The Week’s Biggest News in Brief: June 11-17

Elon Becomes First Trillionaire Ever: Your ultrarich, right-wing neighbor known for owning big tech companies and providing perplexing perspectives that dominate global headlines became the world’s first trillionaire last week. Yes, we are talking about Elon Musk. He took his company, SpaceX, public, setting the record for the largest initial public offering ever at $150 a share. According to the Statesman, within the first few minutes that the company went public, shares rose to $166, which advanced Musk’s net worth above $1 trillion and the company’s value to more than $2 trillion. Due to the decision to go public, thousands of current and former employees of the company will potentially become millionaires. The stock rose up to around $168 before finishing the day at about $161. Quick reminder: During his brief tenure leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, Musk dismantled USAID, which advanced global health and provided humanitarian aid throughout the world. (One initiative impacted: a screwworm monitoring program. More on screwworms in a sec.) A November 2025 analysis already attributes hundreds of thousands of deaths from infectious diseases and malnutrition to USAID’s shuttering; researchers predict more than 14 million deaths by 2030 if USAID defunding continues. An incomplete list of other U.S. government agencies defunded by Musk’s DOGE: the IRS (less resources to keep corporate taxpayers and the megarich honest?), the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health (how many years ago was that global pandemic?), the Food and Drug Administration (yeah, they’re the ones in charge of vaccine safety and food recalls, nbd). Anyway, congratulations to Musk on his recent windfall.

New World Screwworm Continues to Spread: Cases of New World screwworm are continuing to rise throughout Texas and New Mexico, having now impacted 12 animals across the two states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Impacted Texas counties include Edwards, Gillespie, Sutton, Tom Green, and Zavala, all involving cattle, sheep, or goats. There have been no reported wildlife or feral animal cases reported. As the parasite continues to make its way through the state, Texas lawmakers have raised concerns regarding the potential effects on the state’s multibillion-dollar cattle industry. Last Friday, alongside health officials and Caldwell County leaders, Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed a disaster declaration for the county regarding the parasite, saying that county staff will be implementing surveillance into their field work and wildlife management.

Attorney General Ken Paxton Credit: Jana Birchum

Paxton’s ActBlue Lawsuit Flops: Back in April, Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against ActBlue, a Democratic Party PAC, for “misleading consumers about its unlawful donation processes that allow fraudulent and foreign donations,” after James Talarico, who is running against Paxton for a U.S. Senate seat, raised $2.5 million. Shortly after, ActBlue returned the favor in a countersuit, alleging that Paxton’s actions against the group were politically motivated. On Thursday, June 11, U.S. District Judge Richard Gaylore Stearns ruled against Paxton, blocking his suit, stating that “the lawsuit was filed in retaliation for (and in an attempt to suppress) ActBlue’s efforts to fund Talarico’s campaign.” Paxton has since appealed the ruling to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

AISD’s Struggles Continue: Facing a $181 million deficit while also under deadline to provide the Texas Education Agency a budget for the 2026-27 school year, Austin ISD’s plan to balance the budget by cutting staff positions, selling properties, and reducing resources is not shaping up the way district officials would have hoped. The district anticipated ending the fiscal year with a $19 million deficit, but last Thursday, the district informed community members that the deficit is projected at $95 million. According to the Austin Current, district officials have said that they will likely need a September loan to help meet payroll. AISD has until June 30 to submit a board-approved budget to the TEA. 

Accidents on I-35: An Austin police officer was sent to the hospital following multiple crashes on I-35 in North Austin on Sunday, June 14. A large truck ran into a concrete wall that pushed it into other lanes on the interstate, resulting in a crash at I-35 and Parmer Lane. That accident would lead to another crash at I-35 and Howard Lane. 

AISD headquarters Credit: John Anderson

AISD STAAR Results: Last week, the Texas Education Agency released State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness results for high schools around the state. Results show that AISD high schoolers are trending in the right direction. On Tuesday, June 16, STAAR results were released for grades three through eight, which don’t look quite as good for the district, as it currently scrambles to combat its $181 million deficit. While Burnet, Dobie, and Webb middle schools did see an increase in scores, averages still remained below passing rates. The board will meet today to potentially approve a budget for next school year.

Paramount Theatre Closes for Renovations: After holding a final event and happy hour on Monday, June 15, Paramount Theatre closed its doors on Tuesday to begin a full restoration of the venue – the first since the Seventies. The renovations are expected to take 11 months to complete, with new light and sound systems, a third-floor lounge, new seating, lobby changes, and structure improvements among the planned upgrades. Following the Paramount’s restoration, next door, enhancements of the State Theatre – which last saw improvements in 2006 after a flood destroyed some of the venue – are expected to take 14 months to complete. Those upgrades include building a new complex with elevators, new bars on the rooftop and in the basement, and a redesigned auditorium that will feature a new balcony, more seating, and the ability to remove orchestra seating for concerts. Read more in Richard Whittaker’s report, “Farewell (for Now) to the Paramount,” here.

Murchison Pool Temporarily Closed: The city announced on Friday, June 12, that Murchison Pool, located at 7022 Hart Ln., is currently undergoing mechanical repairs. The swimming spot will remain closed until further notice.

