UnderWalker — Central TX News

Headline	Significance	Date ▾
Free Austin Workshop Helps Veterans Turn Ideas into Working Software Prototypes Austin will host a free Sept. 4 workshop helping veterans with no-coding experience turn software ideas into working business prototypes. ■ Education · Austin, TX · gilmermirror.com	●●○○○	Aug 17, 12:30 PM
New Fellowship Puts STEM Students at Center of Austin's Defense Tech Boom UT Austin’s Clements Center launched its Defense Technology Fellows Program with a first cohort of 15 STEM undergraduates starting this fall. ■ Education · Austin, TX · news.utexas.edu	●●●○○	Aug 17, 12:15 PM
Inmate dies at Hays County Jail; investigation underway A Hays County Jail inmate died after being found non-responsive during routine checks, with investigations underway. ◆ Crime · Hays County, TX · fox7austin.com	●●●●○	Aug 17, 11:15 AM
North East ISD and New Braunfels ISD began the 2025-26 school year, welcoming tens of thousands of students and new campuses. ■ Education · New Braunfels, TX ·	●●○○○	Aug 17, 11:00 AM
An Austin program targets breaking the cycle of jail time and homelessness for people caught between the two systems. ● Community · Austin, TX ·	●●●○○	Aug 17, 9:15 AM
UT Austin overhauling core classes but hasn't detailed how new center relates to the courses UT Austin proposed a more structured core curriculum with new requirements set for fall 2027 courses and a mandatory rollout in 2028. ■ Education · Austin, TX · tpr.org	●●●○○	Aug 17, 9:00 AM
★ A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to fresh jalapeños and related prepared foods prompted Texas warnings and product recalls. ■ Health · Texans ·	●●●●●	Aug 17, 8:45 AM
City could lower Lake Austin to combat invasive hydrilla Austin is considering lowering Lake Austin by 12 feet to reduce invasive hydrilla after recent regrowth. ■ Infrastructure · Austin, TX · kut.org	●●●○○	Aug 17, 8:00 AM
Austin ISD is the only district triggering potential TEA state takeover after Burnet and Webb received fifth consecutive F ratings. ■ Education · Austin, TX ·	●●●●○	Aug 17, 7:30 AM
Filing deadline arrives today for four Seguin City Council seats Seguin residents have until 5 p.m. Aug. 17 to file for four City Council seats for the Nov. 3 election. ■ Government · Seguin, TX · seguintoday.com	●●○○○	Aug 17, 2:45 AM
Leopoldo Pantoja, 57, drowned while swimming at Lake Sam Rayburn near Twin Dikes and his body was recovered Sunday after a search. ◆ Crime · Texas ·	●●●●○	Aug 16, 12:00 PM
New Braunfels City Council approved a first reading to amend NBU’s drought contingency plan, updating conservation triggers and drought surcharges. ■ Government · New Braunfels, TX ·	●●●○○	Aug 15, 9:45 AM
Seguin man shot and killed by deputies after holding knife to woman's neck identified Guadalupe County deputies shot and killed Geronimo Urbina in Seguin after he refused to drop a knife held to a woman’s neck, and authorities investigate. ◆ Crime · Seguin, TX · news4sanantonio.com	●●●●○	Aug 15, 9:15 AM
U.S. DOT announced $5.3 billion for nationwide rail upgrades, including $40 million for Fairfield’s Symmes Road grade separation project near Cincinnati. ■ Infrastructure · Hays County, TX ·	●●●●○	Aug 15, 7:30 AM
ICE activity increased in Austin’s Rundberg area, where community leaders and Rep. Greg Casar say people were detained near a church and elementary school. ◆ Crime · Austin, TX ·	●●●●○	Aug 15, 2:30 AM
TEA released A-F accountability ratings for Central Texas districts, including multiple Austin ISD campuses with potential commissioner intervention. ■ Education · Round Rock, TX ·	●●●●○	Aug 14, 9:45 PM
Independent Bexar County DA candidate Jason Wolff faces scrutiny over signature collections Bexar County GOP challenges independent DA candidate Jason Wolff’s ballot signatures in 225th District Court, ordering signature-book review. ■ Government · Bexar, Texas · sacurrent.com	●●●○○	Aug 14, 8:45 PM
