AUSTIN, Texas - Runoff from the rain is flowing into the Highland Lakes chain.

Water levels are up, but for officials with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), it's too soon to say it's enough to avoid a water shortage later this summer.

Storm runoff flowed down several creeks and streams Friday morning. As the rain fell, the water level in Lake Travis continued a slow rise. In Volente, the change along the shoreline was noticeable for Robert Weiss.

"This cable right here, this kind of like algae lying on it. It was above water last weekend. And so, I kind of use that as my gage right there," said Weiss.

The rise in the water level is keeping Weiss’ business afloat. He operates a charter and scuba boat on Lake Travis.

"It's been a gradual rise instead of what we had last July, where it was a very significant rise. So we've had a nice gradual rise, which is really good. We're going to probably hold steady," said Weiss.

"For me, it's hopeful for the summer because the lake level is starting a little bit higher and getting a little wet now. I think it will help sustain us throughout the summer," said Weiss. 

How full are the Highland Lakes?

According to data from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a year ago, the combined storage capacity of lakes Travis and Buchanan was at 47%. Currently, its capacity is at 84%.

As of now, Lake Travis is at 74% capacity, and upstream is even better. Lake Buchannan is 97% full.

Storm runoff giving Highland Lakes pre summer boost. @LCRA DATA:
•Level of Lake Buchanan:
◦May 1, 2025: 998.73 feet above mean sea level
◦May 1, 2026: 1018.63 ft msl
•Level of Lake Travis:
◦May 1, 2025: 635.61 ft msl
◦May 1, 2026: 663.87 ft msl
 @fox7austin pic.twitter.com/EwDi6Eo319

— rudy koski (@KoskionFOX7) May 1, 2026

Combined storage in lakes Travis and Buchanan, the two water supply reservoirs in the Highland Lakes:

1. May 1, 2025: 945,634 acre-feet, 47%
2. May 1, 2026: 1,673,262 acre-feet, 84%

Level of Lake Buchanan:

1. May 1, 2025: 998.73 feet above mean sea level
2. May 1, 2026: 1018.63 ft msl

Level of Lake Travis:

1. May 1, 2025: 635.61 ft msl
2. May 1, 2026: 663.87 ft msl

At the Lake Bastrop Dam, enough rain fell Friday to partially open one gate. The release of water flowed through Spicer and Piney Creeks and into the Colorado River.

In a statement sent to FOX 7, officials from LCRA said:

"The April rains have been great for our region. The rains provided much-needed soil moisture to help sustain agriculture and vegetation, as well as reduce our wildfire risk. In addition, water use typically decreases after sustained rains, as people don’t need to water their lawns for several days. We’ve still got a ways to go to get out of the drought, but these rains are definitely a step in the right direction."

Weiss agrees and offered this advice.

"Water conservation, you know, just because we're getting rain right now and the grass looks green, and your yards look good, you got to still conserve water. It's just an ongoing battle now, so just keep containing that or conserving that water, and you know keep it on what you're doing with your lawns," said Weiss.

The long-range forecast by LCRA indicates a summertime drop in water levels.  Although one model suggests a possible uptick if there is a soggy July and August. 

But the projection also notes that the extreme dry weather model is currently tracking combined capacity to stay above a critical trigger point. That activates LCRA's Stage 1 Drought Contingency Plan.

All the projections seem to indicate boat docks that are currently high and dry in several lake coves may remain landlocked through the summer. However, if a Gulf storm tracks into Central Texas during hurricane season, it could certainly change a lot. 

And there was a recent update from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. The agency has Central and South Texas with above normal rainfall for the month of May.

AUSTIN, Texas - Rain in Austin caused high waters in some high-traffic parts of the city. 

Lots of water was seen on the highway, though most low water crossings have remained open. 

Cars were seen at I-35 and Riverside driving into high waters near construction. The TxDOT handles drainage in that area.

"Yesterday’s heavy rain caused flash flooding across parts of Central Texas. On construction projects, TxDOT always follows best management practices for drainage. Our crews continue to monitor drainage systems to ensure they’re working properly. Our message to drivers and pedestrians is to avoid pooling water and flooded roadways. Turn Around Don’t Drown. The drain at Riverside Drive is working properly, and the water has receded," TxDOT said in a statement on April 30.

While there were high waters there, most other low water crossings in the city have not flooded. 

TxDOT says: Yesterday’s heavy rain caused flash flooding across parts of Central Texas. On construction projects, TxDOT always follows best management practices for drainage. Our crews continue to monitor drainage systems to ensure they’re working properly. (part 1/2)@fox7austin https://t.co/o2GiYHc9WB

— Angela Shen (@AngelaShenFOX7) May 1, 2026

John Beachy oversees the Flood Early Warning System team with Austin Watershed Protection.

"So far, we've been lucky that the rainfall in our area has been relatively slow and steady, and we haven't seen too many problems with our roads and low water crossings overtopping. We are continuing to monitor that throughout the day and the remainder of the evening, and we'll be prepared to respond if conditions change," he said.

They use sensors, gauges, and predictive models to figure out which roads to close. The system can signal to crews when they need to put up barricades.

"It has a cable that runs to the creek itself and once that float switch reaches a certain level, it will trigger the lights to come on and that will be indicating, 'hey, you shouldn't be crossing this road,'" Beachy said.

Just because an area isn't a low water crossing doesn't mean it can't flood. Don't drive into high waters.

"We don't know what's under that water. It may look like it's shallow, but there should be some infrastructure issue below it that's causing it to be deeper than it is. We always advise people, if you can't see the road, to turn around and don't drown," Beachy said. 

If you see flooding in an unusual place, you can call 311, so crews can check the drainage system. 

To check for flood-related road closures, click here.

WIMBERLEY, Texas - Five people have been killed in a plane crash overnight in the Wimberley area.

