The growing use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) is sparking significant public debate in Austin and San Marcos, with many residents and civil rights advocates raising red flags about surveillance, data access, and privacy rights. The controversy centers around Flock Safety cameras, already in use across both cities, which are designed to track stolen vehicles and wanted individuals but also collect vast amounts of data from everyday drivers.

The 2025 All-District 26-6A baseball team has been officially announced, highlighting the best high school baseball talent from the Austin area. Voted on by district coaches, the honors spotlight athletes who displayed exceptional performances throughout the season in one of Texas’ most competitive 6A baseball districts. Dripping Springs center fielder Taylor Tracey leads the list as the district’s Most V

Texas softball delivered a statement win at the 2025 Women’s College World Series, defeating rival Oklahoma 4-2 at Devon Park in Oklahoma City. The victory not only ended a brutal 25-game losing streak for the Longhorns in the state of Oklahoma but also kept Texas unbeaten in the tournament and on pace for a second consecutive appearance in the WCWS championship series. Sophomore ace Teagan Kavan starred on the

The Austin Fire Department (AFD) was inundated with emergencies following a powerful storm that swept through the region on Wednesday. From rescuing people trapped in floodwaters to handling over 700 storm-related calls, AFD crews were on high alert as neighborhoods like Shoal Creek faced the brunt of the storm. As intense rain, gusty winds, and hail pounded the area, multiple swift water rescues were initiated across the city. Among the most serious incidents was a tragic rescue at

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, the two American astronauts who spent an unexpected nine months aboard the International Space Station following issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule, are gradually transitioning back to life on Earth. After their return in March, the duo has been undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation phase to recover from the physical toll of extended microgravity exposure. Now, they’re emerging stronger, participating in post-mission responsibilities with both N

Austin’s beloved Barton Springs Pool will keep its late-night hours, allowing residents and visitors to continue enjoying evening swims and the famously quirky full moon howling events. A recent proposal to end nightly access at 9 p.m., eliminating the 9 to 10 p.m. free swim hour, has been withdrawn following public concern and a reassessment by city officials. Over the weekend, a sign at Barton Springs indicated that new operating hours would begin June 1, closing the pool ni

More than 59,000 Austin Energy customers were left in the dark on Wednesday night as powerful storms rolled across Central Texas, bringing damaging wind, hail, and intense lightning. According to Austin Energy's website, the outages began after 9:30 p.m. and affected numerous areas in the Austin metro due to broken tree limbs and storm-damaged electrical infrastructure. The energy provider reported no estimated timeline for power restoration, stating on its outage map, “We

Communities across Central Texas gathered this Memorial Day weekend to honor and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. Ceremonies in Austin, Pflugerville, and Round Rock served as powerful reminders of the cost of freedom and the enduring legacy of fallen service members. In East Austin, the Thankful Hubbard Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) and the Patrick Henry Chapter of the So

In one of the most significant drug seizures in recent San Marcos history, police uncovered a massive stash of illegal narcotics and firearms earlier this month during a search of a home on Hughson Drive. Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, the San Marcos Police Department Narcotics Division executed a search warrant that led to the arrest of 28-year-old Erik Cadena, who now faces a list of multiple felony charges. Authorities reported finding a staggering quantity of controll

The City of Hutto has officially been recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, landing the 13th spot on a new list released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The data reflects population changes from 2023 to 2024, during which Hutto grew by over 9 percent, making it the only city in Central Texas to break into the top 15. What was once a small, quiet town on the outskirts of Austin is now experiencing a development boom fueled by an influx of new residents and

In a deeply tragic incident that has shocked the Indian-American community and the tech startup world, 30-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur Akshay Gupta was brutally stabbed to death on a public bus in Austin, Texas. According to the Austin Police Department (APD), the attack occurred without provocation and has led to the arrest of 31-year-old Deepak Kandel, who has been charged with first-degree murder. The incident took place on the evening of May 14, when emergency services re

Austin state Representative Vikki Goodwin, a Democrat, has officially entered the 2026 race for Texas lieutenant governor, setting up a high-stakes political showdown with Republican incumbent Dan Patrick. The announcement, made Tuesday, introduces Goodwin as a challenger willing to confront long-standing Republican control in Texas with a platform centered on public service, transparency, and essential policy reforms. Goodwin, who has served four terms in the Texas House representi

Television lovers, get ready for an unforgettable weekend as the ATX TV Festival returns for its 14th edition in Austin, Texas. Taking place from Thursday, May 29 through Sunday, June 1, 2025, the festival promises a packed schedule of exclusive screenings, cast reunions, behind-the-scenes conversations, and interactive panels featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. Founded in 2010 and often referred to as “TV Camp for Grown Ups,” the ATX TV Festival brings

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, Texas and Florida have taken the lead as homes to some of the fastest-growing cities in the United States from 2023 to 2024. The surge in population across these states has reaffirmed a major demographic shift to the southern and western regions of the country. Among the most dramatic examples is Princeton, Texas, a Dallas suburb, which recorded an astonishing 30.6% population increase making it the fastest-growing city in the U.S. for 2024.

In a major legislative move, the Texas Senate has approved a bill to shut down the Texas Lottery Commission, potentially bringing dramatic changes to how the state’s lottery is managed. The bill now heads to the Texas House for further consideration. The decision follows months of controversy surrounding the use of online ticket sales and third-party courier services. Critics raised concerns about regulatory loopholes and lack of oversight, prompting Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other lawma

Yamal Said, the drummer for the Austin-based band Lord Buffalo, was detained by Customs and Border Protection agents on Monday at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Said, a Mexican national and lawful permanent resident of the United States, was reportedly removed from a Europe-bound flight and handed over to local authorities due to an active arrest warrant, according to CBP officials. The band took to Facebook on Wednesday to break the news, stating that the drummer was forc

In a significant move toward strengthening child protection laws in the state, the Texas House has tentatively approved House Bill 168, a proposal aimed at closing legal loopholes that currently allow for child marriages under certain conditions. The bill, authored by Rep. Jon Rosenthal, a Democrat from Houston, passed with a vote of 83-51 and is scheduled for a final vote later this week. If it clears that hurdle, the legislation will advance to the Senate. House Bill 168 would pro

In a critical move to reform the Texas Lottery, a new Senate bill filed by Senator Bob Hall could provide the much-needed lifeline to an increasingly scrutinized institution. Senate Bill 3070, introduced at the tail end of the Senate session, seeks to abolish the Texas Lottery Commission and place oversight of the state-run lottery under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. This bold step aims to address concerns raised over illegal activities and enhance accountability within th

Austin’s own Devon Walker, best known for his rising presence on “Saturday Night Live,” is making waves outside late-night TV with his brand-new comedy podcast, “My Favorite Lyrics.” Known for his wit, relatable charm, and offbeat humor, Walker now brings that same energy to the podcast world but with a twist. Walker, a native of Pflugerville and Texas State University graduate, launched the show just two weeks ago. The premise? A lovingly absurd breakd

Zscaler, a leading cybersecurity company, has entered into a sublease agreement with Airbnb for a major office property in Santa Clara, marking a significant real estate shift in Silicon Valley’s post-pandemic office market. The sublease covers two buildings located at 4301 and 4401 Great America Parkway, a combined space of approximately 300,000 square feet. Originally leased by Airbnb in 2020, the twin 150,000-square-foot buildings are connected by a skybridge and feature modern design e