All articles tagged with #travis county
Emergency crews shifted the search for a swimmer who disappeared underwater in a Travis County lake from rescue to recovery, with officials saying the swimmer has not yet been located despite extensive efforts.
Flooding in Texas uncovered 110-115 million-year-old dinosaur footprints in Travis County, providing a rare prehistoric discovery amid disaster recovery efforts, with experts planning further documentation of the tracks.
Travis County residents are urgently seeking volunteers to assist with flood cleanup and recovery efforts in the Big Sandy Creek neighborhood, which was severely impacted by flooding over the Fourth of July weekend, causing fatalities and displacing many residents. The community is organizing debris removal, tree clearing, and sorting of personal belongings, with a volunteer center set up at Plain Elementary School to coordinate efforts. The community emphasizes the need for more help as the recovery process is expected to take months.
The Travis County DA is challenging Gov. Greg Abbott's pardon of Daniel Perry, convicted of murdering a Black Lives Matter protester, arguing it was "unlawful" and violated Texas' separation of powers clause.
For the third consecutive year, drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in Travis County, with 486 deaths in 2023, up from 417 in 2022. Fentanyl-related deaths also increased, though at a slower rate than previous years. Efforts to combat the crisis include increased access to naloxone, recovery housing, and data collection on non-fatal overdoses. Families of victims and advocacy groups are calling for more resources and education to prevent these deaths.
A Travis County sheriff's deputy shot and killed a man at Community First! Village in East Austin after responding to a welfare check and encountering a man behaving erratically who pulled out a weapon. The Texas Rangers are leading the investigation, and the deputy involved has been placed on administrative assignment. This incident follows a recent fatal shooting at the same location, but the sheriff's office has not indicated any connection between the two events.
Travis County Judge Andy Brown has issued a Declaration of Local Disaster in anticipation of the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, allowing the county to expand its emergency powers and prepare for an influx of visitors. The declaration aims to manage increased traffic, requiring private property owners to notify officials of gatherings with more than 50 people and prompting recommendations for residents to plan ahead for potential congestion. Additionally, all parks in the western part of the county will require reservations for access, with the Travis County Sheriff's Department increasing support to ensure an enjoyable park environment during the event.
Travis County in Texas has issued a disaster declaration in anticipation of the total solar eclipse on April 8, expecting large crowds and increased traffic. The declaration aims to help first responders manage the situation and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Private property owners hosting gatherings with more than 50 people to watch the eclipse are required to notify the county. Residents are advised to plan ahead for traffic congestion, reschedule non-urgent appointments, and watch the eclipse at home or near their homes.
José Garza won the Democratic primary for district attorney in Travis County, receiving two-thirds of the vote and advancing to the November general election. His strongest support came from central, eastern, and southern parts of Austin, while challenger Jeremy Sylestine performed best in western portions of the city. Garza campaigned on progressive criminal justice reforms, while Sylestine promised to prosecute violent crime more aggressively and clear a backlog of pending felony cases if elected.
Elon Musk's pick for district attorney of Texas' Travis County, Jeremy Sylestine, lost to the incumbent José Garza. Musk had endorsed Sylestine, urging Tesla employees to vote for a new district attorney who would prosecute crime. Sylestine, a Democratic challenger, ran on a platform of prosecuting more cases and investing in public safety initiatives. Musk's increasing involvement in politics includes meeting with former President Donald Trump and supporting Republican candidates.
The Democratic primary in Travis County for the district attorney race is heating up, with incumbent José Garza facing challenger Jeremy Sylestine. Sylestine's campaign has garnered significant Republican support and funding, leading to concerns about GOP interference in the traditionally blue county. The race has become a proxy battle, with Sylestine's push for right-leaning voters to oust Garza. The outcome of this primary is crucial, as the winner is expected to secure victory in the general election.
Four people were killed in a crash involving up to four vehicles at the intersection of FM 812 and FM 973 in Travis County, Texas. The Austin-Travis County EMS reported that the four individuals died at the scene, while one other adult was taken to the hospital with potentially serious injuries. The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the crash, and all lanes at the intersection were closed as a result.
A Tesla employee, Justin McCauley, was arrested in Travis County after making threats to kill Elon Musk and President Biden on social media. McCauley drove from Minnesota to Texas and was stopped by deputies, claiming he wanted to contact Musk at the Tesla Gigafactory. He has been charged with a terroristic threat and is currently in jail with a $20,000 bail.
Austin and Travis County leaders are urging residents to prepare for an arctic cold front expected to hit the region, emphasizing precautions for people, pipes, pets, and plants. With memories of past power outages and grid strain, officials advise keeping cabinets open, insulating pipes, and having emergency supplies ready. Residents are also cautioned against using unsafe heating methods if the power goes out and are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications.
A Travis County judge has ordered Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and three other top aides to testify under oath in a three-year-old wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former deputies. The lawsuit stems from allegations that Paxton abused his office to help a friend and campaign donor. Paxton had previously reached a settlement with the whistleblowers, but the case resumed after the Texas Supreme Court paved the way. Paxton's lawyers argued against the depositions, claiming legal protection for high-ranking officials, but the judge ruled that their testimony is critical due to their unique knowledge of the case. No dates have been set for the depositions.