The NTSB is investigating what led to the crash.

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra says first responders received the call just after 11 p.m. April 30 about an aircraft down in the Wimberley area.

The crash happened in a wooded area in the 200 block of Round Rock Road, near the area of Ledgerock Road and FM 2325, northwest of Wimberley. The NTSB says the crash happened at around 11:03 p.m. 

A post-impact fire destroyed the plane, says the NTSB.

According to FlightAware, the plane was on its way to New Braunfels from Amarillo.

The aircraft has been identified as a Cessna 421C that had five people on board. All five are confirmed dead.

A preliminary investigation shows the plane was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash, but there is no indication of a mid-air crash. A second plane traveling in the same area landed safely in New Braunfels.

Flight tracking data shows the plane had a normal takeoff, climbing to 17,400 feet, but just before 11 p.m., something went wrong. The data showed the plane suddenly started dropped, plunging more than 5,000 feet per minute. Within minutes, radar contact was lost.

The Associated Press says that according to Air Traffic Control audio, one pilot said he and the pilot of the crashed Cessna had been flying to New Braunfels together.

At least one pilot in the area confirmed the Cessna's locator emergency device had emitted a distress signal, says the AP. The controller called 911.

The FAA and the NTSB have been notified about the crash and will be leading the investigation, says Becerra.

The NTSB told FOX 7 Austin that an investigator is on their way to the site and that after the wreckage is documented on scene, it will be moved to a secure facility for further evaluation.

The NTSB will be looking into three primary areas as part of the investigation: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment, and gathering records such as flight track data, aircraft maintenance records, air traffic control recordings and more.

The names of those on board are not being released pending notification of next of kin.

"It felt like an earthquake" says neighbor

"I had just gone to bed and I was just laying there and I heard like these weird noises. I don’t really know how to explain them but it was something like a space craft of some sort or aircraft, like buzzing, & then I heard, or felt I should say, this vibration. It felt like an earthquake," Stacey Rohr, who lives nearby, said to FOX 7 Austin's Meredith Aldis.

Moments later, she saw flames in the dark.

"I thought it was like, the back of my place was on fire," Rohr said, "I didn’t know, I had no idea what it was, but that something fell from the sky and was on fire."

"It’s just sad these souls are here on the property, the five people, and I just feel like I’m here to help have a ceremony of some sort to help these souls to the other side," Rohr said.

For Rohr, who heard and felt the crash, she said the shock hasn’t worn off.

"It feels like I’m in the twilight zone really, this doesn’t even seem real," Rohr said.

AUSTIN, Texas - An Austin man has pleaded guilty to his role in a scheme that sold $8.4 million in mislabeled products as a recreational drug called "poppers," according to federal prosecutors.

Brett Sandy, 41, pleaded guilty Thursday to two counts of criminal conspiracy in connection with the case.

Federal prosecutors said that from 2019 to 2025, Sandy was the bookkeeper for a company that sold alkyl nitrite products labeled as cleaning agents. The company shipped the products with names such as "love potion" and "pumpkin spice latte."

"Sandy also admitted that he facilitated the sale of hundreds of bottles of poppers from his company to an individual with the understanding that the individual intended to distribute them as a drug at a ‘sexy singles party,’" prosecutors said.

"Poppers" contain nitrites, a type of chemical related to compounds used by doctors to treat heart conditions or chest pain, according to WebMD. 

According to the Food and Drug Administration, "poppers" can be caustic to the skin and cause difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, seizures, irregular heartbeats, coma and death.

AUSTIN, Texas - A Waymo was caught on camera stalled on an Austin road due to water.

In a video shared with FOX Television Stations, a Waymo was seen on North Lamar just south of 5th Street blocking traffic.

The apparent cause? Water over the roadway.

Other vehicles were seen having to move around the stalled vehicle.

FOX 7 Austin has reached out to Waymo for comment and clarification.

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Supreme Court has weighed in on the fight to stop the state’s new THC rule that essentially bans most smokable hemp products in the state.

In an essentially unanimous decision, the state’s highest court ruled Friday that the Department of State Health Services has broad authority to regulate substances.

Austin-based hemp business Hometown Hero had sued over the new regulations issued by the state that were supposed to take effect at the end of March. The business argued that DSHS acted outside its authority.

The ruling came just hours before an injunction issued by a lower court that has prevented enforcement of the ban was extended until at least July.

The so-called "Total THC" rule at the heart of the battle took center stage this week as both the state and members of the state’s hemp industry made their cases to the lower court judge that issued the temporary restraining order.

DSHS enacted regulations on consumable hemp-derived products March 31. The rule required child-resistant packaging and testing. It also set a 0.3% THC limit for consumable hemp products, and hiked licensing fees for retailers from about $250 to $10,000 in some cases.

Advocates for the hemp industry said the rules would essentially force them to discard a large amount of inventory, and run them out of business. They also argued that the increased fees essentially amount to an "unconstitutional occupation tax."

Attorneys for the state argued that the rule is a public safety necessity. They called THC-A, a non-intoxicating compound found in most smokable hemp products, "marijuana in waiting" since it converts to an intoxicating form of THC called Delta-9 when heated.

AUSTIN, Texas - Smokable hemp products can continue to be sold in Texas until at least July after an injunction blocking enforcement of new state regulations was extended Friday.

A District Court judge in Travis County heard arguments about the so-called "Total THC" rule this week and found that the regulations likely exceed the statutory authority of the Department of State Health Services and dramatically increased licensing fees likely constitute an illegal tax.

The District Court ruling came just hours after a ruling by the Texas Supreme Court in a separate case that found DSHS has broad authority to regulate substances such as THC, while also limiting legal claims brought in that case.

