Grace Reader
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Investigative reporter at @KXAN_News in Austin. Host of Inside Austin’s Agenda.
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Articles by Grace Reader
ICE partnership deadline nears as some Texas sheriffs weigh costs
EL PASO, Texas (KXAN) - Sitting outside of a federal courthouse in downtown El Paso in the early September heat, Jessica Monje waited to learn whether her sister would be deported to Mexico, a country the two haven't lived in since childhood. "It's been very complicated, very stressful and sad to be honest," Monje said from a bench outside the building.
Who’s spending big on Austin’s 2026 ballot propositions? Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austinites have 10 propositions on their ballot this election. Three of those propositions are contentious enough to draw significant campaigns for or against them: Propositions A, B and I. Using campaign reports filed by committees, here’s who’s spending big on propositions this election cycle. Propositions A and B are bond propositions, together totaling $295 million. Prop A would support parks, pools and recreation facilities. Prop B would pay for library improvements.
Save Austin Now working with city to fix campaign finance reporting discrepancies identified by KXAN Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — As KXAN investigators looked through campaign finance reports for a story about which political action committees were fundraising the most money to back or oppose Austin propositions in the upcoming November election, we noticed a discrepancy in the Save Austin Now PAC’s reports. As of Friday morning, city of Austin campaign finance reports for the group, which is a PAC supporting Proposition I, showed Save Austin Now had brought in nearly $755,000 between Jan. 1 and Sept.
‘ICE is NOT slowing down’: DHS responds to criticism over this week’s Austin operations
AUSTIN (KXAN) — KXAN Investigators witnessed what appeared to be an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement transport bus parked in a vacant, secluded parking lot at the Brookfield Properties’ Tuscany Crossing Business Park along Ambition Way in northeast Austin Wednesday.
‘Save Muny’: Austin nears deal to take ownership of Lions Municipal Golf Course Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Next month, Austin City Council could vote to amend an agreement that has been the center of the decades-long ‘Save Muny’ debate. The city of Austin announced Wednesday that it’s “close to an agreement” with the University of Texas that would shift ownership of the Lions Municipal Golf Course to the city of Austin. The deal would also include West Austin Youth Association (WAYA). The deal would once again amend the 1989 Brackenridge Development Agreement.
Austin council candidate, fired by the city, says she’s ‘glad’ termination records surfaced Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin City Council Candidate Katie Kam told KXAN she prides herself on “being kind, professional and very organized.” She described herself as collaborative and eager to work through difficult issues. But after KXAN Investigators received a tip pointing us to Kam’s employment records from her time as a project manager with Capital Delivery Services at the city of Austin in late 2025, we uncovered documents that paint a different picture than how Kam describes herself.
Q&A: Austin ICE shooting. What we know and what remains unclear Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) – On this edition of “Inside the Investigation” – an extended discussion first featured in the latest episode of our weekly investigative program, “Cause & Effect” – KXAN’s Arezow Doost and Grace Reader take an in-depth look at the unanswered details surrounding an ICE officer’s shooting of a man in north Austin. Two weeks after the shooting, key details about what happened before, during and after the incident remain unclear.
Leander ISD school board unanimously votes to part ways with police chief
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Thursday night, the Leander ISD school board voted unanimously to part ways with its police chief. Much of the discussion happened behind closed doors. After the board returned from closed session, around 10:20 p.m. Thursday night, all seven members of the board approved the termination of Lucretia “Sha” Rogers’ contract.
KXAN investigates unanswered questions surrounding Austin ICE shooting Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Nearly two weeks after an ICE officer shot and injured a man in north Austin, questions remain about what happened before, during and after the encounter. This week on “Cause & Effect,” KXAN Investigates takes a closer look at the shooting and the ongoing investigation. KXAN Investigator Grace Reader examines the circumstances surrounding the incident, what officials have revealed and the next steps in this complicated story.
Federal charge filed against man shot by ICE in Austin
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The man who an ICE officer shot in Austin on Sept. 20 may have hit an ICE agent with his vehicle while attempting to flee, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Department of Homeland Security on Monday.
