NEW: newly reported developments or upcoming opportunities. UPDATE: later substantive information on a covered story. ONGOING: continuing useful information. RESOLVED: the reported issue has ended. BACKGROUND: dated historical context, not a new development or confirmation of current availability. UNCONFIRMED: a story, continuing story or detail that could not be confirmed against its cited source on the edition date; the note under the headline says what is not confirmed. Today and countdown lines carry "(unconfirmed)" for the same reason. All local times are Central Daylight Time.
City, Roads & Planning
ONGOING
College and Chadbourne: December finish still expected in latest city update
The city’s most recent weekly construction update, posted October 16, reported no substantial changes from the week before. Roadway demolition at the College Avenue and Chadbourne Street intersection is complete, and the update said utility line and meter relocations and road base construction would span the following couple of weeks, working from the west side east in phases.
Crews found a Frontier Fiber vault in the intersection that will have to be lowered. The city says the unforeseen work should not affect the timeline, and the intersection is expected to be fully complete within the first week of December. After College, work moves to the 2nd Street intersection.
The October 16 update listed Chadbourne as fully open from Beauregard to Harris and open to traffic from the south between Harris and College, with street lighting and the Harris intersection signals scheduled for October. San Angelo LIVE reported on the October 9 update.
ONGOING
$20 million federal grant supports Christoval Road project beside Goodfellow
The city says the U.S. Department of Defense awarded $20 million through the Defense Community Infrastructure Program toward a $28.6 million transportation and utility project along the south side of Goodfellow Air Force Base, from Paint Rock Road to South Chadbourne Street. The city says the project is intended to improve mobility, safety, utilities and access while complementing TxDOT work on the corridor. The announcement does not provide a construction start date.
ONGOINGUNCONFIRMED
TxDOT schedules overnight left-lane closures on West Loop 306
Not confirmed against the source as of October 30, 2026: whether the West Loop 306 lane closures began October 4 as planned and are still under way (the cited report, from October 2, only announced them). Check the source before relying on it.
The Texas Department of Transportation has been closing the inside lane of West Loop 306/Houston Harte Expressway intermittently for pavement restoration since October 4, San Angelo LIVE reported. The left-lane closures are scheduled Sunday through Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
TxDOT expects the project to be completed in winter 2026-27, weather permitting.
- Publication date: October 2, 2026
- Event date: From October 4, 2026; Sunday through Thursday nights
- Source: San Angelo LIVE
UPDATE
Today is the last day of early voting; turnout tops 21,000
Today, Friday, October 30, is the last day of early voting for the Tuesday, November 3, general election in Tom Green County. As of Thursday morning, October 29, 21,162 ballots had been cast, or 28.5 percent of registered voters, San Angelo LIVE reported, citing the county Elections Office. The count was 19,129 a day earlier.
The main site is the election office in the Edd B. and Frances Frink Keyes Building, 113 W. Beauregard Ave., open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. The other four early voting sites are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.
Those sites are the Concho Valley Transit District bus depot annex, 506 N. Chadbourne; Westlake Ace Hardware, 1821 Knickerbocker Rd.; the Tom Green Polling Place, 3020 N. Bryant; and MHMR Services for the Concho Valley, 1501 W. Beauregard Ave. On Election Day, polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
ONGOING
Once Upon A Child and Plato’s Closet prepare to open in Sunset Plaza
Two franchised resale stores are preparing to open in Sunset Plaza, San Angelo LIVE reported, citing Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filings. Once Upon A Child, which buys and sells used children’s clothing, toys and baby gear, will occupy 4120 Sunset Drive, the former Old Town Buffet space, with a $125,000 renovation of 7,300 square feet.
Plato’s Closet, which buys and sells used clothing for teens and young adults, will occupy 4112 Sunset Drive after a $100,000 renovation of 5,940 square feet. Plato’s Closet says it is striving to open by the end of the year.
ONGOING
Two indoor golf simulators stand out in September commercial permits
Two indoor golf simulator projects stand out in the city’s September 2026 Permit and Inspection Report, San Angelo LIVE reported. Birdies, at 61 N. Chadbourne St., is listed at $100,000 to turn a 2,400-square-foot building into a venue with three simulators, and The Back 9 Golf, at 4525 N. Bentwood Dr., Suite C, is listed at $450,000. Both permits are pending.
