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Paxton settles lawsuit with Travis County over security funds for DA granted behind closed doors

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Paxton settles lawsuit with Travis County over security funds for DA granted behind closed doors


The lawsuit Attorney General Ken Paxton filed against the Travis County Commissioners Court in September over allegedly violating the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) has been settled.

The lawsuit was filed after the commissioners court agreed to pay Travis County District Attorney José Garza $115,000 for private home security in a closed session in March 2024. Paxton’s office argued such a use of public funds should be deliberated during a regular session, when residents have a chance to weigh in.

Garza said a series of escalating threats, including tweets displaying his address and one handwritten note that read “Resign by the end of June or we will kill you” pushed him to ask for money for private security.

In the settlement, Travis County did not admit to violating TOMA but agreed to continue complying with the act going forward.

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“This agreement balances public transparency with security concerns like those permitted for discussion in executive closed session, thereby protecting our employees and elected and appointed officials,” Travis County spokesperson Hector Nieto said in a statement.

Since the lawsuit was filed, the commissioners court has taken steps to ensure all elected or appointed officials receiving threats can get protection through the county. As attorney general, Paxton too has a taxpayer-funded security detail.

The Travis County Commissioners Court is in the midst of one other lawsuit with the attorney general. In September, Paxton also sued the county for funding a program that mailed out voter registration forms to unregistered voters ahead of the election. That litigation remains ongoing.





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Austin, TX

Austin weather: Intense storms in West Texas could make it to Hill Country

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Austin weather: Intense storms in West Texas could make it to Hill Country


We will be on storm watch tonight. 

Local perspective:

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More of the same today with a cloud/sun mix, warm, humid and breezy conditions. 

Highs heading for the 80s with wind gusts of 15 to 25 mph.

The backstory:

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The West Texas dryline will be the storm machine. This is where the Gulf moisture meets up with dry air coming off the mountains. 

As the two different air masses collide the air will be forced up. 

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The heating of the day and upper low will provide even stronger lift to generate numerous and more intense storms in West Texas. 

There is a chance a few of the storms will survive their journey away from the dryline and reach the Hill Country starting this evening and overnight. 

By the time they enter Central Texas, most of the storms will drop below severe limits. 

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The highest threat of severe weather remains west of the Hill Country.

What’s next:

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Could we get redevelopment with the storms late on Wednesday? 

The jury is still out because not all the models agree, so we will have to play the wait and see game. 

The next game-changers will be a stronger Western Low and a cold front with bite to it entering the picture this weekend. 

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Expecting increasing rain chances on Saturday followed by a cooler and drier breeze the rest of the weekend.

What you can do:

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Track your local forecast for the Austin area quickly with the free FOX 7 WAPP. 

The design gives you radar, hourly, and 7-day weather information just by scrolling. 

Our weather alerts will warn you early and help you stay safe.

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The Source: Information from meteorologist Zack Shields.

WeatherAustin



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Austin, TX

Texas AG to investigate Austin Police’s new policies related to ICE warrants, city says

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Texas AG to investigate Austin Police’s new policies related to ICE warrants, city says


Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed concern Monday about two items on the Austin Transit Partnership Board agenda later this week, one to negotiate an office lease in a downtown office building for up to $32 million for roughly 8 years and another to furnish the space for $15 million. READ MORE: https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/inappropriate-mayor-pushes-back-on-47m-light-rail-office-relocation-plan/



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George Strait Delivers Epic Return to Austin Stage – Austin Today

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George Strait Delivers Epic Return to Austin Stage – Austin Today


The dazzling stage lights and shattered disco ball textures evoke the electrifying energy of a George Strait concert, where the country legend continues to captivate audiences even as his legendary career nears its end.Austin Today

George Strait thrilled fans with an unforgettable concert at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, delivering a set packed with his signature No. 1 hits. The country music legend’s return to the stage after nearly four years left some wondering how much longer he plans to continue performing, as Strait has hinted at retirement in the past.

Why it matters

As one of the most influential and successful country artists of all time, George Strait’s concerts have become must-see events for his devoted fanbase. This performance in Austin showcased Strait’s enduring popularity and artistry, even as he nears the end of his legendary career.

The details

Strait’s concert at the Moody Center on Thursday night was his first at the venue since April 2022. The show featured a hit-filled setlist that had the capacity crowd singing along. Strait shared a video on Instagram teasing the performance, writing ‘What a night Austin, TX! Who’s ready to do it again on Saturday?’ While the video didn’t show any full performances, it did include a snippet of Strait singing his 2024 single ‘Three Drinks Down’.

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  • Strait last performed at the Moody Center in April 2022.
  • He is scheduled to play another show at the Moody Center on Saturday, April 13, 2026.

What they’re saying

“I have maybe five good years to sing my songs for you, folks…it’s been around 50 now. And I still love it just as much as I ever did.”

— George Strait

What’s next

Strait is scheduled to perform another show at the Moody Center in Austin on Saturday, April 13, 2026, giving fans another chance to see the country legend in action.

The takeaway

George Strait’s epic return to the Moody Center stage in Austin underscores his enduring popularity and artistry, even as he nears the end of his legendary career. Fans cherished the opportunity to witness the ‘King of Country Music’ deliver a hit-filled set, leaving them to wonder how much longer they’ll be able to see Strait perform live.

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