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The Long Center will host a benefit concert for Kerr County on Sunday, with proceeds supporting the Kerr County Relief Fund for flood recovery. More than 15 artists, including Aaron Behrens and Sara Hickman, will perform, with doors opening at 4 PM.
Heavy rains last week improved drought conditions in Central Texas, downgrading Travis County from "severe" drought to "abnormally dry." Lakes Travis and Buchanan are now at 76% capacity, significantly up from 50% earlier this month.
Wheatsville Co-op will acquire two Fresh Plus locations in Austin, marking its first move towards smaller stores. The co-op aims to better serve local neighborhoods while maintaining its main South Lamar location.
Devastating floods in northwest Travis County have isolated 500 residents after the Big Sandy Bridge collapsed, resulting in seven confirmed deaths and at least ten individuals missing. Community volunteers are delivering essential supplies, while local organizations, including Round Mountain Baptist Church, have mobilized to provide aid and support.
Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker faces scrutiny from the firefighters' union over his department's delayed response to severe flooding in Kerr County, which resulted in at least 84 fatalities. The Austin Firefighters Association accuses Baker of neglecting early mutual aid requests, while Baker claims he was unaware of official requests until July 4. Union members are set to vote on a no-confidence resolution against Baker.
Central Texas businesses and nonprofits mobilize support for flood relief efforts following devastating floods over the Fourth of July weekend. Various fundraising events and donation drives aim to assist recovery and rebuilding efforts in the affected areas. The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund is a primary beneficiary of these initiatives.
Texas officials praised President Trump for his swift response to the deadly floods that claimed numerous lives, while questions linger about the failure to adequately warn residents. Gov. Greg Abbott emphasized Trump's concern for Texas, but criticism arose regarding communication failures from local officials and the National Weather Service.
Central Texas experienced a dramatic rise in the Guadalupe River, which surged from 2 feet to 36 feet within five hours due to heavy rainfall. Over a span of three days, some areas received more than 20 inches of rain, significantly replenishing drought-affected lakes, including Lake Travis, which gained over 200,000 acre-feet of water.
Texas leaders prioritize spending on border security and property tax cuts over flood management, despite the state leading the nation in flood deaths. Local officials struggle with inadequate funding for warning systems, relying on less effective methods for alerting residents. Recent floods claimed nearly 90 lives, highlighting the urgent need for improved flood infrastructure.
Concerns rise in Austin as authorities recover another body from Lady Bird Lake, bringing the total to 38 since 2022. Residents question the police's assertion of no foul play, especially given that 30 of the victims were men. Calls for a thorough investigation into potential patterns among the deaths are increasing.