Austin, TX
Austin-San Antonio mega-metro tries to avoid water crisis
Jacob’s Well gets its water from the Trinity Aquifer, which is currently at its lowest levels in recorded history.
Photo Courtesy of Katherine Sturdivant
It doesn’t take a natural scientist to understand that in Texas — and in particular, in the corridor between Austin and San Antonio — water is a major issue. Look at the sky and feel no drops. Read the stories about Jacob’s Well or look at an image of Lake Travis. It’s pretty bleak.
Unfortunately, as the region expands, water, or the lack thereo, is only going to become more of a concern. About 5 million people live in the region. That number is supposed to balloon to 6-7 million by 2030, according to The Greater Austin-San Antonio Corridor Council. Over the course of the next 50 years or so, water usage will continue to rise, droughts will persist, and, perhaps most dire of all and for a variety of reasons, we will have less water available to us.
The state and the cities need to figure this all out, lest the San Antonio-Austin mega-metro become Mad Max: Fury Road. Here’s what they’re doing.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
Dripstone Ranch Supervisor Farron Sultmeier walks along the dry riverbed of the Frio River at the ranch in Sabinal, Texas, Feb. 14, 2020. The Edwards Aquifer Protection Program has spent more than $260 million in sales tax funds since 2000 to acquire about 160,000 acres of sensitive land over the aquiferThe program paid a local developer, Pat Kennedy, nearly $8 million for an easement: a permanent restriction on most development.
Josie Norris/Staff Photographer
The reason for Texas’ statewide water plan
People are seen Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 at the Canyon Lake dam overlook park at Canyon Lake. The lake is about 88 percent full or almost 6 feet below normal conservation pool, marked by the debris line on the lake side of the dam. The Guadalupe River has been dry above the lake since late May and the lake has been releasing less than half its historical average amount of water for most of the summer according to the Texas Water Development Board’s Water Data For Texas website.
William Luther/Staff photographer
If you look up at the Central Texas sky longingly, aching for a single meager drop of water to fall from the sky that isn’t from a rogue window unit, you are not alone. The U.S. Drought Monitor’s map makes the counties between Austin and San Antonio look like a bad bruise.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
But it’s nothing compared to The Big One, at least not yet.
The so-called “drought of record” in Texas lasted from 1950-57 and is the reason that Texas has a statewide water plan. Causing an estimated $36 billion in agricultural losses, it’s a phrase on the tip of every water expert’s tongue.
The same year the drought ended, the Texas Water Development Board was established by the Texas Legislature to plan for the future. Since 1997, the state has planned for water on a regional basis, with Texas being broken into 16 regions, labeled A-P.
Austin, Pflugerville, and Fredericksburg are in Region K — also called the Lower Colorado Regional Water Planning Area — which also includes portions of Hays and all of Bastrop, Llano, Burnet, Blanco, and other surrounding counties. Region L, the South-Central Texas Regional Water Planning Area, spans from the Gulf to portions of the Hill Country, and includes San Antonio, San Marcos, and New Braunfels.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
The planning takes into consideration environmental factors like the climate, drought, and floods, plus projected population growth and increased water usage.
“On a systematic basis, Texas has as thorough a process as anyone in the U.S., if not better than almost anywhere,” says David Eaton, a professor of natural resource policy in the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT Austin. “I don’t know of a better statewide planning process that considers all of these factors and identifies the priority investments to provide water supply.”
People walk the ramp to the parking lot Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Canyon Lake’s Cranes Mill Marina as the lake dropped to 77 percent full Wednesday and 11.50 feet below conservation pool, according to the Texas Water Development Board’s Water Data for Texas website. That level approaches the reservoir’s lowest springtime level in over 30 years.
William Luther/Staff
Planning for the future San Antonio-Austin mega-metro
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
That’s good news, right? As is the notion that the larger cities like Austin have a 100-year plan for water, with extra water purchased from the Lower Colorado River Authority that it doesn’t even use … just in case. San Antonio has its water needs planned through 2070.
But a close reading of the TWDB’s most recent State Water Plan, from 2022, paints a scarier picture for the state as a whole, particularly in the mega-metro. Not only is water usage projected to increase, but existing water supply is projected to decrease by about 18% by 2070.
