Austin, TX
Australia mass shooting: Brother of Texas rabbi injured in attack speaks at Austin ceremony
AUSTIN, Texas – In the wake of the Australia attack on Bondi Beach, Jewish community members flocked to join Governor Greg Abbott in the annual Hanukkah tradition, which looked different this year.
The traditional lighting of the menorah at the Capitol is typically held outside. However, with the recent attack, everyone piled into the Governor’s reception room for security reasons.
The backstory:
There was a weight in the air you could almost feel as members of the Jewish community gathered for the annual Texas Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony.
The celebration comes only days after two gunmen killed 15 people and injured about 40 others at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia.
“We have enhanced security, making sure celebrations will take place peacefully and respectfully,” said Governor Greg Abbott.
The terror attack hits home for many. One of the victims is a fellow Texan, Rabbi Liebel Lazaroff, who remains in the ICU fighting for his life.
“An attack on Jews anywhere is an attack on us.”
Rabbi Liebel Lazaroff and his father.
Liebel’s siblings drove in from College Station, and his brother, Rabbi Menachem Lazaroff, spoke about his brother’s heroic actions on Bondi Beach.
“[Liebel] saw, close by, an Australian police officer who was injured and critically bleeding,” said Rabbi Menachem Lazaroff. “He ran over to him, took the shirt off his back, and applied a tourniquet and saved the man’s life.”
Liebel was shot twice while trying to save the Australian police officer. All of this unfolded as Liebel’s boss and mentor died right next to him. He was identified as Rabbi Eli Schlanger.
“[Liebel] said, ‘I could’ve saved the rabbi,’” said Rabbi Menachem Lazaroff. “[Liebel] said ‘Rabbi Schlanger has a family, a wife and children. I’m just a young boy. I could have done something, and I wish I would’ve done more.’”
The 20-year-old rabbi has undergone several surgeries and has more ahead of him before he can begin what will be a long road to recovery.
“He’s a good man, and he’s tough, but it definitely made me emotional for sure, and I’m proud of him,” said Rabbi Menachem Lazaroff. “I’m proud of who he is and what he represents.”
During the eight days of Hanukkah, one candle is lit each night until all eight are burning. On Thursday night, the fifth candle was lit, the symbolic transition of there being more light than darkness.
The Lazaroff family is seeking donations to cover Liebel’s medical bills. Here’s a link if you would like to help.
The Source: Information from statements at the Texas Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony and previous FOX 7 Austin coverage
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Both directions of U.S. Highway 290 at Fitzhugh Road are closed due to a crash, according to TxDOT.
Details about the crash and any injuries were not immediately available.
Drivers are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes while crews work to clear the roadway.
Austin, TX
Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years in fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at Frisco track meet | Houston Public Media
A Collin County jury sentenced 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison Tuesday for the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet last year.
It came just hours after Anthony was found guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing. He faced up to life in prison.
Jurors had the option of finding him guilty of manslaughter or murder if they didn’t find him not guilty. The two charges are distinguished by intent. Murder means the jury believed Anthony “knowingly” caused Metcalf’s death.
During the trial’s punishment phase, Anthony’s mother Kayla Hayes asked the jury for mercy.
“He’s my oldest, he’s my first born, he will always be my baby,” she said. “I love him very much.”
She was asked if she believed her son had any regrets.
“Yes, I know my son,” she said. “He’s very sorry for what he did.”
“Please have mercy on my son,” she added.
During closing arguments in the punishment phase, Anthony’s defense attorney Mike Howard acknowledged how difficult the decision was for the jury and asked them to consider sudden passion in determining their punishment. They don’t have to be sure, he said — they only need to believe Anthony felt terror in the moment.
“I can only ask you to consider both sides, to follow your hearts, and to follow the law,” he said.
Prosecutor attorney Bill Wirskye argued in response that sudden passion, by definition, “does not apply to this case and this set of facts.”
He asked the jury to consider a life sentence, telling jurors, “mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent.”
“Regardless of what you do today, plenty of life sentences have already been handed out in this case,” he said to the jury.
The decision comes after both sides rested their case Monday afternoon. Anthony’s defense lasted two days and ended without him taking the stand. Prosecutors argued the stabbing was an unjustified attack on Metcalf, while the defense said Anthony acted in self defense.
The case has drawn national attention and controversy over the race of both teens. Anthony is Black and victim was white. None of the jurors were Black.