Austin leaders to give update on ICE shooting investigation Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Police Chief Lisa Davis will host a news conference about the city investigation into the ICE shooting Sunday that left a man wounded. That news conference is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CST. We will stream it live in the above video player. At least three agencies are now investigating the shooting in north Austin, as questions remain about what led federal immigration agents to shoot a Venezuelan food delivery driver.
Austin Police, not ICE, requested EMS for man wounded in ICE shooting, city says
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County EMS told KXAN Tuesday it did not receive a 911 call to respond to the ICE shooting that happened in north Austin Sunday. “ATCEMS didn’t receive a 911 call for this incident, we were requested to respond by APD,” a spokesperson for EMS confirmed. The city says APD requested EMS around 12:57 p.m. and the first EMS unit arrived on scene at just past 1 p.m. In all, one ambulance and two EMS commanders responded to the scene, the city said.
Q&A: KXAN investigates family’s tough choices amid ICE custody
AUSTIN (KXAN) – On this edition of “Inside the Investigation” – an extended discussion first featured in the latest episode of our weekly investigative program, “Cause & Effect” – KXAN investigators Grace Reader and Josh Hinkle examine what happened to 5-year-old Liam Tadeo after he was taken into ICE custody alongside his father in Austin. KXAN has been following Liam’s case since his detention in August and the difficult choices his family faced.
Family’s difficult decision amid ICE custody, Texas immigration reality
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Our team has been following the case of 5-year-old Liam Tadeo, who was taken into ICE custody alongside his father in Austin in August. Immigration attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch said that Liam’s mother, an undocumented immigrant, cannot secure his release despite DHS claims that children can be placed with designated caregivers. This week on “Cause & Effect,” KXAN examines what happened to Liam — and why his family has opted for voluntary deportation to Mexico.
Leander ISD appeals penalties after TCOLE found it improperly vetted police officers Original
The video at the top of this story is previous coverage from Aug. 10, 2026. AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Leander Independent School District has sent appeals to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement after the state licensing agency found the district’s police department did not properly vet officers, according to TCOLE. Earlier this month, TCOLE sent notices to the district recommending Leander ISD Police Chief Shā Rogers lose her peace officer license for a year.
Why Austin’s mayor voted ‘no’ on restructuring 911, the city budget Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — On this episode of Inside Austin’s Agenda, KXAN Investigator Grace Reader sat down with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson to talk about data center regulation, his recent “no” vote on the budget and his disapproval of the plan to restructure the city’s 911 communication center. “I think part of is, is politics.
5-year-old and father deported to Mexico after Austin ICE detainment, attorney says Original
Editor’s Note: The video above is KXAN’s previous coverage on Aug. 21, 2026. AUSTIN (KXAN) — The five-year-old and his father who were detained by ICE in Austin earlier this month were deported to Mexico on Tuesday, according to the family’s immigration attorney on Instagram. Liam Tadeo and his father, Victor Martinez Nieto, were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Austin on Sunday, Aug. 16, according to a GoFundMe post from the family.
Council Member Paige Ellis falls short of signatures needed to secure place on ballot Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin City Council Member Paige Ellis’ petition to run for a third term was rejected by the city clerk, according to the city of Austin. The council member did not secure enough signatures. Austin City Council members can serve two consecutive terms. To run for a third, council members need to get a certain portion of eligible voters in their district to sign off. Those signatures are then filed with the clerk for verification.
Mother of 5-year-old detained by ICE plans voluntary deportation, attorney says
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The mother of 5-year-old Liam Tadeo, the boy detained by ICE alongside his father in Austin earlier this month, is voluntarily deporting to Mexico, the family’s immigration attorney told KXAN. Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, that attorney, said despite a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) noting that “ICE will place the children with a safe person the parent designates,” DHS has not allowed Liam to be released to his mother.