Barton Springs Bridge Credit: Getty Images

Barton Springs Bridge Birthday: Local neighborhood and advocacy organizations are inviting community members out to the historic Barton Springs Bridge to celebrate the landmark’s 100th birthday on Father’s Day, June 21. Austinites will celebrate the infrastructure that has connected the city to Barton Springs, Barton Creek, and Zilker Park with food and drinks, local art, and storytelling at the morning celebration while the evening celebration will feature live music and more stories. As the city continues to consider replacing the structure, Preservation Texas named the bridge one of the state’s most endangered locations last month.

Joshua Baer Dead in Plane Crash: According to Statesman reporting, a small business plane that was carrying six passengers and heading for Austin crashed near Loop 20 in Laredo on Tuesday, June 16, killing one of the six individuals, Joshua Baer, CEO and founder of Austin-based startup venture firm Capital Factory. Laredo International Airport officials told news outlets that the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure, which led to the crash. The incident resulted in the closures of all north- and southbound lanes in the area. No drivers on the highway were injured due to the plane crash.

Flood Watches and Mosquito Bites: Over the last two weeks, Central Texas has gotten plenty of rain, helping alleviate some of the droughted areas in the region. On the night of Sunday, June 14, Travis County saw severe thunderstorms, as the National Weather Service issued flood warnings throughout Monday morning. Multiple roadways throughout the county remained closed Monday as water levels went down, and Barton Springs Pool is now closed until further notice. As a result of increased rain in the area, mosquitoes have been proliferating around town. According to the Statesman, Austin Public Health has not found any mosquito pools that have tested positive for viruses, including the West Nile virus. Forty-one pools in the area tested positive for the virus last year.

CapMetro Launches New Rapid Lines: As part of Project Connect, CapMetro celebrated the launch of two rapid lines – Rapid 800 and 837 – last week, which feature 10-to-15-minute stops during peak hours, new stations with upgraded amenities, and two new Park and Rides. Rapid 800 serves the Goodnight Ranch neighborhood in Southeast Austin, Downtown, and the Mueller neighborhood, while Rapid 837 will connect the CapMetro Expo Center to the Downtown area. The Goodnight Ranch Park and Ride also provides transportation to routes 318 and 333, while the Expo Center Park and Ride will also serve routes 18, 233, and 337.

Chestnut Pocket Park Sees Improvements: On Sunday, June 14, urban park advocates, city leaders, and community members gathered at the historic Chestnut Pocket Park in East Austin to rejuvenate the greenspace. The volunteers replaced old playground equipment with modern and inclusive designs, installed new nature play elements, mulched trees, and improved the community pavilion. According to the press release, the new playground includes integrated shade without removing any trees and the updated play space has been designed to be more accessible for younger children.

SOW Community Resource Hub Reopens: Members of the SOW Family Foundation, joined by Council Member Zo Qadri, celebrated the reopening of the SOW Community Resource Hub on Monday, June 15. The Hub, formerly known as The Oasis, aims to bring individuals experiencing homelessness together with resources for housing, employment, and health and supportive services. The Oasis closed last fall after allegations of mismanagement and disagreements between the city and nonprofit Urban Alchemy, which managed the center. The new SOW Hub will be operated by the SOW Family Foundation.

City to Repair Southeast Intersection: Austin Mobility announced on Monday, June 15, that the city is preparing to make needed improvements to the William Cannon Drive and Bluff Springs Road intersection in Southeast Austin. According to the press release, the crossroads is one of just a handful of intersections in the city paved in concrete rather than asphalt. Following heightened complaints about deteriorating pavement and safety concerns, the city advanced the project. Commuters should prepare for lane closures and increased traffic, with construction set to begin on July 6, expected to take three months to complete.

Austin Celebrates Pride: The city of Austin officially recognized Pride Month with a flag-raising and proclamation by Mayor Kirk Watson on June 17. Hosted by Council Member Zo Qadri, the celebration featured speeches by Travis County Court at Law Judge Judge Denise Hernández, Chad Sharrard of Stonewall Equality Employee Network, drag performer and community advocate Brigitte Bandit, and queer storyteller and performer Nikki DaVaughn. “Austin is stronger because of its LGBTQIA+ community, and I am proud to stand alongside advocates, leaders, and residents as we celebrate the contributions, resilience, and joy that make our city a more welcoming place for all,” Qadri said.

New Director of Economic Development: Michael “Mac” Cummins will take over as the city’s next director of Economic Development on July 27, the department announced on Tuesday, June 16. Cummins, who has held municipal leadership positions in Virginia, Washington state, Colorado, Arizona, and California during a 27-year career, will oversee the department’s support of local businesses and workers as they adapt to the city’s rapidly changing and growing economy. Austin represents a substantial step up in terms of scope for Cummins, whose previous locations ranged from large suburbs to mid-sized cities.

Mass Shooting in Midland: On Friday, June 12, a mass shooting took place in Midland, leaving a 62-year-old man dead and 10 injured – the 23rd mass shooting in Texas this year, according to CBS Austin. The shooter, Victor Villareal, fled a traffic stop and shot at a Midland officer on Wednesday, June 10, before opening fire at pedestrians and law enforcement officers on the Midland streets just two days later. Villareal barricaded himself in an abandoned building, resulting in a four-hour standoff before he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the building, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Credit: Courtesy Nathan Johnson's campaign website QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The road has been paved for a few people to take control. And the runaway wealth of Elon Musk I think is largely the product of failed regulation, over-outsourcing, and blind, foolish reliance on single individuals profiteering off of essential state services.”

State Sen. and attorney general candidate Nathan Johnson on Musk becoming a trillionaire

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