UnderWalker — Central TX Explorer

Headline	Significance	Date ▾
Children explore the 'mighty machines' helping build the Fox Cancer Center Children at an event at the Fox Cancer Center in Austin explored construction-related “mighty machines.” ● Community · Texas · kvia.com	●○○○○	Jul 24, 10:00 PM
Faith Leaders Demand Texas Hold ICE Accountable • The Austin Chronicle More than 30 Texas faith leaders rallied at the Capitol to demand state oversight and accountability for ICE, including body cameras and force limits. ■ Government · Austin, TX · austinchronicle.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 9:45 PM
A Union Pacific train collided with a FedEx van in Itasca, killing passenger Sheldon Gutierrez-Rangel and leaving the driver in critical condition. ■ Infrastructure · Itasca, TX ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 9:45 PM
Killeen police confirm Flock cameras not used in investigation of IH-14 crash Killeen police are investigating a fatal I-14 crash where a 25-year-old woman was struck by a white Audi, and say Flock cameras were not used. ■ Infrastructure · Killeen, TX · kxxv.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 9:45 PM
More Than 700 Illegal Drones Seized During The World Cup The FBI says it seized more than 700 illegal drones and detected nearly 1,600 around 11 World Cup stadiums in the U.S. ◆ Crime · Houston, TX · aero-news.net	●●●○○	Jul 24, 9:45 PM
National teacher certification must comply with Texas' anti-DEI law Texas’ State Board for Educator Certification voted to require National Board Certification materials comply with the state’s anti-DEI law by Nov. 2. ■ Education · Texas · texastribune.org	●●○○○	Jul 24, 9:30 PM
Texas A&M Forest Service added three multi-mission aircraft to expand wildfire detection, tracking, and firefighting capabilities statewide. ▲ Fire · Texas ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 9:15 PM
Starting Aug. 1, UIL will require Texas schools to use wet bulb globe temperature readings to set outdoor exercise safety restrictions. ■ Education · Texas ·	●●●○○	Jul 24, 9:15 PM
Floating water obstacle course 'Splash Cove' opens at Stillhouse Hollow Lake Splash Cove, a floating obstacle course at Stillhouse Hollow Lake, opened July 21 with passes available and safety supervision including lifeguards. ● Community · Central Texas · kdhnews.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 9:00 PM
Online backlash follows plans for a possible Islamic center in La Porte, with residents disputing the proposal and fundraising timeline. ● Community · La Porte, TX ·	●●○○○	Jul 24, 8:30 PM
Daniel Hiers Jr.'s mom maintains his innocence after capture Daniel Hiers Jr. returned to the U.S. after more than 20 years as his mother maintains his innocence over a 2005 killing and assault allegations. ◆ Crime · Texas · postandcourier.com	●●●●○	Jul 24, 8:30 PM
Texas A&M Forest Service takes flight to prevent wildfires Texas A&M Forest Service deploys aircraft and training water drops to help prevent and respond to wildfires as heat rises in Texas. ▲ Fire · Texas · ktxs.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 8:15 PM
Texas ag commissioner says Abbott has ignored calls, emails since 2014 election Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says Gov. Greg Abbott has ignored his calls and emails since the 2014 election and has not met privately. ■ Government · Texas · abc7amarillo.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 8:15 PM
Guttmacher data shows overall abortions rising in 2025 to 2026 as more people use mail-order and telehealth abortions instead of travel. ■ Health · Texas ·	●●●○○	Jul 24, 8:15 PM
Baytown police chief launches investigation into misuse of Flock cameras by officer Baytown Police Chief John Stringer launched an internal investigation after allegations that an officer misused Flock License Plate Reader cameras. ■ Government · Baytown, TX · abc13.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 8:15 PM
An AMBER Alert seeks 11-month-old Sabastian Jones missing since July 17 from northwest Houston near FM 1960 West. ◆ Crime · Houston, TX ·	●●●●●	Jul 24, 8:15 PM
Opponents of proposed 765-kilovolt transmission lines in Central Texas, including lawmakers and celebrities, seek a regulatory pause while regulators review impacts. ■ Infrastructure · Lampasas, TX ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 8:00 PM