Five-year-old picked up by ICE in Austin, sent to Dilley detention center
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A five-year-old boy and his father were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Austin on Sunday, Aug. 16, according to a GoFundMe post from the family. Patricia Resendiz said in the GoFundMe that she is the aunt and sister-in-law of the two. She wrote the boy, five-year-old Liam Tadeo, was supposed to start kindergarten this week but is instead being held at the Dilley processing center with his father.
Do council candidates live where they say they do? Austin doesn’t check, but we do Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — To run for Austin City Council, candidates have to have lived in Texas for at least a year and in the district they hope to represent for at least six months, according to city code. But does the city of Austin check to make sure that’s the case before putting someone’s name on your ballot? Here’s what the city clerk’s office said: “The Election Code requires a review of the application for form, content and procedure.
School districts still struggling to fund state safety requirements, hire officers Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Several years after state legislators passed House Bill 3, which aimed to make schools safer, KXAN investigators checked in with roughly two dozen school districts in our viewing area to ask about compliance. Overwhelmingly, districts that responded to KXAN said they still faced funding challenges. It could be part of the discussion during this year’s legislative session as leaders inevitably debate school funding in general.
Austin 311 to stop taking overnight calls starting later this year Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city of Austin will test a new 311 staffing model starting in October. While the city currently operates the non-emergency line 24/7, the pilot will move call takers from the overnight hours to busier dayparts. Austin 311 is the line to call for things like requesting animal services, reporting non-emergency car crashes or crimes, and filing noise complaints.
A rattling start to the school year: Jarrell ISD principal ‘doing well’ after snake bite Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The principal of Double Creek Elementary School in Jarrell ISD was bitten by a rattlesnake Friday — the third day of the new school year — while trying to move it away from a door on the side of the school, according to district officials. Dr. Craig Wilson was bitten by a “small” rattlesnake near a side door of the school, Assistant Superintendent Bob Mabry confirmed.
Council Member explains why he voted ‘no’ on city of Austin budget
AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday’s episode of Inside Austin’s Agenda, KXAN Investigator Grace Reader sat down with Austin City Council Member Marc Duchen to discuss his vote against the city budget approved Wednesday. Duchen proposed dozens of cuts. The day prior, Austin City Council approved a $6.6 billion budget for the coming fiscal year, which starts in October. The “typical” homeowner will still see an increase of $113.76 per year in the city of Austin’s portion of their annual property tax bill.
Council Member explains why he voted ‘no’ on city of Austin budget
Council Member explains why he voted ‘no’ on city of Austin budget Thu, August 13, 2026 at 5:39 PM EDT Council Member explains why he voted ‘no’ on city of Austin budget AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday's episode of Inside Austin's Agenda, KXAN Investigator Grace Reader sat down with Austin City Council Member Marc Duchen to discuss his vote against the city budget approved Wednesday. Duchen proposed dozens of cuts.
Austin fire chief retires, city to launch nationwide search for new chief
AUSTIN (KXAN) — According to a memo obtained by KXAN, Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker is retiring at the end of the month, but will be “unavailable and out of the office beginning August 11.” “On behalf of the City Council, city administration, and the residents we serve, I want to express our sincere appreciation to Chief Baker for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the City of Austin and the sworn and professional staff of the Fire Department.
Austin fire chief retires, city to launch nationwide search for new chief
Austin fire chief retires, city to launch nationwide search for new chief Tue, August 11, 2026 at 1:06 PM EDT Austin fire chief retires, city to launch nationwide search for new chief AUSTIN (KXAN) — According to a memo obtained by KXAN, Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker is retiring at the end of the month. Tom Vocke will serve as interim fire chief beginning Tuesday.
Leander ISD police chief put on administrative leave after KXAN investigation
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two days after a KXAN investigation about the Leander ISD Police Department, the police chief has been put on administrative leave, KXAN has confirmed. “Chief Rogers has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation. Assistant Chief Baskerville will serve in the role of Acting Chief until further notice,” Superintendent Chris Clark wrote in an email to police staff.