Georgetown University Art Galleries announced Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s “Look Alive” exhibition opening September 18, 2026. ■ Education · Georgetown, TX ·	●●○○○	Aug 14, 7:00 PM
Hays County Sheriff's Office recovered a stolen Corvette, multiple stolen trailers and equipment after investigations and inspections including VIN-related findings. ◆ Crime · Hays County, TX ·	●●●○○	Aug 14, 4:45 PM
Austin City Council approved funding to create an Office of Joint Emergency Communications to centralize 911 call-taking and move it off APD. ■ Government · Austin, TX ·	●●●●○	Aug 14, 3:30 PM
Cornyn Calls for Renewed Efforts to Secure Release of Austin Tice Sen. John Cornyn urged the Trump administration to prioritize efforts to secure Austin Tice’s release on the 14-year anniversary of his captivity. ■ Government · Austin, TX · texasgopvote.com	●●●○○	Aug 14, 2:45 PM
★ A stolen Fort Worth Fire/EMS ambulance chase ended on Austin’s I-35 when a DPS trooper fatally shot the driver. ◆ Crime · Williamson County, TX ·	●●●●●	Aug 14, 2:15 PM
What's the story behind giant Adirondack chair in Austin? A Crestview neighborhood church pastor explains the origin of a giant Adirondack chair covered in rotating messages and themes. ● Community · Austin, TX · kut.org	●○○○○	Aug 14, 1:00 PM
★ UT Austin proposed a more structured core curriculum, reducing required credits and starting new courses for the fall 2027 and 2028 cohorts. ■ Education · Austin, TX ·	●●●○○	Aug 14, 1:00 PM
Delta will launch daily nonstop Austin-to-Paris flights on March 27, 2027, expanding international access from Central Texas. ■ Infrastructure · Austin, TX ·	●●●○○	Aug 14, 11:00 AM
Federal contractors have started clearing ecologically sensitive land in Big Bend National Park for border barrier construction under a $1.7 billion plan. ■ Infrastructure · Texas ·	●●●●●	Aug 14, 9:30 AM
Grammy U program helps Austin artists launch careers in music UT Austin student Monica Sanchez joined Grammy U, Texas chapter programming, to secure music-industry mentorships and internships through member events. ■ Education · Austin, TX · kut.org	●●○○○	Aug 14, 8:15 AM
Odin Hensley, a 17-year-old Lake Travis High School football player in Austin, died after cardiac arrest during practice. ■ Health · Pflugerville, TX ·	●●●●●	Aug 14, 4:30 AM
Karmelo Anthony’s lawyers say a “gentleman’s agreement” restricted evidence in his Austin Metcalf murder trial while they prepare a recusal hearing to discharge Judge John Roach. ◆ Crime · Austin, TX ·	●●●●○	Aug 14, 3:45 AM
★ A Dallas-born baby with hypoplastic left heart syndrome sparked a national dispute as Texas courts addressed abortion-related claims and parental authority. ■ Government · Texas ·	●●●●●	Aug 13, 11:15 PM
A plane crash on FM 671 north of Meridian in Caldwell County left the pilot with minor injuries, and drivers are asked to avoid the area. ◆ Crime · Caldwell County, TX ·	●●●○○	Aug 13, 4:45 PM
Hays County confirmed its first 2026 laboratory-confirmed human West Nile case as mosquito pools also tested positive across the county. ■ Health · Hays County, TX ·	●●●○○	Aug 13, 4:30 PM
Round Rock ISD students win Congressional App Challenge honors Round Rock ISD students won awards in the Congressional App Challenge for apps addressing caregiving and civic engagement. ■ Education · Round Rock, TX · hillcountrynews.com	●●●○○	Aug 13, 2:45 PM
Lago Vista ISD Teacher Named Region 13 Secondary Teacher of the Year Lago Vista Middle School science teacher Angela Drake was named Region 13 Secondary Teacher of the Year. ■ Education · Lago Vista, TX · hillcountrynews.com	●●○○○	Aug 13, 2:45 PM
A federal jury convicted Cedar Park resident Scott Joseph Kopas of production and possession of child sexual abuse material. ◆ Crime · Cedar Park, TX ·	●●●●○	Aug 13, 12:45 PM
Taylor County man indicted after allegedly throwing glass bottle, striking woman in head Dominic Green was indicted for allegedly throwing a glass bottle at a woman, striking her in the head, in Taylor County. ◆ Crime · Taylor, TX · ktxs.com	●●●○○	Aug 13, 12:45 PM