So, the region needs more water. The TWDB’s plan outlines a few ways in which the state can increase its water supply, including reduction via conservation or adding to the current supply with new reservoirs, wells, water reuse, and constructing seawater and groundwater desalination plants.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
Planning groups came up with thousands of water management strategies across the state in 2022, and, if put into action, would more than make up the projected water deficit that Texas faces by 2070. But that’s a tall order.
In reality, only two of the 16 regions were able to fully provide plans that met the needs of their regions and the state, and — spoiler alert — both fall outside the San Antonio-Austin mega-metro.
The implications are vast. Aside from the 90% of Texans who would face at least a 10% water shortage both on a city and residential level in 2070, 25% of all municipal water users in the state would be at a 50% shortage. The Texas economy would suffer to the tune of $153 billion, with job losses approaching 1.4 million.
TWDB makes note that these estimates are on the conservative side.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
The Texas Legislature addressed these concerns in May, adding $1 billion in surplus money for water supply and infrastructure, with two new funds — the New Water Supply for Texas Fund and the Texas Water Fund — created to allocate the money.
But, you know, Texas politics. The New Water Supply for Texas Fund becomes a reality on September 1, of this year if Gov. Greg Abbott approves it. Still, it’ll only be funded if voters approve the ballot measure for the Texas Water Fund — a constitutional amendment — this November. And, even if it goes through, it may not be nearly enough to address mounting water concerns.
Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs for the Texas Water Conservation Association Sarah Kirkle spoke on the proposed bill after it passed in the Texas House this May.
“No matter where it lands,” she said, “all of it is just a drop in the bucket compared to what the state’s need is.”
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
The Cranes Mill Marina is seen Monday, July 24, 2023, on Canyon Lake as water levels continue to drop at the popular reservoir. Canyon lake was 72.2 percent full and 14.2 feet low Monday, according to the Texas Water Development BoardÕs Water Data for Texas website.
William Luther/Staff
Working together
Sure, Texas is planning for the future, and it is (at least trying to) allocate resources that look to the back half of the century. But it does not manage water regionally, nor are there any plans to Voltron together the various water utilities, which could help with water infrastructure and delivery in the region.
Take the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, which services parts of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Created by congressional mandate, the ICPRB looks at water management on a watershed basis through cooperation between jurisdictions. In creating a single reservoir instead of many separate storage facilities, the area has a high level of reliability in sharing risk.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
“Anytime you have a larger scale, you have increased fiscal capacity,” Eaton says. “So you would expect that the infrastructure would be more effective if you have a larger regional system.”
Eaton points out that the mega-metro is larger than some states, which could make regional water management arduous. And then, of course, there’s the Texan-ness of it all.
“This is a matter of whether it works politically,” he says.
Therein lies the rub, particularly for the smaller towns in the Texas Hill Country and alongside I-35 between San Antonio and Austin.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
“Natural resources are always going to be a challenge here,” says Jeff Jewell, director of economic and community development for New Braunfels. “Water is a very big concern for this region.”
The Edwards Aquifer provides 18% of New Braunfels’ water, down from 100% in the years preceding 1991. Since then, as the city has grown, it has diversified its water portfolio. Cities like New Braunfels have done this because it allows them greater flexibility as they expand, particularly in times of drought.
That’s because the region that New Braunfels falls in is under statewide regulations that cap water usage as part of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Act of 1993. There’s no growing off the Edwards Aquifer. It is what it is.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
“The question for the city planners, for the water planners within the region is: What are you going to do to identify additional water resources above and beyond what you have with the Edwards?” says Roland Ruiz, general manager of the Edwards Aquifer Authority.
Medina Lake is seen Tuesday, June 20, 2023 behind the dam as the lake sits at 5.2 percent full, according to the Texas Water Development Board’s Water Data For Texas website. Medina Lake is managed by the Bexar-Medina-Atascosa Counties WCID #1. The San Antonio Water System filed a lawsuit Friday to get out of a 40-year agreement with the BMA requiring SAWS to pay millions of dollars every year for water from Medina Lake, which the utility says it can’t use and doesn’t need.
William Luther/Staff
Water solutions for the San Antonio-Austin mega-metro
In San Marcos, they’re doing just that. The city jointly owns a water treatment plant with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority. It also gets water from the Edwards Aquifer, but they plan conservatively, basing everything on Stage 5 restrictions, which means 44% reduction from that source.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
So, the city is a 35% shareholder in the Alliance Regional Water Authority, a joint effort between the city and Kyle, Buda, and the Canyon Regional Water Authority, a $120 million dollar project. Their share of water comes online in January 2024.