Sen. Ashley Moody introduces bill to criminalize staged truck accidents Sen. Ashley Moody introduced federal legislation to criminalize staged commercial truck accidents and hold conspirators and professionals accountable. ■ Government · Texas · news4jax.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 8:00 PM
League City police arrested a Houston woman after an investigation recovered over 15,000 stolen items worth more than $400,000 from multiple Gulf Coast retailers. ◆ Crime · League City, TX ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 7:45 PM
Galveston Fire Station No. 2 project moves closer after $10 million bond approval Galveston City Council approved up to $10 million in municipal bonds to replace Fire Station No. 2, building a larger facility. ■ Infrastructure · Galveston, TX · galvnews.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 7:45 PM
Austin police fatally shot an unarmed 17-year-old at a northeast park after a 911 call about a possible gun. ◆ Crime · Austin, TX ·	●●●●●	Jul 24, 7:45 PM
Galveston advances water tank project amid broader infrastructure upgrades Galveston proposed a 7.5-million-gallon water storage tank to replace three obsolete tanks, pending required federal review. ■ Infrastructure · Galveston, TX · galvnews.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 7:45 PM
Texans won't benefit from the data-center boom A report argues Texans may not benefit from a data-center boom driven by policy and economic tradeoffs. ■ Infrastructure · Texas City, Texas · galvnews.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 7:45 PM
Galveston County reported seven confirmed Cyclospora cases and six additional investigations amid a nationwide outbreak. ■ Health · Galveston County, TX ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 7:45 PM
University of Texas Medical Branch-backed Blue Zones Project names Galveston executive director Blue Zones Project named Danica Premirelli as Galveston executive director to lead an islandwide launch planned for February. ● Community · Galveston, TX · galvnews.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 7:45 PM
Plastic surgeon's license suspended after Tribune investigation Illinois suspended Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Ayoub Sayeg’s license indefinitely after a probe tied him to eight patient deaths and alleged missing anesthesia training proof. ■ Health · Baytown, TX · chicagotribune.com	●●●●○	Jul 24, 7:45 PM
Affidavit: Bellmead man blamed for Waco police standoff had uploaded nude images of children on his Google drive Court documents allege Bellmead’s Aaron Bradley Compton uploaded nude images of children to Google Drive before a Waco police standoff lasting about three hours. ◆ Crime · Waco, TX · kwtx.com	●●●●●	Jul 24, 6:15 PM
Killeen resident injured in high-speed chase in Central Texas A Killeen man was airlifted after a wreck during a high-speed chase in Milam County while officers sought a suicidal suspect. ◆ Crime · Killeen, TX · kwtx.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 6:15 PM
Convicted Texas murderer sentenced for returning to U.S. twice after deportation Jose Olalde-Caminoreal was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for illegal reentry after deportations, following a prior Texas murder conviction. ◆ Crime · Travis County, Texas · okcfox.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 6:15 PM
Country concert benefit aims to raise $100K for Jarrell community library facing relocation Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center will host a country concert Saturday to raise $100,000 for relocation to a new building. ● Community · Jarrell, TX · kwtx.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 6:15 PM
Waco woman paralyzed in 2012 fall sworn in as assistant DA, returns to law career Liz Mitchell, paralyzed after a 2012 fall, was sworn in as a part-time assistant district attorney with McLennan County. ■ Government · Waco, TX · kwtx.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 6:15 PM
Shawna Poole Returns Home as New Captain of Nacogdoches District Texas Parks and Wildlife officials promoted game warden Shawna Poole to captain to lead the Nacogdoches District starting August 1. ■ Government · Nacogdoches, TX · kfox95.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 6:15 PM