Several schools were competing when Anthony sat under the Memorial High School tent that was perched in the bleachers. Metcalf and others had repeatedly told Anthony to leave, witnesses testified, leading to an escalating confrontation.
During the nearly weeklong trial, prosecutors said that Anthony provoked Metcalf, and witnesses have testified that Anthony was the aggressor.
Anthony at one point reached inside a bag and replied: “Touch me and see what happens,” according to a police report.
Metcalf pushed Anthony, according to witnesses, who said Anthony then pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest. The teens, both from Frisco, didn’t know each other.
The trial drew lines of spectators hoping to find seats in the gallery and unfolded amid heavy security at the Collin County courthouse. As police officers watched Tuesday, dozens of people stood outside the courthouse in 90 degree heat to await the verdict. There were wails of grief from one woman — “This isn’t real!” — when the result became known.
Got a tip? Email Emily DeMotte at edemotte@kera.org or Dylan Duke at dduke@kera.org.
KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.
Press Release | June 9, 2026
The Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) descends into Austin this Fourth of July weekend with the inaugural Moto-Texas Superbike Challenge.
This is a press release from CMRA…
Austin, TX (June 9, 2026) — The Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) descends into Austin this Fourth of July weekend with the inaugural Moto-Texas Superbike Challenge, the first-ever amateur sanctioned motorcycle road race event at the world-renowned Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Taking place July 3-5, 2026, the event combines high-speed superbike competition with family-friendly holiday weekend entertainment—all for a single $20 gate fee per person.
COTA, home to Formula One’s United States Grand Prix and MotoGP’s Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, provides one of the most thrilling motorcycle racing venues in the world. The 3.426-mile circuit—with its iconic sweeping corners and signature turn-one elevation change—will now host CMRA’s most prestigious race event to date.
“We are thrilled to bring CMRA’s biggest event yet to Circuit of the Americas,” said CMRA’s Dave Johnson. “COTA is a bucket-list track for any motorcycle racer, and this may be the only time amateur racers will have to compete on this world-class circuit. We can’t wait to see riders from across the country come in to compete for a share of the $25,000 purse.”
Event Highlights
- World-class venue: Race on the same track that hosts MotoGP and Formula One
- $25,000 total prize purse distributed across multiple classes. Restrictions apply.
- Double-header sprint races Saturday and Sunday (July 4th and 5th)
- Friday, July 3rd dedicated to practice and qualifying
- Spectator gate fee of just $25 per person for the entire weekend — Friday through Sunday
- On-site karting and amusement park for families
- Garages equipped with electrical hookups, compressed air, and shared restrooms
About the Competition
The Moto-Texas Superbike Challenge is open to licensed road racers from any recognized road race organization in the United States. All competitors are required to hold a current American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) membership, as the event is sanctioned by the AMA.
Sprint races of 6 and 8 laps will be held on both Saturday and Sunday, with multiple class entries available at discounted additional-entry pricing.
Pre-entries are open now at cmraracing.com, with a 20% deposit required to secure a spot. The full balance is due by June 30, 2026.
Entry fees start at $525 for Friday practice and qualifying, with sprint race entries beginning at $195.
A Family Destination on the Fourth of July
While competitors chase the checkered flag, families can enjoy COTA’s adjacent entertainment complex, featuring a karting track and amusement rides. With the $20 gate fee covering all three days, the Moto-Texas Superbike Challenge offers one of the most affordable motorsport experiences in the region — a perfect Fourth of July outing for Austin and Central Texas families.
Spectator & Competitor Information
- Event Dates: July 3–5, 2026 (Friday–Sunday)
- Venue: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617
- Spectator Gate Fee: $25 (one-time fee per person, covers all days)
- Competitor Pre-Entry: Open now at cmraracing.com — deadline June 30, 2026
For more information, visit cmraracing.com
-
Indiana2 minutes ago
Where to watch Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever on June 11: TV channel, start time and streaming
-
Iowa5 minutes agoRob Sand says audit shows PBMs may be overcharging Iowa taxpayers
-
Kansas10 minutes agoTornadoes reported as severe weather hits Kansas
-
Kentucky17 minutes agoWhat income is needed in Kentucky to be considered middle class?
-
Louisiana20 minutes agoLetters: How will new energy project affect families? State must get its priorities straight
-
Maine25 minutes agoCan Graham Platner win?
-
Maryland32 minutes agoMaryland voter guide: What you need to know about the 2026 primary election – WTOP News
-
Michigan35 minutes agoMichigan football’s toughest games in 2026: Ranking top-4 gantlet