“The other thing that we did is we purchased into to the Hays-Caldwell Treatment Plant and we move some surface water rights to that plant to also diversify our water supply,” says San Marcos’ Assistant Director of the Water and Wastewater Utility Paul Kite.
That water supply comes online in 2025. Kite says he feels confident that San Marcos will have enough water until at least 2050, but this is an evolving, ongoing process to plan for the rest of the century and beyond. San Marcos has some wholesale agreements with nearby cities and utilities and is working on more.
On paper, the mega-metro should be able to have enough water, but of course, it’s never that easy. A new drought of record or an unexpected population boom could destroy best-laid plans. Eaton agrees that Texas’ planning is top notch, but 2070 is almost impossible to imagine, even if it’s the job of water planners to do just that.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
“It’s difficult,” he says, “to have very firm, unambiguous statements about water availability.”
AUSTIN, Texas – State lawmakers could help push forward plans to build a high-speed rail connecting San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas.
On April 28, a House Transportation Committee heard testimony on HB 483. The bill would allow TxDOT to reach agreements with a private company to build, maintain, and operate a high-speed rail along the I-35 corridor.
The intercity passenger rail would be expected to reach speeds of at least 110 mph.
Lawmakers said it’s needed to build a modern transportation network that meets the urgent need of our growing population.
“We’re behind Florida in high speed rail. Orlando, Florida, has done amazing things, leapfrogging over the state of Texas and the rest of the nation with regard to high-speed rail, with great advantage to Florida residents. Texas talks about being number one. We need to be number one,” said Sen. Sarah Eckhardt.
The legislation would also repeal a 2017 ban on state investments in high-speed rail.
It still needs passage in both chambers to become law.
Things to Do in Austin This Weekend of May 2, 2025
Our top picks for the Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of May 2
Check out the full list below!
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Free Things To Do Austin this Weekend
Spring Pecan Street Festival
Image credit: Pecan Street Festival
Get ready for the Pecan Street Festival, a free, two-day arts extravaganza where hundreds of incredible artisans, both local and national, will showcase their unique, handcrafted wonders.
Aside from enjoying the art, you can groove to nearly 50 of Austin’s best musical acts across three stages and savor tempting treats from thirty diverse food vendors.
The little ones can also dive into a world of kid-friendly fun with rides, a petting zoo, and interactive workshops.
Where: Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738
When: Saturday, May 3 – 4, 2025
How Much: Free
CelebrASIA Austin
CelebrASIA Austin will be delivering a wealth of cultural experiences for the whole family, marking 11 years of community and culture at the AARC.
So prepare to immerse yourself in captivating performances, savor delicious offerings from food vendors, and explore engaging exhibits from various cultures all across Asia.
Where: Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 11 am – 3 pm
How Much: Free
La Fete de Cindo de Mayo
Image credit: mexic-artmuseum
Get ready for La Fête de Cinco de Mayo, a dazzling family event where the vibrant traditions of Mexico and France unite. Dive into a day brimming with engaging activities, playful educational games, and captivating performances that will spark joy and discovery for everyone.
Where: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 9 am – 1 pm
How Much: Free
The Front Market
Prepare to discover unique finds and support local artistry all weekend long at the Front Market! There will be over 150 independent creatives, artists, designers, and small business owners from across Texas South showcasing their crafts.
Where: Rollins Theatre at the Long Center for the Perfroming Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
When: Saturday, May 3 – 4, 2025 | 11 am – 5 pm
How Much: Free
Violet Crown Festival
Get ready for a weekend bursting with flavor, rhythm, and handcrafted treasures at the Violet Crown Festival.
But that’s not all! Prepare for a BBQ showdown as teams from across the city fire up their smokers in a fierce cook-off, vying for the title of BBQ champion. There will also be live music headlined this year by the iconic Dale Watson and His Lone Stars.
Where: Brentwood Neighborhood Park, 6710 Arroyo Seco, Austin, TX 78757
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 10 am – 5 pm
How Much: Free
Things To Do in Austin this Weekend – Friday Events
Annie
Join Annie in a celebration of family, unwavering optimism, and the enduring American spirit in a heartwarming musical that will give you a nice dose of sunshine.
The play is directed by Jenn Thompson, with the unforgettable songs by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin.
Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, May 2 – 4, 2025
How Much: Starts at $30
Silent Disco
This weekend, ditch the usual and dive into Quiet Clubbing at The Belmont. You get to choose your soundtrack for the night as three live DJs spin different genres, all while you dance the night away with your glowing LED headphones.
Where: The Belmont, 305 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, May 2, 2025 | 10 pm – 2 am
How Much: $10 – $20
Spring Carnival 2025
Get ready for a weekend explosion of fun in Austin! Prepare to spin on thrilling rides, test your luck at classic carnival games for awesome prizes, and indulge in all your favorite carnival treats just outside the arcade doors.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Inside, you’ll discover a colossal arcade packed with both the latest hits and beloved retro games. And when you need to refuel, Pinballz Lake Creek offers a full scratch kitchen and two bars serving up delicious food and drinks.
Where: Pinballs Lake Creek, 13729 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78750
When: Friday, May 2 – 11, 2025 | 5 pm – 11 pm
How Much: Free entry | Rides and games require tickets
Blue Genie Art Bazaar May Market
Image credit: Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Dive into the fifth annual May Market and prepare to discover a vibrant collection of unique creations, showcasing the talents of nearly 200 regional artists and artisans.
Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd Ste C, Austin, TX 78752
When: Friday, May 2 – June 1, 2025 | 10 am
How Much: Free entry
Texas Burlesque Festival
Houston, prepare for a weekend spectacle of dazzling proportions! The reigning Queen of Tease from New Orleans, Jeez Loueez, alongside Chicago’s Kings of Boylesque, Bazuka Joe and Ray Gunn, and the legendary Lovey Goldmine from Las Vegas, are converging for an unforgettable burlesque extravaganza.
Get ready to cheer, applaud, and encourage these incredible performers as they present tantalizing acts, from classic peels to hilarious spins on pop culture.
Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd Ste C, Austin, TX 78752
When: Friday – Sunday, May 2 – 4, 2025 | 8 pm – 1:30 am
How Much: Starts at $25
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend – Saturday Events
Austin FC vs Minnesota United FC
Looking for the perfect Austin weekend thrill? Immerse yourself in the heart-pounding action of live soccer. Be part of the roaring atmosphere as you support Austin FC against Minnesota United.
Where: Q2 Stadium, 10414 Mc Kalla Pl, Austin, TX 78758
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 7:30 pm
How Much: Starts at $73
Cinco de Mayo Run: Against All Odds
Join the Run Against All Odds and ignite your Cinco de Mayo spirit alongside a vibrant community. Challenge your limits, embrace resilience, and honor the rich culture of Cinco de Mayo!
Where: Richard Moya Park, 10001 Burleson Rd, Austin, TX 78719
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 7:30 am – 10:30 am
How Much: $39
Kentucky Derby Party
Catch every heart-pounding second of “the most exciting two minutes in sports” on multiple screens at Live Oak’s Kentucky Derby Party! Your admission includes a complimentary mint julep and a race chit to predict the top three finishers.
You can also join the contests for best hat and best dressed, so get ready to don your favorite derby attire.
Where: Live Oak, 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 4 pm – 7 pm
How Much: $70
Margarita and Salsa Mini Festival
This weekend, Beachside Billy’s is throwing a Margarita and Salsa Tasting Mini Festival that’s sure to ignite your taste buds. For just $45, you’ll get to savor six unique 6 oz margaritas perfectly paired with six distinct and zesty salsas.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Your ticket also unlocks all-day access to the waterpark, complete with a free parking pass. As the sun sets, the party will keep going with a Late Night Pool Party featuring DJ PAPI RICO!
Where: Volante Beach Water Park, 16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769 Suite D, Leander, TX 78641
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 12 pm – 4 pm
How Much: $45
Synesthesia: An Immersive Audiovisual Dance Party
The boundaries between a party and a performance will vanish this weekend at Synesthesia. Dynamic DJ sets will pulse through the venue, while captivating projection art dances across the walls.
Added to that, there will also be breathtaking aerial dancers and live painters adding layers to this sensory symphony, creating a fully immersive and awe-inspiring experience.
Where: Propaganda HQ, 625 Industrial Blvd, Austin, TX 78745
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 10 pm – 4 am
How Much: $15 Early Bird | $20 Presale | $25 at Door
iHeart Country Festival
Image credit: iHeartCountry
The iHeartCountry Festival is here. Watch out for performances from the legendary Brooks & Dunn, the chart-topping Thomas Rhett, and the unforgettable Rascal Flatts.
