Texas Governor Greg Abbott visited Leander yesterday to provide an update on the state’s response to severe flooding that has devastated Central Texas.
Press Conference Details
Abbott held a press conference in Leander after touring flood-damaged areas and meeting with local first responders. He was joined by Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Transportation Executive Director Marc Williams, and Travis County Emergency Services District 1 Assistant Chief Todd Weidman.
PRESS CONFERENCE IN FULL:
Flood Impact Statistics
Governor Abbott reported that 132 people have died statewide due to the flooding, with 97 people still reported missing in the greater Kerrville area.
The governor said that in Travis County, nine people have died and three remain missing. Three people died in Williamson County and five died in Burnet County, Abbott said. No one is missing in either county,
In Travis County, TxDOT is prioritizing the 60-day reconstruction of the FM 1431 bridge over Cow Creek north of Lago Vista, a vital link for commuters and students between Marble Falls, Lago Vista, and Cedar Park, with particular importance for those attending Marble Falls ISD.
The Lower Colorado River Authority opened four floodgates at Buchanan Dam Monday afternoon to release storm runoff as the Highland Lakes system manages flooding from July rains.
The governor and state officials provided updates on search and rescue operations, weather forecasts, and disaster declarations.
FEMA Criticism
During the Leander visit, Abbott criticized FEMA‘s flood warning system, saying the agency needs “improvements” following criticism of flood warnings.
“FEMA is slow and clunky and doesn’t solve the needs of those who need it the most.” — Gov. Abbott
The governor’s tone toward FEMA has shifted somewhat following the recent Texas flooding events.
Texas Rep. Greg Casar:
Ongoing Response
The governor’s visit comes as part of Texas’s comprehensive response to the flooding crisis that began over the Fourth of July weekend. Abbott has called for a special legislative session beginning July 21 to address emergency preparedness topics related to the flooding.
The Texas Department of Public Safety released video Saturday showing helicopter rescues during the catastrophic flooding in Kerr County.
The search for missing persons has entered its second week, with divers conducting a painstaking process of clearing debris and searching murky waters, all the while, more heavy rain fell causing more flooding.
And…questions are being asked about the actions of the director of Camp Mystic, where 27 girls and Dick Eastland himself died in the early morning hours of July 4.
Exclusive story from The Washington Post.
Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax is presenting his proposed $6.3 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 today to the Mayor and City Council .
The budget includes $544 million for the Austin Police Department and $51 million for the Homeless Strategy Office, as well as investments in equitable housing, cultural and heritage districts, the new Austin Convention Center, and Austin Animal Center.
The proposal utilizes the maximum tax rate of 3.5%, and any increase to this budget would require a Tax Ratification Election. The city is facing financial challenges with a $33 million deficit for 2026 and declining property values, with total certified taxable value falling from $236.3 billion to $212.7 billion.
The proposed budget also includes plans to rename most city departments. (FOX 7 Austin)
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson:
A man who was injured in a Wimberley bar fire has died, officials said.
Round Rock authorities have identified the two victims of a shooting at an apartment complex over the weekend.
Another teenager has been arrested in connection with a vehicle burglary in San Marcos.
This arrest comes less than 48 hours after three teens were arrested for vehicle break-ins in another neighborhood. (FOX 7 Austin)
Austin police are asking the public for help in locating the victim of a shooting Sunday in North Austin.
When Tesla kicked off its Robotaxi service in Austin last month, it started with a reported 10-20 cars and a fairly small geofenced area in South Austin.
Now, that area has grown, and its shape is a not very subtle message to Tesla’s competitors.
Elon Musk captioned the post with the phrase “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.”
“Just expanded our surface area…” the official Robotaxi account tweeted. “We’re big eggplant fans!”
The development team behind 6th & Walsh — a project with residential and retail uses — is seeking a light industrial designation from the city. It’s a loophole the developer has found through Austin’s outdated land development code. (Austin Business Journal)
Downtown Austin Alliance‘s 2024-25 accomplishments showcase bold creativity, new programs, and metrics on promised outcomes, demonstrating effective strategies for creating a vibrant downtown.
WEATHER
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
Looking at the extended forecast, it looks like we may finally get some 100°F temperatures early next week.
The last time Austin reached at least 100°F this year was May 14. Last year, Austin had 18 triple-digit days in total.
U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) filed legislation Monday that would revamp a temporary worker program to help ease farm labor shortages largely provoked by the Trump administration’s ramped-up immigration raids targeting undocumented workers. (Texas Tribune)
Conspiracy theorists said ‘cloud seeding’ caused the Texas floods. It did not. (KUT 90.5)
Kerrville City councilwoman Brenda Hughes says that city staff members are facing threats in the wake of the flood and is requesting increased security at City Hall after a number of reportedly threatening phone calls were made to employees. (My San Antonio)
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Monday named the nine state senators who will serve on the joint Disaster Preparedness and Flooding committee in response to the devastating floods in Central Texas.
The House and Senate joint committee will first meet on July 23 in Austin and then in Kerrville on July 31 to hear from Hill Country residents regarding their flood-related concerns. (Texas Tribune)
Austin-based startup Campus Guardian Angel demonstrated how its drones can be used to prevent school shootings and help local law enforcement.
TxDOT has deployed four times the usual personnel to the Hill Country for road repaving and bridge integrity checks, comparable to the Hurricane Harvey response.
U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) announced his appointment to serve on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission. Created in 1976, this independent U.S. Government agency monitors compliance and advancement of human rights, democracy, economic, environmental, and military cooperation in the 57-nation Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) region.
SPORTS
MLB: No Rangers or Astros players participated in last night’s Home Run Derby contest in Atlanta which was won by Seattle’s Cal Raleigh, who made history by becoming the first catcher to win the title.
The 2025 All-Star Game is tonight. (MLB)
In other baseball news, the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros completed their draft picks Monday.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Four-star linebacker Calvin Thomas announced his commitment to North Carolina, choosing the Tar Heels over Texas and three other teams. (Sports Illustrated)
Hike up one of Texas’s most iconic landmarks — Enchanted Rock.
Explore the magic, mystery, and granite beauty of this incredible natural wonder near Fredericksburg.