The so-called "Total THC" rule at the heart of the battle took center stage this week as both the state and members of the state’s hemp industry made their cases to the lower court judge that issued the temporary restraining order.

DSHS enacted regulations on consumable hemp-derived products March 31. The rule required child-resistant packaging and testing. It also set a 0.3% THC limit for consumable hemp products, and hiked licensing fees for retailers from about $250 to $10,000 in some cases.

Advocates for the hemp industry say the rules would essentially force them to discard a large amount of inventory, and run them out of business. They also argue that the increased fees essentially amount to an "unconstitutional occupation tax."

Attorneys for the state argue that the rule is a public safety necessity. They call THC-A, a non-intoxicating compound found in most smokable hemp products, "marijuana in waiting" since it converts to an intoxicating form of THC called Delta-9 when heated.

AUSTIN, Texas - A Flood Watch is in effect for all of Central Texas until tonight (May 1).

It's going to be a cloudy, rainy, cool and breezy first day of May. 

A few more rounds of showers and storms are possible, with the next one arriving early afternoon and the last one pushing through late in the day.

A secondary front arrives this evening, shutting off the rain and increasing the northerly wind to help clear the skies by tomorrow morning.

The Flood Watch is set to expire at 9 p.m. CT tonight.

What threats could we see?

There is a low to moderate risk of flash flooding and slightly higher chance of street flooding. 

The highest rain totals and flooding risk will be east of I-35 the rest of the day. 

Areas south of Austin have a marginal risk of small to moderate hail but lightning and pockets of heavy rain will be the main concerns.

We will be waking up in the 40s and 50s on Saturday, but it will be much nicer, brighter and drier for the weekend.

Track your local forecast for the Austin area quickly with the free FOX 7 WAPP. 

The design gives you radar, hourly, and 7-day weather information just by scrolling. 

Our weather alerts will warn you early and help you stay safe.

You can also keep an eye on low water crossings and road closures at atxfloods and DriveTexas.org.

AUSTIN, Texas - Camp Mystic has withdrawn its summer camp license application for 2026.

This comes after hearings with a Texas legislative committee concerning the deadly floods last July.

Twenty-five campers and two counselors at Camp Mystic died in the floods. One camper, Cile Steward of Austin, is still missing.

RELATED COVERAGE: ‘Thankful’: Texas leaders react to Camp Mystic closing for 2026 season

Camp directors informed the Texas Department of State Health Services Thursday about the withdrawal.

"No administrative process or summer season should move forward while families continue to grieve, while investigations continue and while so many Texans still carry the pain of last July’s tragedy," said the camp in a release.

"We commend DSHS for their testimony this week that recognized their legal obligations. But rather than risk defending our rights under Texas law in a manner that may unintentionally effect further harm, we choose rather to withdraw our application for the 2026 camp season," the camp added.

The camp says that it will continue to "fully cooperate" with all ongoing investigations, comply with very lawful requirements and continue supporting recovery and healing efforts.

Letter to Camp Mystic families

FOX Television Stations also obtained a copy of the letter Camp Mystic sent out to families regarding the withdrawal.

In the letter, Camp Mystic directors say that they have received letters and calls from families wanting the camp to reopen.

"We are profoundly grateful for every individual effort made on behalf of camp," the letter reads. "At the same time, we recognize that our broader community continues to grieve a profound loss, and that many families continue to carry unimaginable pain. In this moment, we believe stepping back is the right and responsible decision for the 2026 camp season."

Less than a year after the deadly floods, Camp Mystic had applied to renew its license with DSHS in order to reopen its Cypress Lake location, which hadn't sustained as much damage the previous summer.

Over 20 deficiencies were recently cited in the camp's license applications, including concerns over its flash flood evacuation plan. It was one of 174 Texas camps told to revise their emergency plans before reopening.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called on DSHS to deny the license, questioning how many deaths it should take for a camp to lose operating privileges.

Camp Mystic officials testify during legislative hearings

Camp Mystic has been at the center of a series of Texas legislative hearings this week concerning its response to the deadly flooding that struck Central Texas last July.

Members of the Eastland family, who operates Camp Mystic, testified before a joint legislative committee. 

The family says they did everything they could as the unimaginable flood tore through Camp Mystic on the morning of July 4th. The camp was relying on guidance from experts, government officials and more than a century of camp history.

Camp directors also apologized to the families of the ‘Heaven's 27' during their testimony.

Lawmakers pressed the Eastlands on several key decisions made during the flood, including the failure to use the camp’s loudspeaker system to warn campers.

Another critical moment came under scrutiny when lawmakers questioned why staff removed property from the river ahead of the flooding but did not immediately respond to calls for help from campers.

Medical officer admits failure to report deaths

Camp Mystic director and Chief Medical Officer, Mary Liz Eastland, had previously admitted she did not report the deaths in an evidentiary hearing earlier in the month. 

On Tuesday, she confirmed nothing had changed.

Under the Texas Administrative Code, camps must report deaths to the Department of State Health Services within 24 hours. Failure to do so can lead to license deficiencies.

Kyle Findley is an attorney at Arnold & Itkin who represents six of the families impacted by the Camp Mystic flooding tragedy in 2025. He has issued the following statement:

"For every grieving family impacted by last summer’s tragedy, today’s announcement that Camp Mystic has decided to not operate camp this summer is long overdue. We applaud the State investigators, Senators, and State Representatives for their hard work in investigating and questioning the parties involved in this undeniably preventable tragedy. Although Camp Mystic has withdrawn its application for the 2026 summer camp season, the families’ pursuit of justice will continue through the Courts to complete the investigation in their pursuit for transparency, accountability and ensuring that another avoidable tragedy like this never happens again."

There are still many lawsuits pending against Camp Mystic in connection with the deadly floods.

Camp Mystic says it will be communicating with families directly about refunding deposits and tuition.

