Austin, TX
Group of Republican Legislators Meets in Secret to Orchestrate Challenge to Phelan – Reform Austin
With the 89th Texas Legislature set to convene on January 14, political activity in Austin is beginning to increase. A variety of Senate and House Committees met earlier this week and more and more members of the legislature are showing up in Austin supper clubs and restaurants. In the midst of this climate is what appears to be a very active race for the Speaker of the House. Speaker Dade Phelan, fresh from a primary runoff win, is returning to the Texas House and he wants his old job as Speaker back. The primary contest was launched against him by his own party leadership as retribution for the House’s impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton.
In a continued display of Republican internecine warfare, five Republicans have filed to run against Phelan for the Speaker position. Republican candidates to date are:
Dade Phelan (R) Beaumont Current Speaker Member Since 2013
Tom Oliverson (R) Cypress Member since 2017 Chair Insurance
Shelby Slawson (R) Granbury Member since 2021
David Cook (R) Mansfield Member since 2021
James Frank (R) Wichita Falls Member since 2013 Chair Human Services Committee
John Smithee (R) Amarillo Member since 1985 Not currently in leadership (best known as longtime chair of Insurance Committee)
One Democrat has filed but her chances do not look good.
Ana-Maria Ramos (D) Dallas Member since 2019
To make matters worse, a not-so-secret meeting was held earlier today with roughly 25 or so Republicans showing up for an Austin area meeting focused on coalescing behind a challenger to Speaker Phelan. Whether the intention was to support an existing challenger or a new challenger is not known at this time.
Phelan’s office released the following lengthy statement in response to the meeting:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 20, 2024 Statement from Speaker Dade Phelan
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan today issued the following statement:”Today’s gathering is little more than an orchestrated scheme to generate headlines and fuel social media clicks, driving our caucus headlong into unnecessary chaos. A very small handful of self-anointed instigators put on this gathering, refusing to invite the majority of the current Republican caucus, misleading members to get them in the room, and permitting unauthorized proxy voting for those not in attendance in order to artificially inflate their numbers. The organizers of this distraction have completely and deliberately shortcut established caucus rules to generate an outcome benefitting nobody but themselves. Not only are their actions disappointing and unacceptable, they are futile, as I proudly have the clear majority votes needed to be the Speaker today, and will have the clear majority support needed to become Speaker again come January. “Our chamber is unique because it remains one of the few deliberative legislative bodies in the world where every member stands on equal footing. In the Texas House, there are no shortcuts. We don’t manufacture outcomes—we earn them. Success is achieved by doing the hard work, winning the support of the majority, and following the framework that has guided us for generations. That is exactly what I will do to retain the Speakership in 2025, and I am grateful to have the support and trust from the majority of my House colleagues. “Now is the time to end the sideshows, unify our caucus—and with session fast approaching—refocus on what matters most: crafting smart policy and delivering solutions for the people of Texas. For those members I have heard from who feel their trust was broken today, and that this scheme has caused great, irreversible damage to our once strong caucus, my door remains open to each and every one of you.”I invite every member of the Texas House, including those pursuing the Speaker’s gavel, to join me in setting aside our differences and working hand-in-hand to advance our common goals. There is room at the table for everyone willing to participate in a productive and collaborative discussion about improving our Legislature and our state, and I’m confident that by working together with the Governor and our counterparts in the Texas Senate, we will uphold the integrity of this chamber and deliver meaningful results for the people of Texas.”
CONTACT:press@texansfordade.com
A former long-time state representative remarked in a phone conversation that, “There will be people who purport to know what is happening during this race but no one ever really seems to know.” As an established Austin lobbyist that has worked the Capitol since the 1980s said “This is a very fluid situation.”
The meeting was allegedly orchestrated by the far right wing of the Republican party as almost all of those in attendance were the same ones who signed a letter opposing Democratic Chairs in the Texas House.
Rumor around the Capitol is that some members are being threatened with primary opponents should they support Phelan. The quandary they are in with such a threat is that Phelan may stifle their legislation next session if they support one of his challengers.
Such intra party infighting has become all too common in state legislatures across the nation as they begin to mimic the U.S. Congress with purity tests and interpersonal vituperativeness. Of course, the real losers are the taxpayers that these lawmakers represent.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and with it being America’s 250th birthday this year, celebrations will be big. But before you stop at your local fireworks stand, you should be familiar with the laws surrounding fireworks.
In Austin, fireworks are illegal to possess or use within city limits, unless a permit has been issued for a professional display, according to the city. Requests for aerial fireworks must be submitted at least 30 days ahead of the event.
Most major cities in Texas have similar fireworks bans in city limits, too.
At the state level, Texas only allows the sale and use of consumer fireworks under specific conditions. The Texas Occupations Code § 2154 outlines the laws surrounding who can sell fireworks, when sales are permitted, and what types of fireworks are allowed.
