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Tesla registrations surged 21% in Texas during Q1 2025, despite a national decline in deliveries. The rise reflects continued loyalty in Musk's home state amid political tensions and a recent backlash against the CEO's actions.
A plume of Saharan dust has reached Central Texas, impacting air quality and visibility across Austin. Officials advise those with respiratory issues to remain indoors as the dust combines with smoke from wildfires, worsening health risks. Despite the negative effects, the dust also plays a role in soil nourishment and hurricane prevention.
Austin will launch the final year of its pilot program on Monday to combat toxic blue-green algae in Lady Bird Lake. The program, which costs $300,000 annually, aims to lower phosphorus levels that fuel algae growth, following a troubling history of toxic blooms since 2019.
Zilker Brewing, located in Austin, Texas, reports a 5-7% increase in sales and production over the past two years, despite a general decline in the craft beer industry. The brewery's focus on high-quality products and community engagement has helped it thrive where many others have struggled.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott faces pressure regarding legislation that could ban THC products, threatening a multibillion-dollar industry. While some lawmakers advocate for stricter regulations to protect children, Abbott receives significant pushback from constituents and veterans urging him to veto the bill. The governor has yet to reveal his decision on Senate Bill 3.
An eighth-grade student at Covington Middle School, Vadir Gonzalez-Arias, died on May 29 after a medical emergency during a field trip. Principal Cedric Maddox expressed deep sorrow and announced counseling services to support grieving students and families.
Texas hosts about 8% of international students in the U.S., ranking third behind California and New York. The Trump administration's actions, including halting student visa interviews and revoking visas for Chinese students, raise concerns about the future of these students amid political tensions. The University of Texas, with a significant international student population, faces uncertainty as federal policies shift.
Multifamily housing permits in Austin have fallen below pandemic levels, with developers receiving an average of 64.5 permits per 10,000 people from April 2024 to March 2025. This decline, attributed to high borrowing costs and flattening rents, risks reigniting rent inflation in the city. Mayor Kirk Watson plans to address this issue by proposing a resolution to discuss incentives for building affordable housing.
Severe storms are expected to hit Central Texas late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with the National Weather Service issuing a warning. The region has already suffered from severe weather, resulting in one death and widespread power outages affecting over 72,000 customers. Residents are advised to remain vigilant as the forecast predicts large hail, damaging winds, and significant rainfall.
Authorities in San Antonio found no evidence to support claims that actor Jonathan Joss's murder was a hate crime, despite allegations from his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales. Joss was shot multiple times near his former home, and police have arrested 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja on murder charges. The investigation continues as Gonzales recounts a confrontation with the shooter that included homophobic slurs.