There will also be performances from Sam Hunt, the rising star Megan Moroney, the powerful Bailey Zimmerman, and the captivating Nate Smith.
Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 7 pm
How Much: Starts at $56
Mayday Parade in Concert
Houston, get ready for a sonic blast this weekend! Mayday Parade is hitting Austin in celebration of their fresh album, Sweet, and you won’t want to miss it.
Where: Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live), 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 7 pm
How Much: Starts at $40
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend – Sunday Events
2025 H-E-B Austin Sunshine Run
Image credit: Austin Sunshine Run
Bring your A-game for a good cause at the Austin Sunshine Run! Lace up your running shoes for the 5K, challenge yourself with the 10K, let the little ones zoom in the Kids K, or even cheer on the Fastest Dog in Austin 5K!
Celebrate your achievement afterwards with food, drinks, and music, all while supporting life-changing experiences for historically underinvested youth in Central Texas through the Austin Sunshine Camps.
Where: Auditorium Shores, 900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
When: Sunday, May 4, 2025 | 8 am – 10 am
How Much: $40
Jack White in Concert
The legendary Jack White is heading to Austin, bringing the raw energy of his new EP, “No Name.” Prepare for a night of electrifying riffs and powerful vocals that will shake the stage.
Where: Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live), 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
When: Sunday, May 4 – 5, 2025 | 8 pm
How Much: Not stated
To get these updates delivered directly to your feed, give us a follow on Facebook by clicking the …next to the search lens icon.
Travel on your mind? Check out Free and Cheap Events in Houston this Weekend and Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend.
Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.
Re: April 21 article, “People aren’t living as long as they did 4 years ago, data shows”
Your recent article on declining life expectancy in Texas points to a deeper crisis. As a public health researcher studying “deaths of despair” — from suicide, alcohol and drug overdoses — I’ve found these deaths have increased by 153% in Texas since 2000, especially among those of working-age in economically distressed counties.
In 2020 alone, the state lost nearly 372,000 years of potential life to preventable causes. These outcomes aren’t random. They reflect policy choices. Texas still refuses to expand Medicaid, ranks near the bottom in mental health funding, and has passed abortion bans contributing to a 56% rise in maternal mortality from 2019 to 2022.
We know what works: Access to care, housing and economic opportunity saves lives. What’s missing is the political will to act.
Camerino I. Salazar, doctoral candidate, University of Texas at San Antonio
When will we heed the urgent warnings on climate change?
Re: April 24 article, “Climate ‘tipping points’ are near”
When there is virtually unanimous consensus among the people who devote their entire careers to studying a given topic, who are the world’s foremost experts, we had best pay attention to what they say — especially when what they say is irrefutably backed up by evidence every one of us can see in our daily lives.
To date, we have not paid much attention to what the experts are saying about how we are disrupting, even destroying, Mother Nature’s harmony. American Indians and many other indigenous groups around the world lived without pillaging and destroying the environment that sustains us, but our society has not found a way to do so. We continue to ignore the warning signs screaming all around us — at our own peril.
Technological advances are not going to get us out of this mess. We must make social, political, economic, behavioral and attitudinal changes.
Mark Warren, Austin
State duplicates the agency focused on efficiency
Re: April 24 article, “Abbott signs DOGE bill, targets state bureaucracy”
So, by a fell swoop of pen and cooperation of the highly efficient Legislature, Gov. Greg Abbott has created the Texas Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Interesting, because I always thought that was the function of the Texas Sunset Commission. For some reason, it does not seem efficient to have two agencies performing the same task.
But what do I know. I’m just a tax-paying citizen.
John Williams, Austin
Texas DOGE can start by killing anti-renewables bill
Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a bill to establish a state agency to find and remove regulations that hamper Texas’ growth. Let’s start by killing the bill designed to hinder growth of renewable energy. About 30% of energy generated in Texas is from solar and wind — and it is cheaper than electricity from coal or natural gas.
Wealthy Republican donors are sitting on a reservoir of natural gas in west Texas that is threatened by the renewable sector, which is really what Senate Bill 819 is about. Kill it now.
Lawrence Ragan, Austin
Great. The bathroom police are back.
