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Austin police said preserved forensic evidence connected two attempted sexual assaults in 1999 and 2000 to the same unidentified man, but his identity was not established for more than two decades. Texas DPS identified the DNA profile as Michael Lance Gamez in 2023; a warrant-obtained sample was confirmed as a match in 2024. Gamez was arrested in November 2024, pleaded guilty in May 2026, and received a 15-year prison sentence in August 2026.
Austin Ed Fund is a nonprofit that raises money for Austin ISD school projects and connects community donations with district partnerships. Its Inspire the Future program has supported projects since 2015 and had awarded more than $3.4 million before the 2026 cycle. The 2026 grants arrive as Austin ISD addresses a reported $105 million year-end deficit from 2025-26, alongside cuts to positions, transportation and some class-size increases.
Texas and Michigan agreed to a home-and-home football series whose first game was played at Michigan in 2024. Michigan’s athletic department had previously announced that the return game would be at Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium on Sept. 11, 2027. Confusion arose after reporting that Michigan had scheduled Eastern Michigan for that same date, but Steve Sarkisian said the Texas-Michigan game remains on the 2027 schedule and may be moved because of calendar changes.
Austin City Council adopted the Living Streets Program in Resolution No. 20211021-027 on October 21, 2021. The program supports temporary street activations—Healthy Streets, Play Streets and Neighborhood Block Parties—intended to create recreational and social space and improve non-car mobility connections on appropriate residential streets. City staff review applications using factors including street conditions, equity analysis and resident support.
The Texas Capitol Gift Shop’s annual ornament program has issued a new design each year since 1996, with a lighted-ornament line added in 2016. Revenue from the ornament line supports preservation and interpretation of the Texas Capitol. The 2026 design centers on the Lone Star and references Lone Star features throughout the Capitol.
Akins Early College High School is an Austin ISD campus in Austin, Texas. Principal Carman De Leon told families and staff that Austin ISD Police were investigating a cafeteria fight that occurred on August 25, 2026. The school said those involved were removed from campus and charged with riot, while describing the incident as believed to be gang-related.
McCallum High School and Travis High School are Austin-area schools. KXAN News announced on September 2 that their football matchup would be available through its KXAN+ streaming service the following day. KXAN+ is available on several connected-TV platforms without a required sign-in.