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Radioactive Shrimp Prompts FDA Recall of Walmarts Great Value Brand

Authorities warn consumers to avoid frozen shrimp from Walmart due to radioactive contamination detected in imports from Indonesia. The FDA reported that shrimp from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati tested positive for Cesium-137, prompting a recall of Walmart's Great Value brand shrimp products. No illnesses have been reported, but officials advise consumers to check their freezers.

Aug 21, 2025

UPCOMINGEVENTS

Aug 23, 2025

Imagine Austin Speaker Series Event

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Sep 18, 2025

September Downtown Safety Forum

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Sep 19, 2025

VIBE Downtown

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Oct 11, 2025

Austin Oktoberfest

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Oct 16, 2025

October Downtown Safety Forum

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Nov 9, 2025

Run For The Water

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LATESTNEWS

NEWSAug 18

Thousands Rally in Austin Against Trump, Texas GOP Redistricting Plan

Over 5,000 protesters rallied at the Texas Capitol against President Trump and the Republican-led redistricting plan, which critics argue aims to bolster GOP power ahead of the 2026 midterms. Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, emphasized their ongoing opposition despite returning to the Legislature.

NEWSAug 15

108,000 Austin Students Attend Schools in Extreme Urban Heat Zones, Report Finds

Over 108,000 students in Austin attend schools in extreme urban heat zones, raising health concerns as temperatures rise. Local districts are implementing safety measures, including modified outdoor activity regulations and infrastructure improvements. A nationwide report indicates that about 6.2 million students face similar heat challenges.

NEWSAug 15

Tropical System Invest 98-L Aims for Texas Coast With Heavy Rain, Flood Risk

A tropical disturbance, Invest 98-L, is set to impact Texas with heavy rain and potential flooding as it approaches the coast on Friday evening. The National Weather Service warns that localized flooding may occur, particularly in low-lying areas. Residents are urged to prepare for hazardous conditions and stay informed.

NEWSAug 15

Estimated 108,000 Austin Students Attend Schools in Extreme Urban Heat Zones, Report Finds

Over 108,000 students in Austin attend schools in extreme urban heat zones, raising concerns about health risks due to rising temperatures. Local school districts are implementing measures to enhance student safety during heat waves, including adjusted schedules and improved outdoor conditions. A nationwide report indicates that 6.2 million students face similar challenges across the U.S.

NEWSAug 8

Austin ISD Expands Free Meal Access for Students in Low-Income Areas

Austin Independent School District will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students at 76 campuses during the 2025–26 school year, funded by federal and state resources. This initiative, made possible by the Community Eligibility Provision, aims to eliminate food insecurity among low-income students. Officials emphasize the importance of accessible meals for academic success.

NEWSAug 6

ATX Tower Under Scrutiny After Series of Glass Panels Fall in Downtown Austin

Austin city officials investigate the ATX Tower after multiple glass panels detached, causing safety concerns. The latest incident marks the fourth occurrence in four months, prompting the city to partner with Ryan Companies for an investigation. Safety measures, including barricades, have been implemented around the building.

NEWSAug 5

Longhorn Dam Trail Connection Progresses, Austin Eyes December Finish

Austin's Longhorn Dam Multimodal Improvements project progresses toward a projected completion in December. The project includes a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Lady Bird Lake, enhancing safety and connectivity for trail users.

NEWSAug 1

Texas Lawmakers Slam Local Leaders Over Failures in Kerr County Flood Response

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick criticized Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly for his absence during the July 4 flood that led to over 100 deaths. Patrick claimed Kelly failed to fulfill his duties, while new testimony revealed delays in emergency response despite prior flood warnings.

NEWSJul 31

Austin ISD Cuts Jobs as Federal Education Grant Delays Strain Budget

Austin Independent School District (AISD) announced staff reductions due to delays in over $9 million in federal education grants. Superintendent Matias Segura stated that while some positions will continue through the fall semester, certain roles will be phased out afterward. AISD aims to maintain essential programs despite the budget constraints.

NEWSJul 30

Texas Stargazers Treated to Double Meteor Shower Peak This Week

Texas will experience a rare double meteor shower peak late Tuesday night, featuring the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids. Stargazers can expect to see over 20 meteors per hour, with the best viewing time from midnight to 3 a.m. local time.

NEWSJul 28

Triple-Digit Heat Index Grips Austin Showers Possible by Weekend

Austin braces for a week of extreme heat with temperatures reaching triple digits, as the National Weather Service forecasts high humidity and minimal nighttime relief. A slight chance of rain may provide some respite towards the weekend, with thunderstorms possible. Residents are urged to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours.