Taylor County man indicted on child sexual abuse material charge David Middleton was indicted in Taylor County after a CyberTip investigation alleged he possessed and intended to promote child sexual abuse material. ◆ Crime · Taylor, TX · ktxs.com	●●●●○	Aug 13, 12:45 PM
That bright thing in the sky is just Venus, please don't shoot — again Astronomers say Venus will be visible during daylight Sept. 14 and note past U.S. military incidents where Venus was mistaken for a threat. ● Community · San Marcos, TX · stripes.com	●○○○○	Aug 13, 10:15 AM
Leander ISD swears in 13 officers before school year Leander ISD swore in 13 police officers ahead of the 2026-27 school year as the district expands its police department. ■ Government · Leander, TX · hillcountrynews.com	●●○○○	Aug 13, 9:45 AM
Body of Lake Travis swimmer recovered after July 25 search Authorities recovered a swimmer’s body from Lake Travis near Point Venture after a July 25 search. ■ Other · Travis County, Texas · hillcountrynews.com	●●○○○	Aug 13, 9:45 AM
Art studio opens in East Austin affordable housing complex Raasin in the Sun opened an art studio at Seabrook Square in East Austin for resident workshops and healing through public art. ● Community · Austin, TX · kut.org	●●●○○	Aug 13, 8:15 AM
What to Know About AISD Trustee Elections • The Austin Chronicle Austin ISD trustee elections will be held Nov. 3 for five seats, with filing and candidate challenges ongoing in Travis County. ■ Government · Austin, TX · austinchronicle.com	●●●○○	Aug 13, 1:30 AM
Most Recent Homeless Camps Report Shows Results, But Not the Full Picture • The Austin Chronicle An Austin homelessness operations report details camp site visits and debris removal but does not fully capture how many camps were cleared. ● Community · Austin, TX · austinchronicle.com	●●●○○	Aug 13, 1:30 AM
30-Acre Office Complex Sits Empty in East Austin • The Austin Chronicle Springdale Green, a 30-acre East Austin office complex near Airport Boulevard and Springdale Road, remains vacant months after completion. ■ Business · Austin, TX · austinchronicle.com	●●●○○	Aug 13, 1:30 AM
Texas State University files H-1B notice for Public Relations role Texas State University filed a Labor Condition Application for an H-1B public relations specialist role in San Marcos from Aug. 7, 2026, to Aug. 6, 2029. ■ Government · San Marcos, TX · americanbazaaronline.com	●●○○○	Aug 12, 10:15 PM
Round Rock ISD names Gabrylczyk to lead special education Round Rock ISD named Mark Gabrylczyk executive director of Special Education Services. ■ Education · Round Rock, TX · hillcountrynews.com	●●○○○	Aug 12, 7:30 PM
Paris Baguette opened its first Georgetown location in Texas. ■ Business · Georgetown, TX ·	●●○○○	Aug 12, 7:00 PM
Austin home sales rose in July as prices stabilized Austin home sales rose in July as prices stabilized. ■ Business · Austin, TX · austin.culturemap.com	●●○○○	Aug 12, 2:30 PM
Granite Shoals city manager appointed to regional leadership position Granite Shoals City Manager Sarah Novo was appointed president of Region 7 of the Texas City Management Association, covering 25 Central Texas counties. ■ Government · Granite Shoals, TX · dailytrib.com	●●○○○	Aug 12, 1:15 PM
Austin residents weigh in on renaming of Cesar Chavez Street Austin residents debated renaming Cesar Chavez Street at an Austin Central Library meeting amid concerns over cost and community engagement. ● Community · Austin, TX · kut.org	●●●○○	Aug 12, 1:00 PM
Austin Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting on Camino La Costa in North Austin where a suspect fired shots and was taken into custody. ◆ Crime · Austin, TX ·	●●●●○	Aug 12, 12:00 PM
CAL expands Austin route after it proves to be a winner Cayman Airways is expanding its nonstop Austin service, extending dates through next August and adding a second weekly Wednesday flight in 2027. ■ Business · Austin, TX · caymannewsservice.com	●●○○○	Aug 12, 9:15 AM