According to the Texas Association of Counties, the state allows the sale of fireworks during nine periods annually.
Those times are Fourth of July, December holidays (Christmas through New Year’s), Lunar New Year, Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day, Cinco de Mayo (only counties not more than 150 miles from Texas-Mexico border), Memorial Day, Juneteenth and Diwali.
Commissioners’ courts typically have to approve the regulation of fireworks within a certain timeframe ahead of each holiday.
The 2026 fireworks calendar can be found here.
According to Daly & Black P.C. Trial Lawyers, violations of fireworks laws can result in fines of up to $2,000 per incident and, in certain cases, criminal charges.
When Texas does allow the sale of fireworks, it only includes “consumer fireworks,” which are things like:
- Roman candles
- Sparklers
- Ground spinners
- Aerial shells (under specific size limits)
However, Texas law outright prohibits certain fireworks, which are considered too dangerous for consumer use. Those typically include:
- Sky rockets and bottle rockets
- Missiles with fins or rudders for aerodynamic flight
- Explosive fireworks exceeding 200 grams of pyrotechnic composition
Always check local burn bans and fireworks restrictions before popping fireworks.
A long holiday weekend and America’s 250th birthday are giving Central Texans even more reasons to celebrate this Fourth of July. From fireworks over Lady Bird Lake and Willie Nelson’s annual picnic to hometown parades and rooftop parties, there are plenty of ways to spend the day around the Austin area.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest events, from Austin’s signature Star-Spangled Fest to neighborhood traditions and Hill Country celebrations. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place Saturday, July 4.
The main events
Star-Spangled Fest
Auditorium Shores & Long Center, 900 W. Riverside Dr.
Austin’s signature Fourth of July celebration stretches from morning to night as the city marks America’s 250th anniversary. The day begins with The Morning Spin from 10 am to 1 pm, featuring house music, craft coffee, cocktails, local vendors, and food trucks. The evening festival returns at 4:30 pm with kids’ activities, food trucks, and performances by Austin soul-funk favorites Tomar & the FCs, country singer Shelby Stone, a Veteran Recognition Celebration, and the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual patriotic concert before fireworks over Lady Bird Lake at 9:45 pm. The concert and fireworks will also be simulcast on KMFA 89.5. A number of parking garages are open around the park. General admission is free. VIP Lawn Access starts at $45, while reserved tables and private cabana experiences range up to $2,500. Tickets and VIP packages are available through the Star-Spangled Fest website.
Several downtown hotels and rooftops are offering elevated alternatives to the crowds below along Auditorium Shores.
- P6 at The Line Austin is hosting its “Creole Surf Riot” celebration with live music by Louisiana Surf Department, Creole-inspired food stations, and two complimentary drinks. Early bird tickets start at $75, with general admission at $90.
- The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is celebrating with a waterfront barbecue, curated beverages, and live music by Working Title. Reservations are available from 6-10 pm, with the band performing from 6-11 pm. Admission is $98 per person, plus a 17 percent gratuity. The hotel recommends making reservations in advance, as last year’s Fourth of July celebration sold out.
- Otopia Rooftop at The Otis Hotel in West Campus is hosting a Fourth of July party from 7 -11 pm, featuring specialty cocktails with Still Austin Whiskey Co., a complimentary welcome cocktail, light bites for purchase, and giveaways. Tickets start at $23.18. The rooftop offers skyline views, though organizers note the downtown fireworks display is not visible from the venue.
Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic
Germania Insurance Amphitheater, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Del Valle
Fresh off his 93rd birthday, Willie Nelson returns to Circuit of The Americas for the latest edition of his annual Fourth of July Picnic, a Texas tradition spanning more than five decades. This year’s lineup features Willie Nelson & Family, bluegrass phenom Billy Strings, alternative rock legends Wilco, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sheryl Crow, Lukas Nelson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Rodney Crowell, Margo Price, and Lily Meola. The evening concludes with fireworks. Gates open at 2:30 pm and music begins at 3:30 pm. Most tickets are priced around $100, with options ranging from reserved seating to pit tickets and VIP packages. Tickets, VIP packages, and the full event lineup are available on Willie Nelson’s official website.
Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival
12700 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. T-100, Bee Cave
Families looking to avoid the downtown crowds can head west for one of the area’s biggest free celebrations honoring America’s 250th birthday. More than 40 artisan vendors, carnival rides, water games, and complimentary face painting fill the afternoon before an evening of live music. School of Rock opens the entertainment at 4 pm, followed by CAZAYOUX, Jeska Forsyth, Jo James, and Austin Latin rock veterans Vallejo. Then fireworks complete the event. Attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket. The festival runs from 4-10 pm, with fireworks scheduled for about 9:40 pm. Admission and parking are free.