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department is expanding its security measures to improve the safety of downtown.

This comes after a mass shooting at a West Sixth Street Bar in March, when three people were killed and more than a dozen others were injured.

City leaders have been exploring and implementing new measures like police staging, barriers, and traffic patterns for years on the east side. But we're now learning plans to add new safety zones on the west side of downtown.

The March 1 mass shooting on west 6th street killed three people and injured 13 outside Buford's bar.

"The public safety resources and teams we have in place made a significant difference within seconds," said APD Chief Lisa Davis.

Austin police say officers responded in under a minute, moving from East 6th Street to West 6th.

Chief Lisa Davis says patrol officers and supervisors are regularly assigned to the entertainment district.

The patrol uses a public safety zone as a staging point and designated work zones on East 6th street for police, fire and EMS.

"A second public safety zone was being designed for west 6th Street prior to this incident. APD also utilizes a counter assault strike team, casts officers on weekends and during special events. Cast officers' partner with AFD and EMS known as CASTMED personnel to create a rescue task force," said Davis.

That task force is designed for rapid deployment to large scale violent incidents and to provide tactical medical care.

Austin-Travis County EMS says those resources were instrumental in getting care on scene quickly.

"In addition to the CASTMED program, we also have the DTAC program implemented in 2025, which allows us to provide dedicated paramedics and EMTS in the downtown entertainment district. Those resources were on scene. In fact, they were just closing up for the evening when the shooting occurred," said Chief Robert Luckritz, Austin-Travis County EMS.

APD is now working to speed up those response times even more.

"APD has designated a second public safety zone on West 6th Street to provide faster deployment to the west side of the entertainment district, and this is ongoing now," said Chief Davis.

Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker says while this isn't the city’s first mass shooting, it likely won't be the last.

"This reality drives Austin Fire to prioritize training, practices, and equipment that can and does save lives. These resources were brought to bear the night of the Buford's incident, and they did make a big difference," said Buford's.

Fire crews arrived within four minutes that night with 35 personnel responding. All critical patients were transported within 24 minutes, and all patients with less serious injuries were cleared from the scene within 47 minutes.

But officials say there are still lessons to learn.

"As far as calling an emergency operations center, that next day we should've called for that to be put up and that could have been that coordination of our victims' services getting all that done, ensuring that all the councils were notified and up to date," said Davis.

"Our preliminary internal review reveals an additional opportunity to advance communication and coordination among public safety agencies both prior to and during emergencies that would improve scene management, facilitate more timely updates and reduce the chances of duplicate efforts," said Baker.

APD is still developing the plan for the public safety zone on West Sixth.

Some trial runs for it have been in the works, but APD is still working to finalize exactly how they'll operate.

The feds are still investigating the mass shooting in March. 

Chief Davis expects more information from the FBI in the coming weeks.

After-action reports are also being done for each agency.

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas leaders have reacted to the news Thursday that Camp Mystic will remain closed for the 2026 season.

The decision by leaders of the all-girls, Christian summer camp came after emotional testimony at legislative hearings in Austin about last year’s deadly floods.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said an investigation into the catastrophe that killed 26 campers and two counselors is ongoing.

"Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones and those recovering from last year's devastating Fourth of July floods," Abbott said. "Camp Mystic has withdrawn its application to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) seeking to open as a camp this year. As a result, the camp will remain closed for 2026. The DSHS continues working with the Texas Rangers to investigate Camp Mystic. The results of that investigation will be made public as soon as possible."

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said he was "thankful" to hear the news.

"At the conclusion of heartbreaking testimony from the families of Heaven’s 27 two days ago, I was hopeful the Eastland family would consider withdrawing their 2026 Camp Mystic license application for this summer," Patrick wrote on X. "I am thankful to hear that, today, the Eastland family withdrew their application. Given the tragic circumstances, this is the correct decision to protect Texas campers and to allow time for all investigations to be completed."

At the conclusion of heartbreaking testimony from the families of Heaven’s 27 two days ago, I was hopeful the Eastland family would consider withdrawing their 2026 Camp Mystic license application for this summer.

I am thankful to hear that, today, the Eastland family withdrew…

— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) April 30, 2026

Texas House Rep. Wes Virdell, whose district includes Hunt, Texas, where Camp Mystic is located, said that the Eastland family has been "bullied" in the wake of the disaster.

"In regards to Camp Mystic's announcement today - I have great respect for the Eastland family and their team," Virdell wrote on X. "I have watched them be bullied relentlessly by people who don’t understand the details—or simply don’t care to. Their family, just like so many others, has suffered the devastating loss of loved ones and the campers they cared for deeply. Dick Eastland gave his life trying to save lives. I hope no one ever has to endure a tragedy like the July 4th floods. My prayer is that this time can be used for all involved to grieve and heal in the coming year. As Texans and Americans, we should be more careful before casting stones at individuals who are already carrying the weight of the world while under a microscope."

In regards to Camp Mystic's announcement today -

I have great respect for the Eastland family and their team. I have watched them be bullied relentlessly by people who don’t understand the details—or simply don’t care to. Their family, just like so many others, has suffered the…

— Wes Virdell, TX State Rep (@wesvirdelltx) April 30, 2026

During this week’s testimony, a report was submitted to lawmakers that called the deaths preventable and cited a lack of emergency training, missing safety equipment and poor planning.

DSHS had already rejected Camp Mystic’s emergency plan ahead of the planned opening this summer.

One camper, Cile Steward of Austin, is still missing.

AUSTIN, Texas - Kids at Dell Children's Medical Center got to see their favorite superheroes come to life at the 11th annual Superhero Day. 

This is in partnership with the Austin Police Department. 

"It was super cool. It was fun. It was the most fun event I went to," Dayshawn, a 15-year-old patient, said.