A contractor was killed when ground collapsed during work on the Minglewood Wastewater Project in Liberty, and an investigation is underway. ■ Infrastructure · Liberty, TX ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 6:00 PM
Local councils to discuss airport, water projects, park plans Bay City, Goliad, and Port Lavaca city councils will hold meetings to discuss airport, water, and park planning projects. ■ Government · Houston, Texas · victoriaadvocate.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 5:45 PM
New park district manager hired Steve Wright was named district manager of the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, starting Aug. 3 and succeeding Dan Paranick. ■ Government · Houston, TX · simivalleyacorn.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 5:45 PM
Calvert Collins-Bratton named Dallas' Klyde Warren Park CEO Calvert Collins-Bratton was named CEO of Dallas’ Klyde Warren Park. ● Community · Texas · dallas.culturemap.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 5:30 PM
Former NFL quarterback Tony Romo arrested on drunken driving charge Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was arrested in Milwaukee and charged with OWI, after failing field sobriety tests. ◆ Crime · Central Texas · kbtx.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 5:30 PM
Houston documentary maker helps correct biased Texas historical marker A Houston documentary maker is helping correct a biased Texas historical marker. ● Community · Houston, TX · houston.culturemap.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 5:30 PM
Texas approves Classic Learning Test as alternative to SAT Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the Classic Learning Test as an alternative to the SAT and ACT for college admissions. ■ Education · Texas · thecollegefix.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 5:30 PM
Gov. Greg Abbott directed PUCT and ERCOT to require data centers to cover transmission costs and help protect Texans’ electric bills. ■ Government · Texans ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 5:15 PM
Houston Toy Museum in the Heights to close at the end of August The Houston Toy Museum in the Heights will close at the end of August. ● Community · Houston, TX · houstonpublicmedia.org	●○○○○	Jul 24, 5:15 PM
Katy ISD restricts the use of AI in elementary school classrooms Katy ISD restricted the use of AI in elementary school classrooms. ■ Education · Katy, TX · houstonpublicmedia.org	●●○○○	Jul 24, 5:15 PM
TxDOT to close lanes on I-35 near Loop 121 for sign changes TxDOT will close the two inside lanes on I-35 near Loop 121 overnight July 28-29 for Dynamic Message Sign removal. ■ Infrastructure · Texas · kxxv.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 5:15 PM
White Settlement police chief stepping down for role at BNSF Railway White Settlement Police Chief Christopher Cook will retire at the end of August to take a senior role with BNSF Railway Police. ■ Government · Texas · fox4news.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 5:00 PM
Small business summit highlights growth, innovation Central Texas leaders held the 2026 Governor’s Small Business Summit in Copperas Cove with workshops on funding and marketing. ■ Business · Copperas Cove, TX · kdhnews.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 5:00 PM
Angleton ISD bus replacement a 3-point play Angleton ISD approved nearly $1.01 million to buy six new school buses and replace aging vehicles. ■ Infrastructure · Angleton, TX · thefacts.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 5:00 PM
Five Black Scholars Appointed to New Faculty Positions Five Black scholars were appointed or promoted to new faculty positions at universities including the University of Houston and MIT. ■ Education · University Of Texas, Texas · jbhe.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 5:00 PM
Karmelo Anthony hearing dates set for possible new trial, judge removal A Collin County judge set Aug. 19 hearings as Karmelo Anthony seeks a new trial and removal of Judge John Roach. ◆ Crime · Navasota, TX · fox4news.com	●●●●○	Jul 24, 5:00 PM
Gov. Abbott Extends Workforce Pell Grant Applications Gov. Greg Abbott extended Texas colleges’ application window to participate in the federal Workforce Pell Grant program. ■ Education · Texans · sanangelolive.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 5:00 PM