Red, White & Buda
Buda Amphitheater & City Park, 204 San Antonio St., Buda
Buda turns Independence Day into an all-day celebration, beginning with the community’s annual Bike Parade at 9 am. Festivities resume at 4 pm with a DJ, bounce houses, a splash pad, food vendors, a vendor market, cornhole, sand volleyball, and rock climbing. Live music begins with Elle Townley at 6:30 pm, followed by Shinyribs, the Gulf Coast soul and swamp-funk band led by former Gourds frontman Kevin Russell, at 7:40 pm. The evening concludes with fireworks at about 9:15 pm. Admission is free.
Free neighborhood parades and hometown traditions
Northwest Austin Civic Association
Austin’s largest neighborhood Independence Day parade happens in the North Austin Civic Association, at the 53rd annual Fourth of July Parade and Freedom Fest. The festivities begin with a community breakfast at 7:30 am, followed by the parade at 9 am. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson will serve as grand marshal as decorated bicycles, antique cars, marching bands, community groups, and the popular Ladies Lawn Chair Brigade wind through Northwest Hills before the Freedom Fest continues with family activities.
Members of the Northwest Austin Civic Association’s Arm Chair Brigade gather with parade grand marshal Council Member Alison Alter before the neighborhood’s annual Fourth of July parade in Northwest Austin.Alison Alter/Facebook
Cedar Park
Cedar Park’s Sparktacular returns to Milburn Park with live music, carnival rides, inflatables, food trucks, and fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Georgetown
Georgetown’s celebrations last all day with amusement rides and games, a kiddie parade, arts and crafts booths, food vendors, live music, and a fireworks show to round it all out.
Lakeway
Lakeway’s Fourth of July Celebration begins with its annual parade at 8:30 am, followed by family activities before the city’s evening fireworks display.
Leander
Leander is getting things started early with Liberty Fest on July 3. There will be live music and food, plus activities for kids and fireworks to end the day.
Pflugerville
Pflugerville’s Pfireworks lights up Typhoon Texas with live music, food vendors, family activities, and one of the area’s largest fireworks displays.
Round Rock
Just north of Austin, Round Rock’s Frontier Days begins with the annual Sertoma Independence Day Parade at 8:30 am along Mays Street. Giant helium balloons, festive floats, marching bands, and community groups kick off a full day of carnival rides, pig races, live music, and festival food before the evening’s fireworks show.
America250
Want to keep celebrating America’s 250th birthday? The Fourth of July is only the beginning of the nation’s yearlong semiquincentennial celebration.
Texas America250 exhibit
Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, 1201 Brazos St.
This exhibit next to the Texas Capitol spotlights the Lone Star State’s outsized role in American history through historic photographs, maps, artifacts, sheet music, state records, and other treasures from the State Archives. From cowboys to astronauts, and from Beaumont to Big Bend, the exhibit explores how Texas helped shape the nation. The exhibit is on view throughout 2026.
Other things to see at the archives include:
For even more, the Texas America250 events calendar lists celebrations taking place across the state throughout the year.
“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with the team at NRP and our focus on the Affordable Housing market in
The transaction represents Safehold’s second transaction with NRP in
Safehold established a dedicated Affordable Housing team in 2025 and has continued to expand its investment into the sector. Additional information is available at www.safeholdaffordablehousing.com.
About Safehold:
Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE) is revolutionizing real estate ownership by providing a new and better way for owners to unlock the value of the land beneath their buildings. Having created the modern ground lease industry in 2017, Safehold continues to help owners of high quality multifamily, affordable housing, office, industrial, hospitality, student housing, life science and mixed-use properties generate higher returns with less risk. The Company, which is taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT), seeks to deliver safe, growing income and long-term capital appreciation to its shareholders. Additional information on Safehold is available on its website at www.safeholdinc.com.
About The NRP Group:
The NRP Group is a vertically integrated developer, owner, builder, and manager of best-in-class multifamily housing with a mission to create exceptional rental housing communities for individuals and families, regardless of income. Since its founding in 1994, NRP has developed more than 62,000 apartment homes and currently manages over 30,000 residential units. Through its disciplined approach to vetting opportunities, NRP has established a track record of delivering impressive returns for investors. The company’s formidable size and depth of talent provide the experience and infrastructure necessary to execute developments of varying degrees of complexity and scope in both urban-infill and suburban locations, including market-rate, affordable, mixed-income, and senior housing. The NRP Group has been consistently named a largest developer and builder in the U.S. on the NMHC “Top 50” lists, the Top 5 on the Multi-Housing News’ “Top Multifamily Developers” list, named a Top Affordable Housing Developer by Affordable Housing Finance, and has won three NAHB Pillar awards since 2020 for Development, Construction and Ones to Watch. The NRP Group has become the top multifamily developer in the U.S. that creates both affordable and market-rate housing at a national scale. Based on over 30 years of experience and expertise, NRP provides construction and property management services to outside owners and developers. For additional information, visit www.nrpgroup.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/safehold-closes-second-affordable-housing-ground-lease-in-texas-302809796.html
SOURCE Safehold
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