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Texas Tribune Festival 2024 takes over downtown Austin streets

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Texas Tribune Festival 2024 takes over downtown Austin streets


The streets of downtown Austin were lined on Saturday for the conclusion of the 14th annual Texas Tribune Festival.

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It featured events, conversations, and panels from over 300 big name speakers.

“It’s really evolved into a must-see, and must be at, event for anyone who cares about politics and policy. And who cares about Texas and the nation,” said Kerri Qunell, director of marketing & communications for the Texas Tribune.

The multi-day festival aims to get the community engaged in politics and public policy, and better informed on current events.

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Saturday’s event, “Open Congress”, was free to the public and featured a free street fest including political figures, top Texas brands and more.

“We have panels all day that range from politics and policy. Talking about what’s happening on the border, getting out the young vote for the upcoming election. And we also have more cultural and fun panels going on,” said Qunell.

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Organizers stress the importance of events like these with the election coming up.

“Particularly this year, we have a lot of emphasis on what the upcoming election means for Texans. A lot of our, of our speakers, of our panelists are talking about how to get engaged in your community, and how to make a difference,” said Qunell.

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Some big-name speakers included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, film director Richard Linklater and more.

“It’s really nice to meet some of these lawmakers face to face, because you see them on TV all the time or, like, in these big campaign rallies. So, it really does make me feel like they’re trying to interact with the public. And so that’s why I really appreciate this festival is because they bring, you know, they bring the politics in the politicians to the people, which is what it’s all about,” said festival attendee Jill Ament.

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There is also something for everyone, no matter what side of the political aisle you are on.

“I think more people need it, especially the public, not just like politicians and journalists need to know what’s happening in, you know, the White House and in Congress, but in their state legislatures and in their city councils,” said Ament.

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Paul Schmidt made the trip from Dallas for the event and says he’s seen the event evolve over the years.

“It’s just a really neat event where you get to see and hear a lot of issues and people that you might not get to interface with, ever on a personal level. And so, you get to hear them in person, unfiltered with great interviewers,” said Schmidt.

But at the end of the day, organizers say it goes beyond the speakers.

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“Not just the people who are on stage, but also the other people who come to be engaged and to meet each other and to, to network and find out how they can collaborate with each other to, to make a difference in their communities, to get more engaged in politics and public policy, not just in Texas, but in the nation,” said Qunell.



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Austin, TX

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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Austin, TX

Storms Cause Damage, Spawn Tornado Warnings in Central Texas – Austin Today

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Storms Cause Damage, Spawn Tornado Warnings in Central Texas – Austin Today


A powerful storm system sweeps across the Texas Hill Country, exposing the vulnerability of rural communities to the growing threat of extreme weather.Austin Today

Strong storms moved through Central Texas on Sunday, causing damage near Schulenburg in Fayette County and prompting tornado warnings in Burnet and San Saba counties. The National Weather Service said the damage in Fayette County was likely caused by straight-line winds, not a tornado. No injuries were reported, but a barn was blown over and trees and power lines were downed.

Why it matters

Severe weather events like this can cause significant property damage and disrupt power and transportation in affected areas. Understanding the nature of the storms, whether they produced tornadoes or straight-line winds, is important for assessing the risks and preparing communities for future severe weather.

The details

Storms moved through the region on Sunday, with tornado warnings issued in Burnet and San Saba counties. In Fayette County near Schulenburg, a metal building was blown over, a barn was destroyed, and trees and power lines were downed by what the National Weather Service said were straight-line winds, not a tornado. No injuries were reported.

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  • Tornado warnings were issued in Burnet and San Saba counties on Sunday.
  • Storms and damage were reported in Fayette County, near Schulenburg, on Sunday.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing severe weather warnings.

Judson Ulrich

A resident who sent in a photo of a large tree branch that snapped and fell during the storms.

Kaylee Houston

A resident who sent in a photo of a trampoline blown into a tree by the storms.

Karey Ann Ann Kalich

A resident who sent in photos of a metal building blown over by the storms.

Danielle Buckley

A resident who sent in a photo of a tree struck by lightning during the storms.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to assess the damage and determine the exact nature of the storms that moved through the region on Sunday.

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The takeaway

This severe weather event highlights the importance of being prepared for sudden and powerful storms, which can cause significant damage even without producing tornadoes. Residents in affected areas should remain vigilant and heed any future weather warnings.





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Austin weather: Flash flood warnings issued for parts of Central Texas

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Austin weather: Flash flood warnings issued for parts of Central Texas


12:30 p.m. Update

A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 2:45 p.m. for Dewitt, Gonzales and Lavaca Counties.

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From the National Weather Service, at 12:21 PM CDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 2 to3 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Gonzales, Shiner, Hochheim, Cheapside, Hamon, Glaze City, Dreyer,  Dilworth, Little New York, Wrightsboro, Nickle and Henkhaus. A gauge in Moulton has reported 3.43 inches of rain in the past hour.

12 p.m. Update

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The National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio has issued aFlash Flood Warning for South Central Fayette County in south central Texas, Eastern Gonzales County in south central Texas, and Northwestern Lavaca County in south central Texas until 3:15 PM CDT.

At 1209 PM CDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of  1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring.

Sunday Weather Forecast

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Central Texas residents are advised to remain “weather aware” Sunday as a series of storms moved through the region, bringing with them a Level 2 risk for severe weather and potential flash flooding.

While a severe thunderstorm watch for downtown Austin was allowed to shrink and expire during the morning hours, conditions remain favorable for isolated, intense activity through the afternoon and evening.

Severe risks and hazards

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The Storm Prediction Center has placed the majority of the Austin viewing area under a widespread Level 2 risk. We are particularly concerned with:

  • Large Hail: A “hatched” area indicates the potential for hail up to two inches in diameter.
  • Damaging Winds: Gusts could accompany cells moving through the Hill Country and I-35 corridor.
  • Isolated Tornadoes: While the threat remains low (approximately 2% or less), forecasters noted it is “not zero.”
  • Flooding: Some areas could see between 2 to 4 inches of rainfall, potentially leading to ponding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Model uncertainty

There are inconsistencies between weather models, with some suggesting a washout and others showing more isolated activity.

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I’m thinking as we move throughout the day, we could be seeing some isolated activity that could be strong to severe. The reality will likely fall “somewhere in the middle” of current projections.

The week ahead

The warm, muggy pattern is expected to persist as winds pull moisture from the south-southeast.

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  • Daily Chances: While Sunday holds the highest coverage, rain and storm chances continue through the workweek.
  • Midweek Spike: Storm chances rise again on Wednesday.
  • Weekend Outlook: Another “soggy and stormy” Saturday is projected for next weekend.

Temperatures will climb from the upper 60s into the low 80s today. A warming trend will push afternoon highs near 90 degrees by Friday before the next system arrives.

The Source: Information in this article is from the FOX 7 Austin weather team.

AustinWeather
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