Killeen Housing Authority residents were notified that a boil-water notice affects apartments in the area. ■ Health · Killeen, TX ·	●●●○○	Jul 24, 5:00 PM
In Parks and Under Overpasses, Birding Is Back and Better Than Ever • The Austin Chronicle Birding activities in the Austin area are expanding through walks and events, including trips with Travis Audubon Society. ● Community · Austin, TX · austinchronicle.com	●○○○○	Jul 24, 4:45 PM
Deal solidified for Marble Falls development 'The Highlands' A $28.2 million mixed-use construction deal was approved for the 254-acre Highlands development in Marble Falls. ■ Infrastructure · Marble Falls, TX · dailytrib.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 4:45 PM
The Federal Government No Longer Calls Bike Lanes A Safety Tool A DOT update removing bicycle-only lanes from safety countermeasures raises questions about future Texas funding and maintenance. ■ Infrastructure · Texas · 965therock.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 4:45 PM
Texas court rulings following the parental rights amendment challenge DFPS decisions to permanently terminate parental rights in child welfare cases. ■ Education · Texas ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 4:45 PM
Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston will demolish and rebuild METC medical barracks, relocating about 5,200 enlisted students. ■ Infrastructure · Texas ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 4:45 PM
Lubbock County's Water Drive For First Responders Needs Your Help Lubbock County’s LEPC seeks donations for a Support Our First Responders bottled-water campaign with a deadline of July 31. ● Community · Texas · 965therock.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 4:45 PM
File to run as a groundwater district director; deadline to apply Aug. 17 Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District is accepting applications for two board director seats in Burnet County until Aug. 17, with the election set for Nov. 3. ■ Government · Burnet County, TX · dailytrib.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 4:45 PM
San Antonio River Authority launches pilot programs to fight against invasive species San Antonio River Authority pilots methods to remove invasive apple snails and protect the San Antonio River ecosystem. ■ Other · Texas · ksat.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 4:45 PM
The Trump administration’s new federal teen pregnancy prevention plan emphasizes fertility tracking, abstinence, and “reproductive goals counseling” starting this summer. ■ Health · Texas ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 4:30 PM
Fatal I76 wrong-way crash victims identified by Montgomery County coroner Montgomery County Coroner identified three people killed in a July 11 wrong-way I-76 crash, with deaths attributed to multiple blunt force injuries. ■ Other · Montgomery County, TX · mainlinemedianews.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 4:30 PM
The Trump administration issued another DOE emergency grid order to boost power generation during a heat wave, waiving some emissions rules. ■ Infrastructure · Texas ·	●●●●●	Jul 24, 4:15 PM
Texas Water Development Board approved a $174 billion state water plan with thousands of strategies and projects to boost supplies through 2080. ■ Infrastructure · Texas ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 4:15 PM
SHR 25.30: On nurdles, the state budget, flying A roundup discusses nurdles as a persistent plastic pollution problem and legal actions targeting companies blamed for contamination. ■ Other · Texas · charlestoncitypaper.com	●○○○○	Jul 24, 4:00 PM
Woman charged with operating unlicensed assisted living facility in Panorama Village, police department says Panorama Village police say Jennifer Rios was charged after multiple warrants linked her to operating an unlicensed assisted living facility across several locations. ◆ Crime · Panorama Village, TX · abc13.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 4:00 PM
TxDOT road closures happening between July 25 and August 2 TxDOT is scheduling multiple lane closures and full closures on Houston-area I-10 and SH-178 segments from July 25 through August 2. ■ Infrastructure · Texas · cbs4local.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 4:00 PM