Bunkhouse Hotels Launches 'Vote Y'all' Campaign to Boost Voter Registration in Austin – TravelWires Bunkhouse Hotels in Austin launched the Vote Y’all campaign to boost voter registration ahead of the October 2026 deadline. ● Community · Austin, TX · travelwires.com	●●○○○	Aug 12, 6:45 AM
Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing prepared products sold in Texas due to possible Salmonella contamination linked to peppers. ■ Health · Taylor, TX ·	●●●●○	Aug 12, 1:15 AM
Body of Granite Shoals man recovered in Lake LBJ Granite Shoals resident Fernando Jaramillo-Macedo was found dead in Lake LBJ after going missing following a personal watercraft submersion. ◆ Crime · Granite Shoals, TX · dailytrib.com	●●●○○	Aug 12, 12:45 AM
HAAM and Central Health subsidize health insurance premiums for Austin-area musicians through Affordable Care Act plans. ■ Health · Austin, TX ·	●●●○○	Aug 11, 10:00 PM
Alamo Drafthouse renamed its Mueller location to the Matthew McConaughey Cinema with a dedication event in Austin. ● Community · Austin, TX ·	●●○○○	Aug 11, 7:15 PM
Austin fire chief retires abruptly; city to launch nationwide search Austin Fire Chief Joel G. Baker will retire Aug. 31 and the city will conduct a nationwide search for his replacement. ■ Government · Austin, TX · kut.org	●●●○○	Aug 11, 5:45 PM
Burn bans issued in unincorporated areas of Travis and Hays counties Travis and Hays counties issued burn bans for unincorporated areas starting Aug. 11 through Sept. 29 due to dry, hot conditions. ▲ Weather · Travis County, TX · fox7austin.com	●●●○○	Aug 11, 5:15 PM
Torch Literary Arts Lights Supportive Flame at New Brick-and-Mortar • The Austin Chronicle Torch Literary Arts cut the ribbon on its new North Austin brick-and-mortar Torch Center and plans a fall literary conference. ● Community · Austin, TX · austinchronicle.com	●●●○○	Aug 11, 4:45 PM
A major crash shut down all westbound lanes of I-10 near Mile Marker 608 in Seguin as of 6:25 a.m. Tuesday. ■ Infrastructure · Seguin, TX ·	●●●●○	Aug 11, 9:15 AM
Texas is appealing a federal court order requiring faster access to state psychiatric hospitals for incompetent criminal defendants. ■ Government · Round Rock, TX ·	●●●●○	Aug 11, 7:30 AM
Car break-ins at Austin trails: 2 arrested after investigation Austin Police arrested Michael Grant and Fabian Ellison after investigating multiple vehicle burglaries at Mount Bonnell, Bull Creek, and the St. Edward’s Greenbelt. ◆ Crime · Austin, TX · fox7austin.com	●●●○○	Aug 11, 3:00 AM
Canyon Lake summer food program marks 15 years of serving students Canyon Lake honored Leticia De Leon for starting a 15-year summer food program that delivers weekend meals to students via CRRC and Communities in Schools. ■ Education · Canyon Lake, TX · herald-zeitung.com	●●○○○	Aug 11, 12:00 AM
Austin ISD restores neighborhood bus stops for middle schoolers Austin ISD restored neighborhood bus stops for middle schoolers after shifting them to hub stops to save money. ■ Education · Austin, TX · fox7austin.com	●●●○○	Aug 10, 10:00 PM
A man was convicted in Travis County of capital murder in the October 2024 shooting deaths of his common-law wife and her boyfriend. ◆ Crime · Travis County, TX ·	●●●●○	Aug 10, 10:00 PM
Austin PBS to broadcast community celebration for first time Austin PBS will broadcast a community celebration for the first time. ● Community · Austin, TX · austin.culturemap.com	●●○○○	Aug 10, 7:45 PM
CapMetro bus drivers reach tentative agreement after months of contract talks, avoid strike CapMetro bus drivers and Keolis reached a tentative contract agreement in Austin to avert a strike, with major pay and benefits changes, pending a union vote. ■ Government · Austin, TX · fox7austin.com	●●●○○	Aug 10, 5:15 PM
Man Kills Parents, Himself After They Bailed Him Out of Jail Justin Sislo allegedly killed his parents in their home in Madison, New York, before dying by suicide weeks after they bailed him out of jail. ◆ Crime · Pflugerville, TX · usmagazine.com	●●●●○	Aug 10, 3:00 PM