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City Warns Austin Residents to Beware of Toxic Algae in Public Waterways

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City Warns Austin Residents to Beware of Toxic Algae in Public Waterways


As spring approaches, the City of Austin is reminding residents to be extra careful around local waterways due to the presence of blue-green algae mats that may be toxic.

Austin Watershed Protection staff observed the algae in Austin’s lakes and creeks over the winter, according to a Tuesday press release. The mats look like dark blobs floating on the water surface and can sometimes mix in with other types of algae.

Upcoming spring weather conditions will be more favorable to the algae, and the Watershed Protection department expects to see more buildup in local waterways. Residents should avoid contact with the algae and take the following precautions before entering water.

Before You Enter Public Waterways

  • Look for algae along the shoreline.
  • Watch for stagnant, warm, or murky water.
  • Don’t enter the water if there is scum, surface film, or visible algae.
  • Avoid water altogether if there has been rain in the past three days.

After Entering Public Waterways

  • Don’t drink water from any natural water bodies.
  • Avoid contact with algae.
  • Rinse skin and animal fur thoroughly after contact with water.
  • Don’t allow dogs to lick their fur before rinsing.

Of course, accidents happen. If you or your pet experiences sudden and unexplained illness after swimming, immediately contact your medical provider or a veterinarian. Residents are highly encouraged to report suspected human or animal illnesses related to algae using the city’s online reporting form.

Residents should note that there is always some level of risk when spending time in public waterways. Natural water bodies contain algae, bacteria, parasites, and other hazards. The Watershed Protection department monitors water quality in the city’s lakes and creeks to understand how the urban environment affects our water bodies, but it does not regularly test for recreational use.

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Austin, TX

Austin, Texas shooting leaves 4 injured, 3 in custody. What we know

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Austin, Texas shooting leaves 4 injured, 3 in custody. What we know


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Three juvenile individuals are in custody following a weekend crime spree of 12 shootings that left four people injured and multiple car thefts in Austin, Texas.

The crimes occurred starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, and ended on Sunday, May 17, resulting in the arrest of a 15-year-old, a 17-year-old and a third individual, Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis said Sunday, May 17.

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“The 17-year-old has a warrant for his arrest for a theft of a gun from the same store the 15-year-old stole a gun from,” Davis said at a news conference.

The string of crimes started when Austin PD was first notified of a stolen vehicle from an apartment complex, followed by the theft of a firearm. Following that, Davis said an estimated 20 service calls were received in the South and Southeast Austin areas regarding the individuals.

“Two times they fired at a firehouse and struck a truck,” Davis said. “Into apartment buildings where officers had to go door to door, ensuring that everyone was safe.”

In total, two separate fire houses, several buildings and apartment complexes were fired upon by the individuals, in addition to four vehicles being stolen.

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Of the four individuals injured, three have been confirmed to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries, with the fourth sustaining critical injuries.

Police were able to connect these events to the three individuals, but Davis said there is no known motive for the series of events.

The crime spree concluded when Manor PD conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that the individuals were driving. The individuals fled, but two of them were apprehended on Sunday.

Following the news conference, the Manor Police Department announced a third individual — a juvenile — who had fled the vehicle earlier on Sunday had been detained with no ongoing threat to the public.

Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement on social media calling the individuals dangerous.

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“If they are ever released from jail, they will surely harm again,” Abbott said. “The DA & Court must do their job and keep these criminals behind bars.”

Anyone with information should contact the Aggravated Assault Unit at 512-974-5177 or submit tips anonymously through austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477.



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2 arrested, 3rd suspect sought after series of shootings in Austin, Texas

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2 arrested, 3rd suspect sought after series of shootings in Austin, Texas


Anadolu staff

18 May 2026Update: 18 May 2026

Two suspects were taken into custody and police continued searching for a third suspect on Sunday following a series of shootings in Austin, Texas that injured four people, authorities said.

Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis said the suspects were linked to at least 10 attacks carried out between Saturday and Sunday, adding that one victim sustained serious injuries while three others suffered minor wounds.

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Police said the shootings appeared to be random and that no clear motive had been identified. Most incidents occurred in South Austin, including at least two shootings targeting fire stations.

“At this time, the investigation is ongoing, and APD (Austin Police Department) asks that our community remain vigilant,” the department said in a press release.

Authorities lifted a shelter-in-place order that had been issued for parts of South Austin, while a separate order remained in effect Sunday in the nearby Manor area as officers searched for the remaining suspect.

The Austin Fire Department said two of its stations were struck by gunfire in separate incidents late Saturday and Sunday morning, though no firefighters were injured and only minor damage was reported.

Officials urged residents to remain vigilant and asked anyone with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers, a community-based, non-profit program that allows citizens to submit anonymous tips about criminal activity and unsolved cases.

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One dead after car strikes semi-truck, rolls over on US 183

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One dead after car strikes semi-truck, rolls over on US 183


One person is dead after a vehicle hit a semi-truck and rolled over on US 183 in Northwest Austin early Sunday morning, police said.

Officers responded to the 11200 block of northbound Research Boulevard, near Balcones Woods Drive, at 2:24 a.m.

ALSO | Shelter-in-place lifted after SWAT response in Kyle; suspect taken into custody

The Austin Police Department initially said that one person was taken to the hospital, but later confirmed the person had been pronounced deceased.

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The driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene.

All northbound lanes of US 183 near Breaker Lane are shut down. Drivers are advised to expect delays and plan alternate routes.



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