Michael Collier Files Reply Brief in Texas Ballot Access Case Michael Collier filed a reply brief in his Texas ballot-access lawsuit over signature requirements for the lieutenant governor race. ■ Government · Texas · ballot-access.org	●●●○○	Jul 24, 3:30 PM
Mom says son with autism was assaulted by former New Caney ISD teacher A former New Caney ISD teacher Faith Cosme was charged with injury to a child over allegations she assaulted a non-verbal autistic student. ◆ Crime · New Caney, TX · abc13.com	●●●●○	Jul 24, 3:30 PM
A positive DNA match helped identify the man responsible for the 1997 murder of Gloria Ann Covington in Amarillo. ◆ Crime · Texas Department Of Public Safety, Texas ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 3:30 PM
Ismaili Center Houston: Inside the iconic institution designed to serve the community for the next 100 years The Ismaili Center in Houston’s Montrose opened last November and hosts free tours and community events on its 9-acre grounds. ● Community · Houston, TX · abc13.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 3:30 PM
★ Tropical Storm Bertha made a second Gulf Coast landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border and brought heavy rain and storm-surge risk to southeast Texas. ▲ Flood · Houston, TX ·	●●●●●	Jul 24, 3:30 PM
Wichita County 4-H invites youth and families to upcoming kickoff meetings Wichita County 4-H will host kickoff meetings for youth and families on Aug. 17 and Aug. 24 in Burkburnett and Iowa Park. ■ Education · New Hope Church, Texas · newschannel6now.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 3:15 PM
Help APD identify alleged electronic thieves Abilene Crime Stoppers asked the public to identify two women accused of stealing merchandise from a Best Buy. ◆ Crime · Texas · ktxs.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 3:15 PM
Comal ISD provides update on security task force following Hill Country College Prep HS shooting Comal ISD updated progress on a safety task force after a March 30 shooting at Hill Country College Prep High School in Comal County. ■ Education · Comal, Texas · herald-zeitung.com	●●●●○	Jul 24, 3:00 PM
Austin wildlife pro confirms rising animal sightings An Austin wildlife professional says animal sightings are increasing and attributes the trend to seasonal factors and local conditions. ● Community · Austin, TX · austin.culturemap.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 3:00 PM
The Pentagon nominated Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, currently commander at Fort Hood, to lead U.S. Army Europe and Africa. ■ Government · Fort Hood, Texas ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 3:00 PM
Dillas Quesadillas will give away more than $100,000 in free meals to teachers across its 11 locations starting next week. ● Community · Nacogdoches, Texas ·	●●○○○	Jul 24, 2:00 PM
Palestine police charged Daisy and Lisbeth Guity with animal cruelty after a puppy died from being left in a locked cage in triple-digit heat. ◆ Crime · Anderson County, TX ·	●●●○○	Jul 24, 2:00 PM
2 fatal shootings reported two hours apart in Montgomery County Two fatal shootings occurred early Friday in Dayton and Harrison Township, with investigators continuing to probe possible suspects. ◆ Crime · Montgomery County, TX · daytondailynews.com	●●●●○	Jul 24, 1:30 PM
Houston Arboretum's 'lawn crew' is back: Hundreds of goats set to tackle the Ravine Houston Arboretum will host 300 to 400 goats Aug. 4–11 to graze and clear vegetation near the Ravine without chemicals or heavy equipment. ● Community · Houston, TX · click2houston.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 1:30 PM
Houston will bid to be a host city for the Women's World Cup in 2031 Houston officials plan to submit a formal bid to FIFA to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup. ● Community · Houston, TX · tpr.org	●●○○○	Jul 24, 1:15 PM
Woman survives close call after car gets stuck on railroad tracks A Bremond woman escaped injury after her car became stuck on railroad tracks and she drove into a ditch as a train arrived. ◆ Crime · Bremond, TX · kwtx.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 1:15 PM
ICE detained Southwest flight attendant Lorenzo Thompson after a work flight, with union supporters raising awareness while immigration proceedings continue. ◆ Crime · Central Texas ·	●●●○○	Jul 24, 1:00 PM