NEWSJul 26

Travis County Lifts Restrictions on Lake Travis Following Flood Emergency

Travis County officials announced the full reopening of Lake Travis for recreational activities after weeks of limited access due to flooding. The lake's temporary restrictions, imposed for public safety amid rising water levels and debris, have now been lifted, although officials urge caution among users.

NEWSJul 24

We Are Better Than This State Lawmakers Call for Overhaul of Texas Flood Preparedness

Texas lawmakers criticized the Upper Guadalupe River Authority's decision to reject a flood warning system following deadly flash floods that killed over 130 people in July. At a joint hearing, officials highlighted systemic failures in emergency response and pledged to pursue legislation for better flood preparedness.

NEWSJul 23

Travis County to Relocate Flood Recovery Center Closer to Big Sandy Creek

Travis County is relocating its Flood Recovery Resource Center to improve accessibility for residents affected by flooding in the Big Sandy Creek area. The current location at Danielson Middle School has seen declining attendance, prompting the move to more accessible sites. The center will close on Wednesday at 6 p.m. to facilitate the return of the campus to Leander ISD for the school year.

NEWSJul 21

Flooded and Frustrated Texans Face Long Recovery with Limited Insurance

Floodwaters in Central Texas have receded, leaving families to navigate the complexities of insurance and federal assistance. While Burnet, Williamson, and Travis counties qualify for FEMA's Individual Assistance Program, Travis County awaits public assistance approval, needing to document higher damage levels. Many survivors face frustration as standard homeowners insurance often excludes flood damage.

NEWSJul 18

Drought Conditions Ease Across Texas as Rainfall Brings Relief

Central Texas has emerged from drought conditions, with the Hill Country now entirely drought-free for the first time since November 2021. Recent rainfall has improved groundwater and soil moisture levels across the region, reducing drought impact from 59% to 22% statewide.

NEWSJul 17

Mold Threatens Flooded Central Texas Homes Amid Summer Heat, Experts Warn

Central Texas faces severe flooding, prompting urgent mold prevention efforts as cleanup begins. Experts warn that mold can grow within 48 hours in summer conditions, necessitating immediate action. Teams like Team Rubicon are assisting homeowners in removing damaged materials to mitigate health risks.

NEWSJul 14

Fresh Rains Trigger Swift Water Rescues in Texas, Candlelight Vigil Postponed

Intense rainfall in Central Texas has triggered swift water rescues as the death toll from recent flooding rises to 132. Governor Greg Abbott announced ongoing rescue operations in multiple counties, urging residents to heed evacuation orders due to dangerous water levels. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the region through Monday morning.

NEWSJul 13

Uncoordinated Volunteer Surge Hampers Flood Search Efforts in Central Texas

Local relief organizations in Central Texas urge volunteers to avoid self-deployment in flood-affected areas, as uncoordinated efforts complicate rescue operations. Traffic from unregistered helpers has hindered emergency teams, prompting officials to recommend signing up with recognized organizations.

NEWSJul 13

Burnet County Flood Victims in Limbo as FEMA Aid Still Pending

Central Texas residents impacted by the July 4 floods continue to await federal disaster assistance, with over 100 fatalities reported in Kerr County. Governor Greg Abbott has requested aid for additional counties, including Burnet, as residents like Kendall Myers express frustration over delays in assistance.

NEWSJul 11

Long Center hosts flood relief benefit concert

The Long Center will host a benefit concert for Kerr County on Sunday, with proceeds supporting the Kerr County Relief Fund for flood recovery. More than 15 artists, including Aaron Behrens and Sara Hickman, will perform, with doors opening at 4 PM.

NEWSJul 11

Rain improves Austin area drought conditions

Heavy rains last week improved drought conditions in Central Texas, downgrading Travis County from "severe" drought to "abnormally dry." Lakes Travis and Buchanan are now at 76% capacity, significantly up from 50% earlier this month.

NEWSJul 10

Wheatsville acquires two Fresh Plus stores

Wheatsville Co-op will acquire two Fresh Plus locations in Austin, marking its first move towards smaller stores. The co-op aims to better serve local neighborhoods while maintaining its main South Lamar location.

NEWSJul 9

Bridge Collapse Leaves 500 Isolated as Community Rallies to Deliver Aid

Devastating floods in northwest Travis County have isolated 500 residents after the Big Sandy Bridge collapsed, resulting in seven confirmed deaths and at least ten individuals missing. Community volunteers are delivering essential supplies, while local organizations, including Round Mountain Baptist Church, have mobilized to provide aid and support.