Re: April 22 article, “Texas Senate to hear bathroom bill”
So, will the state hire cops to check peoples’ privates before they enter a public restroom? I’m a 78-year-old woman who enters a restroom, hoping there is toilet paper in the stall before I lock the door. Who cares if the person in the next stall is gay, straight or trans? Do your business and wash your hands. Hopefully there are towels or a hand blower!
Aren’t there more important things to worry about?
Haven’t we moved on from the “whites only” days of discrimination? Things aren’t looking “great” if we continue down this path. Perhaps tattoos will be next, so we can quickly identify and judge one another.
Sue Kemp, Austin
Bills give Pornhub a pass without solving the problem
Texas legislators are considering Senate Bill 2420 and HB 4901. Both would implement app store verification mandates. While intended as an alternative to requiring age verification at the site level, this serves to help app developers dodge accountability for keeping children safe without solving the problem.
Worse, the bills mandate that app stores share user age information with every app developer regardless of the app’s nature or user consent, which creates severe privacy hazards for all users of the platform, regardless of whether they are trying to access apps with adult content.
The bills do nothing to address the many other ways children can access online platforms and sites with adult content. They only serve to exempt sites like Pornhub — which is supporting SB 2420 — from the responsibility of protecting children from the online harms on its platform.
Our legislators in Austin should scrap both bills.
Bill Peacock, Dripping Springs
An apt reminder of Austin Animal Center’s no-kill ethos
Re: April 20 commentary, “Austin can again become leader in animal services,” by Tawny Hammond
Thank you, Tawny Hammond, for reminding us of how Austin was once a no-kill leader. Our city animal shelter has recently failed to serve our community by refusing to even take in found animals. Now we have a chance to help people keep their pets through supportive programs and improve shelter life for the animals by making it easier to volunteer, foster and adopt.
I hope that City Manager T.C. Broadnax will show us that he wants to embrace what Austin is all about and find a new shelter director with the vision that Tawny Hammond brought during her too-short tenure.
Rona Distenfeld, Austin
Waiting for that voters’ remorse to kick in
Re: April 23 article, “Poll shows further dip in Trump’s approval rating”
How many more things need to go sideways before the folks who voted for President Trump finally admit they made a grievous error in judgment? I thought things were supposed to get better? He never said there would be a “period of adjustment.” He said it would be “immediate!”
Wake up and smell the coffee before that tariff hits the smell.
Tip Giles, Austin
Look at the damage done in just in a few months
I want to thank you all who voted for President Trump for all that is happening in this country.
I once was a Republican and believed that this was a country that always did the right thing. Now elected officials are working steadfastly to whitewash American history. DEI is a dirty word.
The Trump administration is attacking the freedom of speech and discussion in our universities. They are silencing scientific research in our health care system. They are invading our private lives and destroying our right to privacy. They are arresting people who have broken no laws. They have gotten rid of due process. They have destroyed America’s reputation so that no country will ever trust us to do what we promised to do.
Wealth has power. If only it was used for good.
Richard Chiarello, Austin
How to submit a letter to the editor
Send letters of no more than 150 words by using our online form at https://bit.ly/3Crmkcf or send an email to letters@statesman.com.
We welcome your letters on all topics. Include your name and city of residence; we do not publish anonymous letters.
A Lawmaker Blasted a Hospital’s Super Bowl Ad. Then He Changed His Tune.
25-year-old arrested in Detroit kitten neglect case, facing charges
South San Francisco cops shoot, kill armed man
Goldman Sachs' $500 million Dallas campus on track for 2028 completion
Boston Fleet fall to Montreal in overtime
-
News1 week agoHarvard would be smart to follow Hillsdale’s playbook. Trump should avoid Biden’s. | Opinion
-
Politics7 days agoVideo: Hegseth Attacks the Media Amid New Signal Controversy
-
Culture5 days agoNew Poetry Books That Lean Into Calm and Joy Amid Life’s Chaos
-
News1 week agoMaps: Where Do Federal Employees Work in America?
-
Technology1 week agoPete Hegseth reportedly spilled Yemen attack details in another Signal chat
-
Politics1 week agoPope Francis and US presidents: A look back at his legacy with the nation's leaders
-
World1 week agoNew Zealand’s minor gov’t party pushes to define women by biological sex
-
Politics1 week agoJD Vance has ‘exchange of opinions’ on issues like deportations during meeting with top Vatican official