The school shooting at Uvalde has left behind unbelievable grief and shock across Texas. Some families of victims were made to wait hours before being told of their child's condition. President Biden is calling for new gun control action, while Texas Republicans are calling for more Texans to be armed and trained, as several prominent GOP leaders plan to appear at the NRA's annual convention in Houston this weekend - historically, mass shootings have resulted in a fewer gun restrictions in Texas, not more. Austinites are urged to not only make a blood donation, but to become a new regular blood donor - and to be sure to confirm the legitimacy of any online crowdfunding effort before giving.
The November ballot is now set following yesterday's runoff election: incumbent Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will face Democratic challenger Rochelle Garza, incumbent Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick gets a rematch with Democrat Mike Collier, and incumbent State Comptroller Glenn Hegar will be challenged by Democrat Janet Dudding. For Texas Land Commissioner, Republican Dawn Buckingham will face Democrat Jay Kleberg. Incumbent Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian survived his runoff and will be challenged by Democrat Luke Warford. A noted runoff in the San Antonio area between incumbent U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar and challenger Jessica Cisneros remains too close to call this morning, though Cuellar has declared victory.
The father of Kaitlin Marie Armstrong, still at large and wanted in the shooting death of pro cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson, is speaking out in her defense.
After mulling the issue for a short additional time, Travis County health officials have declared a public health crisis over recent increases in local drug-related emergency calls and deaths.
In the wake of several injuries and fatalities, Austin's Downtown Commission is considering stricter regulation of rental scooters.
An uptick in local COVID cases is preceding the upcoming holiday weekend. Meanwhile, ABIA is predicting its busiest Memorial Day weekend ever.
Dates have been announced for this year's Austin Restaurant Weeks event, a city-wide fundraiser that will benefit the Central Texas Food Bank: September 1 - 11.
Robert Earl Keen, set to retire from public performance after a farewell run, has announced a "World Tour of Texas", which will include shows this August at the KOKE Fest, Gruene Hall, and ACL Live at the Moody Theater.
Texas Baseball begins Big 12 Tournament play - and has a chance at revenge against Oklahoma State, who dealt the Horns a sweep less than a month ago - this morning in Arlington. Their tournament performance will have major implications for the upcoming regionals.