"We all come together and bring some joy to our patients and families, and you can see it in their eyes when they're able to be part of this day. It's a day to just be kids again, meet their heroes, and have some fun together," Robyn Moyer, director of child life and expressive therapies at Dell Children's, said. 

Each superhero rappelled down the building for patients, families, and staff, waving as they passed each floor. Many police officers rappelled, and four healthcare workers did as well. Some kids were dressed as their favorite superheroes as they watched.

Superhero Day: APD officers and some Dell Children’s staff dressed as superheroes are rappelling down the side of the hospital, greeting patients and families along the way @fox7austin pic.twitter.com/JxYPmG5NeH

— Angela Shen (@AngelaShenFOX7) April 30, 2026

Retired APD Officer Matt Harmatuk played Superman.

"It never gets old, the kids light up and not only that, but the room visits and everything we do when you bring them to life, and it might be the first time that they smile because the parents sometimes get emotional when we visit them. We inspire them to stay positive and fight through the challenges that they're dealing with, and that's what we're here for," Harmatuk said.

Kids got to meet the superheroes.

"This was a great show, and you guys should know, you should have, if you went to Dell Children's, you should have gone and seen it," Dayshawn said.

Dell Children's also has a newly wrapped ambulance called the "Lil Buckaroo Express."

COUPLAND, Texas - The Texas Department of Public Safety Mounted Patrol Unit celebrated new graduates in their new facility. This brings the force up to 18.

In a world of high-tech policing, sometimes the most powerful tool has four legs.

"The horses are a force multiplier, they can get to places a lot quicker, you get higher visibility on horseback," Texas DPS Captain Boyd Lamb said.

At the new facility in Coupland, the Texas Department of Public Safety is training troopers and horses side by side.

"I grew up around horses and cows growing up, and I just figured if I could do law enforcement and be around an animal too at the same time, that would be the best job right there," Texas DPS Mounted Patrol Unit graduate Sergeant Sean Chandler said.

For Sergeant Chandler, this isn’t just a job, it’s a partnership, but he said the bond doesn’t happen overnight.

"It started out as they won't even come to you. Now they see you walking over their paddock, and they come right over. I can tell she trusts me and I trust her that we're going to keep each other safe to do the job," Sgt. Chandler said.

It takes weeks of training for troopers and months for the horses before they ever patrol together. Now, all of that training is happening under one roof.

"We procured it last year, and we just steadily built up over the last year to make it something that could be functional for our K-9s for training, for them to come back throughout the year and do any kind of training they need to do and also prepare these horses to be ready for the threats that are out there that they face," Captain Lamb said.

Before this facility, troopers had to travel for training and to stable their horses.

"The great thing about this is everything is here in house," Captain Lamb said.

Three new troopers just graduated. They will be assigned to patrol the capitol, while others serve along the border. A non-commissioned trainer also graduated. He will help with training and continue to develop the program.

"It's been proven for a hundred years that horses have been used to get a job done and so there's still a place for them in an era of technology," Sgt. Chandler said.

Texas DPS is already training more horses for the next graduating class.

AUSTIN, Texas - After rumors circulated around the state about Mexican gray wolves being released in Texas, the parks and wildlife department is setting the record straight on the matter.

Wolves in Texas?

No, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says, wolves not are being released in the Lone Star State. And no, they have no plans in the works to do so. 

They said in their Wednesday evening release that they're clearing the air after recent public interest in the matter regarding transport of the animals through Texas. Many people assumed that the endangered species was being released near Laredo.

The U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Mexican Wolf Program imports and exports wolves between the U.S. and Mexico, TPWD said, intending to strengthen the genetic diversity and long-term viability of the species' population. 

Where did the rumor come from?

On Tuesday, the Texas Department of Agriculture posted pictures of a Mexican gray wolf in captivity at the Laredo Export Pens, which they said was "getting a second chance." 

The post went on to say the wolf will help to restore the species, though there was no clarification on where it was being taken or where it would be released. Speculators in the comments and in shared posts quickly assumed the Texas department was releasing them locally, which was met with a mixture of critique and support.

"A wolf will kill the entire herd for sport, without eating!" one commenter on the post said.

"Apex predators introduced to ranching country," said another. "F’ing brilliant."

"My family raises cattle and other livestock," said one rancher in the comments, hoping the rumor was true. "The reintroduction of wolves into certain ranges will benefit the overall ecosystem. Wolves will thin out the weaker deer populations, elk in some area as well as the explosion of feral animals such as pigs and warthogs."

SAN ANTONIO - Some people at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio were left suspended in the air after a ride they were on stopped Sunday.

Maria Salazar told Storyful that she was one of more than a dozen riders on the Supergirl Sky Flight that were stuck 200 feet in the air when the ride stalled.

"When my husband, our friends, and I got in the ride it stopped in the air for about 10 to 15 minutes before they had to call maintenance to bring us down," Salazar said.

The video showed most of the riders seeming to take the ordeal in stride by cracking jokes and laughing.

A park official told Storyful that the ride was stopped after the operator noticed someone holding a cellphone, which is a violation of the park’s safety policies.

"Once the issue was resolved, the ride resumed," the spokesperson said. "All guests safely exited, and the ride remained open for the remainder of the day.

AUSTIN, Texas - The Onion is again in a holding pattern in its effort to take over InfoWars after a Texas court paused orders meant to turn over assets tied to political commentator Alex Jones’ firebrand.

The Texas Third Court of Appeals on Wednesday stayed orders forcing the turnover of assets to settle massive judgments against InfoWars and Free Speech Systems, the company that controls it.

The judgments came after lawsuits against Jones were filed by the families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre over comments he made in the wake of the mass shooting that killed 20 children and six adults at a Connecticut elementary school.