Interim Round Rock ISD police chief leaves department
AUSTIN (KXAN) — After former Round Rock ISD Police Chief Ryan Urrutia left the district earlier this year, the school district’s police department has now lost its interim police chief as well, KXAN confirmed. Round Rock ISD PD’s ‘meet our team’ page still lists Latriesha Grandy as the interim chief of police but the department’s ‘office of the chief’ page is not currently active.
Leander ISD Police Department faces state probe, high turnover in first year Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A little more than a year after Leander ISD created its police department, KXAN investigators have confirmed the state is investigating the department’s hiring practices and nearly half of the officers that started with the department last year have already left their roles, according to state officer license data.
APD reviewing ‘internal processes’ after stolen truck owner hit with $700 bill
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department confirmed it is reviewing its “internal processes” after a Central Texas man allowed police to hold his truck to gather evidence, and ended up with a roughly $700 bill. He says the truck was sitting in a tow yard, racking up charges, without him being notified. A Central Texas man, who asked we not use his name, tipped KXAN investigators off to this story. He said his F-250 truck was stolen from outside his son’s apartment complex in Austin last month.
Austin Mayor Pro Tem weighs in on city contracts with nonprofits Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday’s episode of Inside Austin’s Agenda, KXAN investigator Grace Reader sits down with Austin Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela to talk about the city’s budget — which is expected to be approved in the next few weeks — and a potential bond in the works.
Police investigating ‘youth-on-youth misconduct’ among Austin FC Academy players Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following a tip to KXAN investigators, a spokesperson for the Austin FC Academy confirmed Friday in a statement the organization “became aware of allegations of youth-on-youth misconduct occurring among a group of Academy players.” While the Austin FC Academy is part of the Austin FC umbrella, the statement KXAN received came from the Austin FC Academy.
City of Austin paying nonprofits for work that’s ‘not fully delivered’, audit finds Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new audit from the city of Austin’s auditor’s office found the city is often paying nonprofits for “services that were not fully delivered.” The auditor’s office looked at a sample of 25 family and social service contracts amounting to roughly $30 million (for context, the city spent roughly $100 million with 95 of those nonprofits during FY 2025). They found of those contracts, 19 of the contracted nonprofits did not meet one or more performance expectations.
Lake Travis now ‘full’ — What does that mean? Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Officials at the Lower Colorado River Authority are reporting Lake Travis has become “full” after reaching 681 feet of elevation around 9:40 p.m. Friday. The last time Lake Travis was full was in July of 2019. But what exactly does “full” mean? John Hofmann, the executive vice president of the LCRA, explained. “We are full for water supply purposes at elevation 681 … Above 681, that’s where our designated flood pool resides at Lake Travis,” he said.
Is the city of Austin facing a $26M budget deficit? Not exactly Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — You may have seen reports and social media posts suggesting the city of Austin worked through a $26 million budget deficit to get to the city manager’s proposed base budget released Friday. That $26 million number doesn’t quite work in that context. Here’s why. First, it’s important to understand the lingo here. Texas cities have a maximum amount of property tax revenue they can collect without triggering a tax rate election.
Is the city of Austin facing a $26M budget deficit? Not exactly
AUSTIN (KXAN) — You may have seen reports and social media posts suggesting the city of Austin worked through a $26 million budget deficit to get to the city manager's proposed base budget released Friday. That $26 million number doesn't quite work in that context. Here's why. Voter-approval rate vs. no-new-revenue rate First, it's important to understand the lingo here. Texas cities have a maximum amount of property tax revenue they can collect without triggering a tax rate election.
Austin puts $1.2M more toward park and pool maintenance in proposed budget Original
The video at the top of this story is previous coverage from Friday, July 10, 2026. AUSTIN (KXAN) — Tasha Hankewych was out at Pease Park Monday cleaning up trash from under picnic tables and around the playground area. Making sure Austin parks stay clean and beautiful has long been a priority for Austin residents. Over the past few budget cycles, there has been a push from community members and parks groups to increase the city’s investments in that area.
City of Austin proposes $6.6 billion budget Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax has proposed a $6.625 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-27 that increases spending on public safety, homelessness services, housing and parks while raising the city’s property tax rate and utility bills. The proposal calls for a property tax rate of 57.953 cents per $100 of valuation, up from 52.4017 cents this year.
