we've officially set a new record for 100-degree days in June - but wasn't that rain nice yesterday? There's a chance we'll see more this week, and slightly cooler temps - we may not hit 100 again until after the July 4 holiday.

In the wake of Friday's decision from the U.S. Supreme Court announcing the overturning of Roe v Wade, thousands of Austinites spent their weekend protesting and demonstrating for reproductive rights.

A push to force all ten Austin City Council Members to stand for re-election this year has been ended by the Texas Supreme Court.

The Austin Fire Department has deployed firefighters and equipment to join in battling the Dempsey Fire in Palo Pinto County, just west of Fort Worth.

Austin Public Health has reversed course on closing its last COVID-19 vaccination center due to demand from parents of younger kids - APS is also awaiting results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to confirm what would be the first case of monkeypox in Travis County.

John Nagle II, an Austin-based entrepreneur who founded several interactive gaming companies, died June 22 in a helicopter accident. 

Several board members of Mexic-Arte Museum, dedicated since 1983 to the presentation and promotion of traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latino art and culture, have resigned citing concerns about the museum’s management and leadership.

Austin FC clawed back from a 2-0 deficit vs FC Dallas on Saturday, eventually ending the match in a 2-2 draw.

And could it be? A tropical low and an unusual June cold front are primed to drop temperatures into the 90's for much of this week, bringing also a chance of desperately-needed rain.