Austin, TX
Texas lawmakers to consider congressional map redrawing after pressure from Trump
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Legislature is set to revisit the state’s congressional maps during an upcoming special session, following pressure from former President Donald Trump, who has reportedly urged Republican lawmakers to flip several Democratic seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Of the 38 congressional seats in Texas, 25 are currently held by Republicans, with 12 held by Democrats and one vacant following the death of Representative Sylvester Turner earlier this year. Trump has suggested redrawing the district boundaries to flip as many as five Democratic-held seats, aiming to further secure the GOP’s narrow House majority.
President Trump indicated to reporters that redrawing the maps could shift three to five seats from Democrats to Republicans, further solidifying the state’s already Republican-majority delegation.
Congressman Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat representing Austin, is no stranger to redistricting battles in Texas. He recalled that his district lines had once extended to the Rio Grande Valley and nearly to Houston. “I was once drawn all the way to Mexico. I had an office in McAllen. I was once drawn almost all the way to Houston,” Doggett said.
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Doggett also stated that Trump recently sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott, identifying four districts as being gerrymandered along racial lines. He pointed out the inconsistency of that claim, noting, “Keep in mind they were gerrymandered by a Republican-controlled state legislature and Republican officials have just been giving testimony in a lawsuit in El Paso under oath that there was no racial consideration.”
Jim Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project, emphasized the potential impact of even a small number of flipped seats. “If you redraw the maps and you win 2, 3, 4, it’s still going to be a pretty big win, given how close the House of Representatives is,” Henson said.
Democratic Representative Greg Casar has publicly opposed the redistricting effort, and Doggett warned that the proposed changes present broader dangers. “It’s a very serious threat to democracy. I think it’s not about helping Texas. It’s all about helping President Trump stay in office,” he said.
Republican Representative Michael McCaul declined to comment on the issue. A request for comment from Republican Representative Chip Roy’s office was not returned.
Governor Abbott has scheduled the special election to fill the late Representative Turner’s seat for November, eight months after Turner’s death.
Austin, TX
Austin opens cold weather shelters ahead of freezing temps
As the Austin area prepares to plunge into freezing temperatures Sunday night, the city is initiating its Cold Weather Shelters protocol.
Those wanting to use the emergency shelters, which open when overnight temperatures reach 35 degrees or lower, must register between 6-8 p.m. at One Texas Center (OTC) on Barton Springs Road, according to a release from the city. Those interested and in need of transport can reach the OTC via bus lines 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105 and 801. Anyone who can’t pay bus fare but needs shelter will still be allowed to ride, a Facebook post from the city said.
Following registration, CapMetro shuttles will take guests from the OTC to a cold weather shelter. The addresses for these shelters are kept confidential due to “safety, privacy and capacity concerns,” according to the Austin American-Statesman.
The Statesman also reported that shelters provide meals and allow leashed, friendly pets.
All parks and libraries are meanwhile serving as warming centers during regular operating hours, except for Austin Public Library’s Old Quarry Branch and Willie Mae Kirk Branch.
Austin, TX
Building cleared after non-credible bomb threat made in Downtown Austin
AUSTIN, Texas — A Downtown Austin building was cleared after a bomb threat was made Saturday night.
Police say that the call came in at 9:38 p.m., after which officers arrived to the scene and cleared a nearby building at 311 E 6th St.
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The threat was found to not be credible, and no one was injured.
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Police say no one is in custody and they will be clearing the scene shortly.
Austin, TX
The richest small town in Texas tops our most popular Austin stories
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson held a press conference Friday to discuss a new deal with Southwest Airlines and its expected impact on the city.
The deal, approved Thursday by the Austin City Council, awards Southwest $2,750 for each new Austin-based hire over the next five years. In exchange, the airline plans to add 2,000 high-paying jobs with an average salary of $180,000 and invest in local workforce initiatives, including the city’s new Austin Infrastructure Academy.
Officials say the deal will strengthen Southwest’s presence at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, where the carrier already handles more than 40 percent of all passenger traffic.
The partnership is expected to bring in nearly $20 million in local tax revenue, and the incentive program will last for five years and pay Southwest up to $5.5 million.
Mayor Watson said the agreement will not only create new jobs in Austin but will improve the overall experience at AUS.
“We’re building lives and careers at the same time we’re building tarmacs and terminals,” Watson said. “Southwest is choosing Austin because our people, our workforce, and our future make us a smart investment. This deal creates thousands of good-paying jobs, improves the passenger experience, and ensures the benefits flow directly to Austin workers, families, and tourists. This agreement is proof that Austin means business and cares about the success of its people.”
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Read the full story at KVUE.com.
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