SUMMARY: The Southstone subdivision in south Austin is struggling with unfinished luxury homes, featuring broken windows, tattered roofs, and graffiti-covered exteriors. Tall weeds choke the driveways, while neighbors express safety concerns due to vandalism and the abandoned state of the area. Construction began years ago but halted abruptly, leading to over 16 complaints to the City of Austin about issues like illegal dumping and unsafe structures. The city’s Development Services Department has been conducting regular inspections and working with the property owner to address these concerns, including clean-ups and surveillance to monitor illegal activities.

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SUMMARY: Body camera footage of the January 1 terror attack on Bourbon Street has been released, revealing the deadly incident that resulted in 14 deaths and numerous injuries. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the responding officers as “national heroes” for neutralizing the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who drove his truck into crowds after bypassing a police blockade. The footage shows officers confronting Jabbar, who opened fire from his vehicle. An FBI investigation indicated the attack was intentional, as explosives were discovered nearby. The involved officers have been cleared for duty after an internal review of their response.

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SUMMARY: In 2024, the Texas oil and natural gas industry achieved record highs in production, pipeline construction, and exports, according to the Texas Oil & Gas Association. Texas crude oil output reached 5.86 million barrels per day in October, representing 44% of U.S. production, primarily from the Permian Basin. The natural gas sector also set records, producing nearly 30% of the national total. Texas expanded its pipeline infrastructure by 13,000 miles and contributed over $60 billion to local economies. The industry emphasized technological advancements and emissions reductions, leading to a 26% drop in methane emissions in the Permian Basin while generating a historic $27.3 billion in taxes.

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