Austin Police report 25 ICE interactions, 4 transfers to custody so far this year Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — During a protest Wednesday, community groups asked the city of Austin and Travis County to do more to protect community members against U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “We’re asking city leaders to make a clear stand. We oppose ICE operations in our communities and our streets,” one said. That’s been a contentious topic, and one the city of Austin has tried to navigate while still following state law and maintaining state and federal funding.
CommUnityCare looking at options after woman detained by ICE outside of clinic Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — During a protest outside of Travis County’s headquarters Wednesday, local groups expressed concern about what they perceive to be an uptick in ICE activity in Central Texas. They also mentioned a specific example where they say a woman was detained by ICE after leaving a doctor’s appointment at a north central CommUnityCare Health Center. “A doctor’s office is a place where you should be safe and secure without fear of being harmed,” one of the people at that protest said.
Austin visited 127 homeless camps in first month of enhanced clearing efforts Original
Editor’s Note: The video at the top of this story includes previous coverage from June 13, 2026. AUSTIN (KXAN) — After the city of Austin ramped up its homeless camp clearing operations earlier this year, we now have the data back about what happened during the first month of that effort.
City of Austin picks vendor for ‘citywide efficiency audit’
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city of Austin has picked the group that will analyze Austin’s operations and spending, looking for ways to save taxpayer money. The group will still need to be approved by city council before it becomes final. Public Works is the group the city selected, according to a release. “Public Works is focused on finding meaningful and sustainable ways to make government work better,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said.
Almost 200 flood-related calls to Travis County 911 were made on July 5; Hear the man who made the first Original
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — “911, what is the address of the emergency?” Marion Hanson made the first flood-related call to 911 in Travis County on July 5, 2025, according to a call log KXAN obtained through a Texas Public Information Act request. He was driving on FM 1431 in northwest Travis County around midnight when he hit a flooded low water crossing. Almost a year later, Hanson took KXAN back to the spot where he found himself stranded.
Not just a number: Sisters keep family’s memory alive after deadly Texas floods Original
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The chain of a necklace, a pair of warped glasses, voice recordings — Sherry McCutcheon and her sister, Terry Traugott, cling to the small things. It’s all they have left of the three family members they lost in last year’s flash floods.
‘People are still scared’: What’s going on with Travis County’s flood siren efforts? Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — One year after catastrophic floods claimed the lives of more than 130 people across Central Texas, much focus has been put on early warnings systems, and more specifically sirens. In the Travis County area, where nine people died, some residents say they still have significant anxiety about whether what happened on the July 4 weekend will happen again. “Before we were watching the sky for a tornado, now we’re watching creeks and lakes,” Terry Traugott said.
One year after the floods: Inside Austin’s Agenda explores the aftermath in Travis County Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday’s episode of Inside Austin’s Agenda, host Grace Reader explores the aftermath of devastating flash floods that claimed the lives of more than 130 people across Central Texas nearly one year ago. Her focus is the western portion of Travis County hit by those floods. Nine people lost their lives there in the early morning hours of July 5.
Community gathers to remember Malin, the Pease Park troll Original
Editor’s Note: The above video aired on KXAN on May 21, 2026. AUSTIN (KXAN) — Wednesday, people gathered at Pease Park to remember Malin, the beloved Pease Park troll, lost in a fire in May. “It’s been so meaningful to us to see how much she meant to the community,” said Nicole Netherton, chief executive officer of the Pease Park Conservancy. The Austin Fire Department says its still investigating the fire that destroyed the 18-foot-tall structure last month.
Travis County signs preventative disaster declaration for screwworm threat Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County is taking preventative steps now in case the New World screwworm (NWS), which has been detected in parts of Texas, makes its way to our area. Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed a disaster declaration Friday that he said would make coordination with the state easier. No cases of NWS have been detected in Travis County yet. NWS is a parasitic fly that may lay eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals. Those flies turn to larvae, or maggots.
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