(Talk1370.com) -- The 18-wheeler driver facing multiple charges of intoxication manslaughter after a deadly pileup crash on Interstate 35 last month has had his bond reduced - that and more in your Morning Headlines for April 30.
I-35 Pileup Driver's Bond Reduced: A truck driver facing multiple charges in connection with that deadly 18-vehicle pileup on Interstate 35 last month in North Austin has had his bond reduced to just $7,000. 37-year old Solomun Weldekeal-Araya is still facing five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two intoxication assault charges in connection with that March 13 crash, which left five people dead and 11 others injured. Toxicology reports showed Araya did not have any alcohol or drugs in his system; his bond had originally been set at $1.2 million. In addition to the criminal charges, at least four civil lawsuits have been filed in the case.
Abbott Threatens San Marcos Over "Antisemitic" Resolution: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is warning the City of San Marcos about a resolution that city council members are looking to consider adopting next month. The proposed resolution would call for a permanent ceasefire in occupied Palestine, as well as recognition of Palestinian sovereignty and an embargo on Israel. Abbott, in a letter to San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson, called the resolution “antisemitic.” Council members are set to vote on the resolution on May 6; if it’s approved, Abbott says he’ll direct that any state grants be pulled from the city.
Lottery Bans Couriers, Officially: The Texas Lottery Commission approved new rules Tuesday allowing it to revoke the license of any retailer who works with a lottery courier service, more than two months after concerns over courier services and apparent bulk purchasing events came to light. The move comes as the agency is facing at least one lawsuit from a courier service, and continued pressure at the Capitol, where the lottery’s future remains in doubt. Lawmakers in the House have cut the Lottery Commission’s funding in their version of the state budget, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing to eliminate the Lottery Commission entirely and hand the games over to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Fed Grant For I-35 Cap Getting Cut: Austin’s quest to find money to help pay for its cap and stitch efforts over Interstate 35 has hit another snag, with a $105 million federal grant now likely eliminated. Members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee are expected to review their budget reconciliation proposal today; the Austin grant, which would have helped fund the cap between Cesar Chavez and 4th Street, is part of the Neighborhood Access and Equity grants that Chairman Sam Graves says are expected to hit the committee room floor. That proposal is set to be combined with other committee proposals and go to the full House next month. Meanwhile, the city is still facing a deadline of next month to come up with all the design and engineering funding for its cap & stitch efforts to meet a date set by TxDOT - a plan that is expected to cost more than $1 billion.
24/7 Weather Center Forecast: Our weather pattern gets a lot more active starting today, with rain chances ramping up. High of 88 for your Wednesday... strong to severe storms possible tonight, then more rounds possible Thursday and Friday with rain chances continuing through the 7 day.