Photo: KUT 90.5
About 5,000 people gathered at the Capitol in Austin Saturday to protest President Donald Trump and the Texas Legislature’s plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts to give Republicans more seats in the U.S. House.
The rally was organized to oppose a Republican-backed congressional redistricting plan that would potentially give the GOP at least five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Instead of addressing crises like Central Texas floods, Governor Greg Abbott was accused of using the special legislative session to push Trump’s political agenda. The event was coordinated by the Democratic National Committee and allied advocacy groups as part of protests in dozens of cities nationwide.
The rally featured several prominent Democratic figures:
Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association
Rep. Greg Casar (D-Austin), who stated: “If Trump and Abbott had their way they would’ve passed these maps weeks ago. Trump doesn’t have a plan to win the election, he has a plan to rig the election.”
Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke of El Paso, who characterized the redistricting push as coming from Republican fears of losing power
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin), who acknowledged that even if the redistricting bill passes, Democrats need to focus on voting in 2026.
WATCH THE ENTIRE RALLY:
The rally occurred during a contentious period where more than 50 Texas House Democrats had broken quorum (fled the state) to prevent passage of the new congressional maps during the legislature’s first special session. The second special session began on Friday, August 15, with Democrats expected to return and face likely passage of the redistricting plan.
The Texas rally served as the anchor event for a broader national movement opposing what organizers characterized as Trump’s attempts to consolidate power through redistricting efforts in multiple Republican-led states.
HOUSTON
DALLAS
CHICAGO
While no direct statements from GOP lawmakers about the rally have been reported, their actions surrounding the redistricting standoff (ongoing special sessions, legal threats, attempts to compel legislators to return) essentially reflect their position in this broader conflict.
Newly obtained documents from the Austin American-Statesman provide a more complete picture of the initial days of the July 5 emergency response in northwestern Travis County. The documents show that it took approximately 60 hours for the county to request the majority of the search-and-rescue assistance, including the transfer of management of the response.
National search-and-rescue experts interviewed by the Statesman stated that Travis County officials seemed to have followed the correct procedures and that the timing of a request for additional aid is a judgment call made by local authorities on the ground. One official noted that a faster decision to bring in more search assistance would not have saved any more lives. However, residents reported that this delay significantly impacted their perception of the overall response. (Austin American-Statesman)
Residents affected by recent deadly flash flooding have just weeks left to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
APD officers responded to a disturbance call downtown Saturday morning that led to the SWAT team being used to apprehend a suspect who had barricaded himself inside The Quincy apartment building on Red River Street. (KVUE-TV)
Changes to some of CapMetro‘s routes begin today including combining two UT shuttle routes into one, resuming campus stops on several routes, and extending night owl bus service hours between Riverside Drive and the airport.
The Central Texas housing market showed a continued cooling trend in July, with prices generally declining and inventory increasing throughout the region. However, according to new data from the Austin Board of Realtors, Austin and Travis County were a slight exception to this, experiencing modest year-over-year price gains. (Austin American-Statesman)
Two popular Austin spots were allegedly hit by burglars early Saturday morning. (KXAN-TV)
WEATHER
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Saturday he secured a “modified” temporary restraining order that will halt former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke and his political group, Powered by People, “from removing any property or funds out of Texas.”
O’ Rourke seems unfazed…
In this week’s State of Texas from KXAN-TV…
–Gov. Abbott announces plans to address screwworm threat
–Visa delays pose challenge for prospective international students
–Flood victims work to rebuild as legislation stalls at Texas Capitol
Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett responded to a Truth Social post by President Trump.
Republicans believe population increases in red states, such as Texas, would offset losses from not counting immigrants who lack legal status. (Texas Tribune)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized $7.6 million worth of drugs hidden in a shipment of roses headed from Mexico to Texas. (FOX 7 Austin)
A recent violent incident at a homeless encampment in Bexar County has prompted city officials to implement new safety measures.
(Episode from August 13, 2025)
A new migrant detention center at Fort Bliss opening today is expected to eventually be the largest in the country.
SPORTS
MLS: A draw at Q2 last night.
Owen Wolff scored for the third time in Austin FC’s last four matches as the Verde & Black drew 1-1 with FC Dallas on Saturday night. (Austin FC)
ON THE SCHEDULE
STANDINGS
NFL: C.J. Stroud found Nico Collins for a touchdown pass on his second drive Saturday in Houston’s 20-3 preseason win over the Carolina Panthers. (Yahoo! Sports)
In Dallas, Cooper Rush threw a touchdown pass and a pick-6 in his return to AT&T Stadium, and rookie Tyler Loop kicked five field goals as the Baltimore Ravens beat the Dallas Cowboys 31-13 in a preseason game on Saturday night. (Yahoo! Sports)
MLB: A win in Houston. A loss in Tornoto.
Former Oriole Ramón Urìas beat Jackson Holliday’s throw to first, allowing Carlos Correa to score from third and the Houston Astros outlasted the Baltimore Orioles 5-4 in 12 innings Saturday night. (Yahoo Sports!)
ASTROS NEWS:
The ceremony took place last night before the game with Baltimore. (Sports Illustrated)
In Toronto, Myles Straw had five RBIs in his first career multi-homer game, and the Toronto Blue Jays hammered the struggling Texas Rangers 14-2 on Saturday. (Yahoo! Sports)
RANGERS NEWS: Texas Rangers right-hander Jon Gray went unclaimed after the team placed him on outright waivers Thursday, according to sources briefed on the process. (The Athletic)
ON THE SCHEDULE
AL WEST STANDINGS
Halloween is still more than two months away…but step inside The Grove—widely known as the most haunted house in Texas. Sit down with Mitchel Whitington, celebrated author, historian, and paranormal researcher, who has spent decades exploring the supernatural across America.
