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The FBI Dallas arrested 244 individuals in a child exploitation sting across Texas, rescuing 109 children from abuse. Operation Soteria Shield involved over 70 law enforcement agencies and revealed significant amounts of illegal digital material. Authorities expect further arrests as investigations continue.
Homebuyers in the Austin metro area purchased significantly newer homes in 2024, with 42% of sales representing homes less than five years old, compared to just 17% nationally. This trend reflects a shift as residents seek affordable housing options in suburbs. The median age of homes sold in Austin was eight years, aligning with a broader national trend of older homes becoming less desirable.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the deployment of the Texas National Guard to maintain order during protests against the Trump administration planned for Saturday. He emphasized that while peaceful protest is legal, violence will result in arrests. Over 60 protests are scheduled across Texas, coinciding with nationwide "No Kings Day" demonstrations.
The Andy Roddick Foundation in Austin focuses on closing the opportunity gap for children in low-income communities through after-school and summer camps. CEO Jaime Garcia highlighted the importance of these programs, noting that last year, 220 children benefited from camps designed to maintain academic skills. Funding cuts proposed in President Trump's budget could threaten such programs' viability.
Austin suspends its automatic license plate reader (ALPR) program amid public backlash and privacy concerns. City Manager T.C. Broadnax withdrew a proposed extension just days before a City Council vote, responding to fears of data misuse and civil rights violations.
Austin's "Stay Black and Live" festival begins today as part of Juneteenth celebrations, featuring cookouts, dance parties, and discussions at the Carver Museum. The event honors the significance of Juneteenth, which marks the announcement of freedom to the last enslaved people in the U.S. on June 19, 1865.
Austin's Meanwhile Brewing Company and St. Elmo Brewing Company both won national beer awards, with Meanwhile taking home gold for its hazy pale ale, Take Me to the River. This recognition comes as breweries face declining sales and seek to maintain their status as community hubs. Meanwhile will host a launch party for its Darlin' Lager on Friday at 6 p.m.
A protest against federal immigration enforcement in downtown Austin escalated into chaos Monday night, prompting police to deploy tear gas and pepper spray. The demonstration, organized by the Austin chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, followed a peaceful march at the Texas Capitol and ended with multiple arrests.
Central Texas braces for a week of rain and potential thunderstorms as a stalled frontal system settles over the region. Forecasters warn of damaging winds or hail from early Monday storms, particularly in northern counties. Residents should prepare for significant rainfall totals, possibly reaching 4 to 6 inches in isolated areas.
Volunteers are working to restore the Delwood baseball complex in Austin after storms caused significant damage, leaving only three of five fields playable. The Delwood board seeks to raise $50,000 for repairs, emphasizing the complex's importance to local youth baseball.