Since then, satirical news brand The Onion has been trying to buy InfoWars and turn it into a parody site.

The latest decision pauses enforcement of the turnover while the court gathers more information about whether the orders violate an automatic stay triggered by the bankruptcy filing of FSS.

Ultimately, a buyer like The Onion could step in during bankruptcy or Sandy Hook families could directly collect on their judgments.

AUSTIN, Texas - A weather pattern that has resulted in dangerous storms in parts of Texas this week will continue through at least Saturday.

NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center has placed parts of south-central and eastern Texas in a Level 2 out of 4 risk zone for flooding as several systems work together to produce soggy weather.

Forecasters predict a large swath of up to 3 inches of rain across much of central and eastern Texas. Some isolated spots could see as much as 5 inches of rain.

Flood Watches have been issued throughout the heart of the state, covering cities such as Midland, Del Rio, San Antonio. Austin, Huntsville and Houston.

While no one wants to see flooding, the rain is badly needed as 80% of Texas is in some form of drought. The worst drought is being reported in parts of southern Texas and in the Big Bend region.

With 174 Texas summer camps having been sent back to the drawing board for their emergency plans last week ahead of scheduled openings, here's how you can check whether your camp will be allowed to operate this year. 

Texas camp registration roster

The roster for active youth camps is available through the Texas Department of State Health Services, which keeps track of all license applications across the state. 

The Youth Camp Program licensee list can be found at this link — here, you can download a spreadsheet of all Texas camps, divided by groups of "application pending," dates when current applications will expire (within days or weeks, for most on the list), and some with newly approved licenses that will not expire until next year. 

Find a Licensee - Youth Camp Program

Only three Texas camps approved

Of the hundreds of applications listed in the TDSHS spreadsheet, only three camps are listed with licenses expiring in 2027. 

• Camp Thurman, in Tarrant County
• Frontier Camp, in Houston County
• Hidden Falls Ranch, in Swisher County

All three have licenses expiring on March 31, 2027.

Keep tabs on the TDSHS website to see if your camp has its license approved.

RELATED COVERAGE: ‘Thankful’: Texas leaders react to Camp Mystic closing for 2026 season

Summer camp application changes

The application process is different this year due to legislation that was passed in a special session of the Texas Legislature last summer, following tragic flooding that killed more than 130 people. Many of those people were at summer camps near the Gaudalupe River, which surged above its banks on July 4, destroying structures in and near known flood plains.

In the aftermath, critics across the country spurred lawmakers on to question the contingencies in place for natural disasters and other emergency circumstances. These investigations, which continue to develop, led to more stringent laws and regulations for how summer camps must prepare for and respond to such incidents. 

As a result, all 174 camps that submitted emergency plans this year as part of the re-licensing process were rejected and told to amend and resubmit their plans. Most notably, Camp Mystic was singled out. 

Camp Mystic withdraws application

Camp Mystic, the Texas summer camp under the most scrutiny after last year's devastating storms, has withdrawn its license application for 2026. This comes after hearings with a Texas legislative committee concerning the deadly floods last July.

Twenty-five campers and two counselors at Camp Mystic died in the floods. One camper, Cile Steward of Austin, is still missing.

The camp says that it will continue to "fully cooperate" with all ongoing investigations, comply with very lawful requirements and continue supporting recovery and healing efforts.

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department’s SWAT team is investigating an aggravated assault involving domestic violence in North Austin. 

The incident comes as local agencies work to raise awareness about what they describe as an underreported crime and highlight available resources during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Initially, Austin police responded to reports of an abduction and kidnapping involving a barricaded suspect, but later determined that was not the case.

The SWAT team was called to an apartment complex on Northgate Boulevard in North Austin on Tuesday, April 28.

"Due to the nature of the call, SWAT personnel were called out. The suspect was believed to have been barricaded inside the residence," APD spokesperson Austin Zarling said.

​Investigators later discovered the suspect was not at the scene, and only the victim was found.

​"Upon arrival, officers located a female victim. And during the investigation, it was found that the offense committed tonight was aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, family violence, then aggravated kidnapping," Zarling said.

​Officers said the victim and suspect were previously in a relationship. The victim was taken to a hospital for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

The investigation is ongoing, and the suspect has not been arrested.

Family violence crimes on the rise

FOX 7 Austin spoke with Elizabeth Whited, director of the Family Violence and Protective Order Division with the Travis County Attorney’s Office.

​"If a survivor goes into a treatment setting, and they don't want to make a report, there is no mandatory report. That is their decision," said Whited.

According to the Travis County Attorney’s Office, crimes involving family violence are on the rise.

"Here in Austin, Travis County, we had our homicides in 2025. The total went down in 2025. However, intimate partner violence homicides actually went up," said Whited.

Whited said 32% of homicides in Travis County last year involved family violence, with two such cases already reported this year.

Whited's comments are unrelated to the North Austin case. 

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, help is available 24/7.

Visit: safeaustin.org or text their number 737-888-7233.

Other Helpful Numbers And Resources 

• SAFE Alliance - 512-267-SAFE
• National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-SAFE
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) 1-800-656-HOPE
• Texaslawhelp.org
• Travis County Law Library

AUSTIN, Texas - A Flood Watch will be in effect tonight (April 30) and last well into Friday.

Live updates

2:50 p.m.

The National Weather Service says a Flood Watch will go into effect starting at 9 p.m. Thursday and last until Friday evening.

The watch covers part of south Central Texas, including Bandera, Bastrop, Bexar, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell,  Comal, Edwards, Fayette, Gillespie, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays,  Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, Lee, Llano, Medina, Real, Travis, Uvalde,  Val Verde, Williamson and Wilson counties.

The watch is due to potentially life-threatening flooding and excessive runoff into rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

NWS says that rainfall between two to four inches with isolated amounts of six inches is possible while the watch is in effect.

