Texas officials reported that almost 800 patients remained in Texas state psychiatric hospitals for more than a year, representing about 40% of the state hospital population and affecting access to inpatient mental and behavioral health services.
Hays County residents are calling for more transparency from the PAWS Shelter of Central Texas after the nonprofit nearly closed last fall due to financial troubles.
PopStroke, the mini-golf chain partially owned by Tiger Woods, plans to open a second Austin-area location in Cedar Park in April 2026, according to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
As the new year begins, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) unveiled proposed rules aimed at tightening oversight of the state’s hemp industry, covering production, retail sales, and consumable hemp products.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — Williamson County has been awarded over $20 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe…
The Austin Police Department (APD) announced the death of one of its longtime K-9 officers, marking a significant loss for the department.
The City of Austin will cut $5.2 million from social services contracts after voters overwhelmingly rejected Proposition Q in the November election, forcing budget adjustments. City officials notified affected providers, revised contract amounts, and coordinated changes to program scopes and service levels. The cuts apply within the current fiscal year and reflect the revenue gap created by the failed ballot measure. Austin’s finance department and city leadership reviewed updated projections and directed reductions to keep the budget balanced while continuing to monitor future funding conditions.
New Braunfels police in Texas are searching for a male suspect in a December 21 shooting and warn the public that he is armed and dangerous. Authorities urge residents not to approach the suspect and to call 911 with any information. The New Braunfels Police Department continues to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and increase patrols while withholding the suspect’s name pending further developments. This straight news report covers what happened, when and where it occurred, who is involved, why police issued the warning, and how residents should respond.
Austin police officials in Austin, Texas, report that the city has recorded fewer homicides so far in 2025 after several years of rising violence, while detectives continue to investigate two homicide cases that remain unsolved. The Austin Police Department tracks homicide trends, analyzes data, and adjusts investigative strategies based on case reviews and developments. Investigators gather evidence, interview witnesses, and coordinate with other agencies as needed. The department maintains public tip lines, issues bulletins when appropriate, and works with victim services to support affected families, with plans to release more detailed 2025 homicide statistics in an upcoming public safety briefing.
Several Central Texas cities have removed automated license plate readers after years of using the technology to aid police investigations. Local officials ended contracts, deactivated devices, and took down equipment following reviews of costs, performance, and policy priorities. Police departments reported that the systems had helped locate suspects and vehicles in past cases, while investigators in other jurisdictions, including in the Brown University shooting case, continue to use license plate reader data. Central Texas agencies now rely on other investigative tools and traditional policing methods and say any future use of license plate readers would require new public discussions and approvals.