Austin Faces $3.8 Million Deficit

The Austin city council is forecasting a $3.8 million budget deficit for the fiscal year 2023-2024, with current projections showing a $13 million deficit next year.

Budget Officer Kerri Lang blamed the shortfall on the city’s lagging sales tax revenue, which came in $16.9 million below expectations.

City council members warn that they’ll have to tighten the budget, which could mean higher property taxes and city fees for residents.

Tarrant County Data Leaks on Dark Web

A hacker group has released the personal data of Tarrant County residents on the dark web after holding the county ransom for $700,000.

The group, dubbed “Medusa,” attacked the computer network at the Tarrant County Appraisal District on March 21, capturing taxpayer data, including some social security numbers and driver’s license IDs.

The county hasn’t commented on whether it was negotiating with the group before the data was posted on the dark web—an underground network within the Internet. Here are steps to follow if you think your data was compromised.

Walmart Apologizes for Uvalde T-shirt

Walmart executives issued a public apology for selling a T-shirt that said, “Where the heck is Uvalde, Texas” after being hit with a wave of criticism on social media.

A photo of the shirt was posted to X by Brett Cross, Uvalde father of Robb Elementary School shooting victim Uziyah Garcia. His response to the shirt read:

“Oh, you know, that town by San Antonio where 19 kids and two teachers were killed.”

In its apology, Walmart store managers were encouraged to purchase locally relevant products but apologized “for any distress” the T-shirt caused.

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➤ Houston: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development granted a two-year extension for the city to spend an allotted $1.2 billion on affordable housing projects throughout the metro area. (Watch the Coverage)

➤ Fort Worth: For the first time, Tarrant County voters will be able to vote for property tax board directors as three newly created seats became open for public election. (See Who’s Running)

➤ Round Rock: The city council approved a $8.9 million contract for street repairs in Lake Creek neighborhoods. The project is expected to be finished by this November. (Get the Details)

➤ La Vernia: A lucky resident just won $7.5 million with a scratch-off lottery ticket in the Loteria Supreme game. This lottery is expected to pay out over $709.9 million in total prizes before it ends. (Read More)

➤ San Marcos: The city’s ‘can ban’ law is set to go into effect on May 1, barring the use of aluminum cans and plastic cups on the San Marcos River. Violators will face fines from $200-$500. (Video)

➤ The Texas Rangers closed out their tightly contested series with Detroit with a 5-4 win on Wednesday and a 9-7 victory on Thursday, with starter Jack Leiter making his debut for the Rangers. (Get the Details)

➤ Baylor’s tennis team won the first round of the Big 12 Championship against West Virginia with a 4-2 victory. The Bears clinched the round by winning the final two singles matches. (More)

➤ The NBA’s Western Conference playoffs are set for Sunday, with the fifth-seeded Mavericks going up against the fourth-seeded Clippers in California. This marks the third time in five years that both teams have played in the first round. (How to Watch)

➤ North Richland Hills: Walmart plans to begin drone delivery service for two local Supercenters within the next two weeks. Drone company Wing will transport packages weighing 2.3 pounds or less at speeds up to 65 mph. (Learn More)

➤ The San Antonio metro area has been ranked No. 1 for having the nation’s highest number of family-owned businesses. The financial company On Deck used census data to show that 34% of Alamo City’s small businesses are in family hands. (See the Data)

➤ Irving-based 7-Eleven completed a $950 million deal to acquire all 204 Stripes convenience stores from Sunoco LP. This purchase also includes the Laredo Taco Co., known for their popular ‘gas station’ Tex-Mex. (More)

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➤ Houston: City zoo officials are prepping for the arrival of Chuck, an Asian elephant scheduled to be transferred from the Denver Zoo in Colorado. The transfer is part of a ‘species survival program’ geared to breeding more Asian elephants. (Photos)

➤ Sherman: A local man filed a class-action lawsuit against Cinemark Theaters, claiming the theater sold its “24-ounce” drinks in 22-ounce glasses. The complaint charges the company with violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. (More)

➤ Killeen: An Army lieutenant from Fort Cavazos was featured on the Today Show for making viral comedic videos showcasing military and family life. (See Video)

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What’s the best way to experience a football game in Texas?

1. Tailgating
2. Be in the stadium
3. On the couch
4. In a sports bar
5. Other

Thursday’s Results:

Have you ever been to a Renaissance Festival in Texas?

1. No: 59.6%
2. Yes: 40.4%

Who were the famed Texas Rangers who brought down Bonnie and Clyde?

Show me the answer