2:45 p.m.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is now over for multiple Central Texas counties.

The warning covered Travis, Hays, Caldwell, and Bastrop counties and was in effect until 2:45 p.m.

The National Weather Service says that at 1:38 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was spotted on radar over Bee Cave, moving east at 35 mph.

Hazards noted in the warning include 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. The NWS says to expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees, as well as hail damage to vehicles.

NWS is also warning residents about potential flash flooding and reminding them to not drive through flooded roadways.

ORIGINAL FORECAST

The door remains open for more rain and storms in the next 36 hours.

Today, hit-and-miss showers and storms are possible with the highest rain chances over the Hill Country. 

Since we are behind a cold front, the atmosphere is more stable, so the severe risk remains low today and tomorrow. 

Rain totals and rain chances are trending higher for Friday. 

With the Western low taking a direct hit on Texas, we will get multiple rounds of heavy rain and storms all day Friday.

What threats could we see?

We are under a level 2 flooding risk for Friday with a moderate risk of street flooding and low to moderate risk of flash flooding.

Confidence is high for 1 to 3" of rain for the entire area. 

All the computer weather models showing inches of rain for Central Texas with the totals slightly higher to the east and south of Austin.

Track your local forecast for the Austin area quickly with the free FOX 7 WAPP. 

The design gives you radar, hourly, and 7-day weather information just by scrolling. 

Our weather alerts will warn you early and help you stay safe.

AUSTIN, Texas - Nearly a year after the deadly July 4th flooding, one of Camp Mystic’s operators, who also serves as the camp’s medical officer, has still not reported the deaths of 27 people as required by law.

Lawmakers question safety following July 4th tragedy

The Eastland family testified on Tuesday before a joint legislative committee. The family says they did everything they could as the unimaginable flood tore through Camp Mystic on the morning of July 4th. The camp was relying on guidance from experts, government officials and more than a century of camp history.

Lawmakers are now examining what led up to the disaster that killed 25 campers and two counselors.

"A flood three feet lower would have made a lot of our actions seem better, and a flood three feet higher would have made a lot of our actions seem worse. I do believe all of our actions that morning were based on reason from the knowledge we had from previous floods and at the moment. Our concept of high ground has now changed forever," said Edward Eastland.

"Every morning walking up is hard, every moment of every day is hard and yet that pain feels like nothing compared to what you are going through."

Medical officer admits failure to report deaths

Under the Texas Administrative Code, camps must report deaths to the Department of State Health Services within 24 hours. Failure to do so can lead to license deficiencies.

Camp Mystic director and Chief Medical Officer, Mary Liz, previously admitted she did not report the deaths in an evidentiary hearing earlier in the month. On Tuesday, she confirmed nothing had changed.

"Have you reported the 27 deaths to the department of state health services as required by code?" said Sen. Lois Kolkhorst.               

"No ma'am, I have not," said Mary Liz Eastland.

"Why wouldn't you follow the statute, even if, I get it within 24 hours. The words used in the report yesterday, mayhem. We were urged by investigators to look at the aftermath and how we handle disasters. I am not asking for the 24 hours, I'm asking for 10 months later," said Kolkhorst.

"I just haven't done it because it's also not only my responsibility. I would say that the camp hasn't reported them either and I think everyone knows at this point," said Mary Liz.

Camp Mystic faces hurdles in license renewal

Less than a year after the deadly flood, Camp Mystic is now seeking to renew its license as it looks to open its Cypress Lake location, an uphill location that didn't sustain as much damage last summer.

Over 20 deficiencies were recently cited in the camp's license applications, including concerns over its flash flood evacuation plan.

"We have no plans for this summer to open Guadalupe River Camp, but we’ve heard from hundreds of families. It's not been an easy decision for the US to even open Cypress Lake, but we’ve heard from hundreds of families asking us to please open it, and they trust us to provide healing for their daughters," said Britt Eastland at Camp Mystic.

"If y'all are left as an operator in any form or fashion, what deterrent does that send to another operator that I can have kids die on my watch and still be an operator," said Sen. Charles Perry.

State leaders on reopening

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who has strongly opposed the camp's reopening, is again calling on the state to deny the license, questioning how many deaths it should take for a camp to lose operating privileges as Camp Mystic is currently under application to renew its license.

They told committee members that the more than 20 deficiencies found have been or will be addressed.

Camp Mystic says if the state turns down their license request, they’ll appeal, which could allow them to reopen their Cypress Lake location at the end of May.

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is reminding residents that baby animals, while cute, are best left alone. In fact, state law prevents human meddling.

The reminder comes just ahead of fawning season — when baby deer start to appear across the Lone Star State.

Texas wildlife reminder

TPWD says they know it's tempting to want to help baby animals that appear to need assistance. However, they're reminding Texans, not only is it illegal to touch the animals, but they often don't need the help. 

"People want to help, but intervening is often the worst thing you can do," said Richard Heilbrun, TPWD Division Deputy Director. "Most young animals are not abandoned, their parents are nearby and will return. The best thing you can do is give them space."

It's illegal to capture or keep wild animals under Texas law without the proper permits, and attempting to relocate them is also not allowed except under very specific regulations. 

Texas animal sightings

White-tailed deer fawning season starts in early to mid-May, the department says, and mother deer — or does — will often leave their babies hidden for hours at a time before they return to feed them. Since fawns are well-camouflaged with their spotted coats in infancy, those "hiding places" are often in plain sight, where they blend into their surroundings. The department wants residents to know that those fawns aren't abandoned; rather, their mothers are most often out finding food. 

Baby birds are also often mistaken as abandoned and in need of rescue. Species like doves, blue jays and mockingbirds will spend a lot of time on the ground as babies while they learn to fly, and it's common to think they need help getting back to safety. In actuality, the department says, their parents are still nearby keeping watch, and humans' attempts to assist can be more of a hindrance. 