SHSU STUDENT DEVELOPS SOFTWARE TOOL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ANALYSTS TO COMBAT DARK NETWORKS Sam Houston State University student Braell Dotson created a Gephi plugin to help law enforcement analysts combat dark networks. ■ Education · Sam Houston, Texas · ksam1017.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 1:00 PM
Smithers Fire Rescue supported firefighting efforts for the Coyote Creek wildfire near Highway 16 after it grew to about 175 hectares. ▲ Fire · Houston, TX ·	●●●●●	Jul 24, 1:00 PM
Galveston strengthens parking enforcement, expands city tow rotation Galveston approved tougher parking enforcement, allowing boots or tows for vehicles with unresolved citations and expanding its towing rotation. ■ Infrastructure · Galveston, TX · galvnews.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 1:00 PM
Texas Division of Workers' Compensation Announces Staff Changes Texas Division of Workers' Compensation announced new leadership roles, including deputy commissioner for AI Innovation and Integration and a new chief administrative law judge. ■ Government · Texas · insurancejournal.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 1:00 PM
3 more Houston restaurant charity dining events raising money in August Three additional Houston restaurant charity dining events are scheduled for August to raise money for local causes. ● Community · Houston, TX · houston.culturemap.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 12:30 PM
Luxurious Houston apartment tower rises above its controversial past A Houston apartment tower faces public scrutiny tied to its controversial past as it rises over prior issues. ● Community · Houston, TX · houston.culturemap.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 12:30 PM
A Houston-area player won a $1 million prize on a $20 Texas Lottery scratch ticket after buying it in Humble. ■ Business · Houston, TX ·	●●○○○	Jul 24, 12:15 PM
Dallas DA-Elect Amber Givens Says Misconduct Case Shaped Her Approach To Justice Dallas County DA-elect Amber Givens said a judicial misconduct case shaped her approach to justice as she prepares to take office. ■ Government · Texas · klif.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 12:15 PM
Crash closes Calgary Avenue in Northeast El Paso A crash closed Calgary Avenue in northeast El Paso while officials responded to the incident. ■ Infrastructure · Texas · kvia.com	●●●○○	Jul 24, 12:15 PM
AAA Texas reports regular gas prices rose 16 cents to $3.71 per gallon as crude oil topped $90 per barrel. ■ Business · Texas ·	●●○○○	Jul 24, 12:00 PM
Austin’s Texas State Surplus Store sells items confiscated or lost at airports, including knives, electronics, and office equipment. ● Community · Austin, TX ·	●●○○○	Jul 24, 12:00 PM
President Trump has proposed a voluntary pledge with governors and utilities to shield consumers from higher power bills tied to data centers. ■ Business · Texas ·	●●●○○	Jul 24, 12:00 PM
★ A Texas appeals court reversed an injunction requiring a Waller midwife to close clinics after finding the state lacked substantive evidence of an abortion-ban violation. ■ Health · Waller, TX ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 11:45 AM
To block renewable energy projects, Texas Republicans have weaponized conservation concerns Details are not provided, but the article addresses Texas Republicans using conservation concerns to impede renewable energy projects. ■ Business · Brenham, Texas · sacurrent.com	●●○○○	Jul 24, 11:45 AM
A proposal would mirror Arizona’s election system by requiring documentary proof of citizenship for Texans to vote in state elections. ■ Government · Harris County, Texas ·	●●●○○	Jul 24, 11:45 AM
★ A federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration’s bid to re-detain a Georgetown scholar arrested by ICE, upholding an earlier release on bail. ■ Government · Georgetown, TX ·	●●●●○	Jul 24, 10:45 AM
Education Department limits civil rights investigations into racial disparities in schools The U.S. Education Department is limiting civil rights investigations into racial disparities in schools. ■ Education · Texas · wrjn.com	●●●●○	Jul 24, 10:30 AM
Houston police say two teens were killed after suspects ran across the Southwest Freeway during a chase that ended in a crash. ◆ Crime · Houston, TX ·	●●●●●	Jul 24, 10:30 AM