Turtles are often seen in Texas this time of year as well, particularly, the department notes, while trying to cross roadways. They provided information about helping the reptiles get out of the path of cars, which you can access here, but they're also reminding residents that wild animals cannot be captured as pets. 

Particularly in South Texas at this time of year, alligator sightings are also on the rise. The warmer months ahead of the summer are the reptiles' mating period, and it becomes more common to see them crossing roads or sunning near public waterways. Alligators should be avoided, and pets and children should be kept nearby when in common sighting areas.

How to help wild animals

If you find an animal in the wild that truly seems to need immediate help, the first step should always be to contact the wildlife department. 

Reach out to a TPWD wildlife rehabilitator if you find yourself in that position, and never start by trying to handle or relocate an animal on your own. 

Learn more about what to do upon encountering orphaned or injured wildlife on the TPWD Wildlife Division website. Tips from biologists regarding fawns and baby birds are available on the TPWD YouTube channel.

ROUND ROCK, Texas - A former Round Rock ISD teacher was arrested in connection with a sexual assault of a child investigation.

Round Rock police said on April 29, around 9:15 a.m., officers arrested Caleb Ian Carter, 27, at the Dallas College Brookhaven Campus.

The Dallas College Police Department helped Round Rock police with the arrest.

The arrest comes after an incident that happened in Round Rock. Police said while Carter was employed as an orchestra teacher at Round Rock High School, between 2022 and May 2025, he was involved in an incident off campus with a victim. The victim was a student at the high school.

Carter was booked into the Dallas County Jail.

This investigation remains active. 

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Zamora at rzamora@roundrocktexas.gov or 512-595-2605.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, contact your local law enforcement agency or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for confidential support.

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin’s first responders are raising concerns about autonomous vehicles. 

This comes after videos show autonomous vehicles (AV) seemingly frozen during emergency situations.

During the City of Austin special meeting on Wednesday, videos were played that showed Waymos in Austin caught in situations first responders say are becoming a real concern. 

This included at least two videos from the response during the Sixth Street mass shooting showing a Waymo stopped in the middle of the street about a block and a half from Buford’s, blocking an ambulance, and then another Waymo frozen because of all the foot traffic in the area.

Officials said when there is an incident where they expect to have a lot of first responders going to it, they send an active 911 email to the AV companies in Austin for them to stay away, or geofence, it’s a 1,000-foot radius for at least an hour.

Waymo said since this incident, they have implemented updated geofence requirements for significant events that match or surpass the city’s request.

First responders said other problems they’ve encountered are AVs not avoiding flooded areas, not understanding hand signals, and not staying away from active scenes.

Austin Fire Battalion Chief Matt Holmes said they’ve offered to do training scenarios with Waymo.

"We'll set aside, we'll set up hose lines, we'll set up intersections, we will do hand signals, we'll do these scenarios that way we can help you kind of work through that, and they have yet to take us up on that," Battalion Chief Holmes said.

The city has very limited authority to regulate AV companies because they’re governed by the state, but the city presented recommendations Wednesday. 

They are requesting all AV companies geofence for serious emergencies, share information about their disaster planning, and participate in citywide emergency planning, and hold regular meetings on how they are working to improve their systems.

Waymo said they update and invest in their emergency preparedness and response processes on an ongoing basis, incorporating lessons and feedback from local partners. They also said they will continue working with Austin’s leadership. 

They said they have already met with council members, more than 15 city officials, and the highest levels of state government.

On the legislative side, the city is asking the state to step in, giving the Texas DMV the power to immediately restrict AV operations after serious crashes and allow officers to issue digital tickets to AV’s more quickly.

BUDA, Texas - Three people were arrested and thousands of gift cards were recovered after authorities dismantled a multi-county gift card tampering operation.

The investigation started with a report of suspicious activity by a retailer in March. A store employee had seen a man loitering near the gift card display, which later was discovered to have 15 altered cards.

Investigators were about to identify a rental vehicle associated with the suspects and tracked them between Houston and Austin.

TDLR says that the suspects had entered the US with Taiwanese passports, rented a vehicle in Austin, and established a base of operations in Houston. Over five days, they were seen visiting more than 20 retail locations per day.

The suspects allegedly used a calculated four-step process:

1. Theft: Suspects remove large quantities of gift cards from retail displays at stores, including Walgreens, CVS, and Dollar Tree
2. Compromise: Suspects then peel back security scratch protectors to record activation codes and serial numbers and then repackage the cards to appear intact
3. Return: The tampered cards are returned to store shelves
4. Draining Funds: Consumer purchases and activates the card at the register, prompting the suspects to drain the funds electronically, leaving the victim with a zero balance

On March 30, Houjie Lin and Yi-Hsun Wu were taken into custody at a Buda store where they were allegedly tampering with gift cards. 

On April 1, Hsai Lin was arrested during a search warrant execution at an Austin hotel room. She had allegedly been processing and dismantling stolen cards.

On April 10, investigators learned of a home in the Sharpstown area of Houston believed to be the primary base for the ring. 

The trio each face charges of first-degree felony enhanced engaging in organized criminal activity, with a predicate offense of fraudulent use, possession, or tampering with gift card data.

Under Texas law, these enhanced charges carry a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Investigators were able to recover 11,563 gift cards in total.

The potential value of the recovered cards means authorities prevented about $5.6 million in financial losses, says the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

80 tampered gift cards, two Taiwanese passports and a glove box of rubber bands were recovered during a vehicle search in Buda when Lin and Wu were arrested.

More than 3,000 cards were recovered from the Austin hotel room.

Another 277 bundles of cards were found hidden in a closet at the Houston home.