Larger pending projects on the report include the San Angelo Coliseum at $41 million and San Angelo ISD work at Lake View High School ($39 million) and Central High School ($100 million).
ONGOING
Kra-Z-Pop Cafe and De Nada boutique announce closures
Two San Angelo businesses, Kra-Z-Pop Cafe and De Nada, have announced they will close, San Angelo LIVE reported, citing Facebook posts from each business. Kra-Z-Pop Cafe, a veteran-owned street-food cafe at 101 N. Main St., plans its final day of business tomorrow, Saturday, October 31, and will keep serving customers and its vendor market open until then. The owners plan to continue with events, catering and special orders.
De Nada, an artisan boutique at 3038 W. Beauregard Ave., said it will close in November and will post a final closing date later.
- Publication date: October 22, 2026
- Event date: Kra-Z-Pop Cafe final day October 31, 2026; De Nada closing in November
- Source: San Angelo LIVE
ONGOING
Roosevelt Lofts named finalist for Texas Downtown award
The Roosevelt Lofts, in the historic Roosevelt Hotel at 50 N. Chadbourne St., is a finalist in the Best Rehabilitation/Restoration/Renovation category of the 2026 Texas Downtown President’s Awards, San Angelo LIVE reported. Winners will be announced Wednesday, November 4, at the President’s Awards Gala in Amarillo.
The building, also known as the Rainbow Hotel, sat vacant for nearly 30 years before Overland Property Group converted it into residential lofts. This year’s awards drew 155 entries from across Texas.
- Publication date: October 23, 2026
- Event date: Winners announced November 4, 2026
- Source: San Angelo LIVE
ONGOING
Council raises stormwater fees 5% and backs up to $90 million wastewater loan application
The San Angelo City Council on October 20 approved a 5% increase in monthly stormwater fees, which most households will see as 16 to 21 cents more a month, the Concho Observer reported. Under the updated schedule, residential rates range from $2.18 to $5.46 a month depending on a property’s impervious area, such as rooftops and pavement.
The council also approved a resolution letting the city apply for up to $90 million through the Texas Water Development Board’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund for improvements to the water reclamation facility at 1898 City Farm Road, the Observer reported. Applying does not obligate the city to borrow, and loan terms have not been set. The Observer reported that the funding limit under the program’s fiscal 2024 plan is $59 million, so the city would need other sources for at least $31 million.
ONGOING
Beacon outlines power and water plans for proposed Dove Creek data center
Beacon Data Centers has answered state Rep. Drew Darby’s questions about its proposed Westline Energy & Infrastructure Campus near Dove Creek in Tom Green County, San Angelo LIVE reported Tuesday, October 27. In an October 21 letter, the company said the site, about a quarter-mile south of U.S. 67 on FM 2335 along Spring Creek, would generate its primary power with natural-gas engines and would not draw from the grid for primary power.
Beacon projected average water use of about 55 acre-feet a year from an existing surface water right held since 1929, using a closed-loop cooling system, and said it would not use groundwater for cooling or process water. It proposed a development agreement with Tom Green County covering local hiring, fire and EMS support, road use and a decommissioning plan.
The project remains at the preliminary site plan and permitting stage, and Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to halt review of Beacon’s pending permit applications, San Angelo LIVE reported. Darby invited residents to send comments at (325) 658-7313. The Concho Observer reported that most audience questions at state Sen. Charles Perry’s October 21 town hall at Angelo State concerned the Beacon project.
ONGOING
TxDOT installs seven electronic message signs around San Angelo
The Texas Department of Transportation installed seven dynamic message signs around San Angelo on Tuesday, October 27, San Angelo LIVE reported. Two are on U.S. 67, two on Loop 306, one on North U.S. 87 near Grape Creek and two on South U.S. 87.
The signs can display live travel times, crash warnings, severe weather alerts and other messages, the TxDOT district said, according to the outlet. Support poles had been installed in earlier months.
- Publication date: October 28, 2026
- Event date: Installed October 27, 2026
- Source: San Angelo LIVE
NEW
SBA offers drought disaster loans to Tom Green County businesses and nonprofits
Small businesses, private nonprofits and small agricultural cooperatives in Tom Green County and surrounding counties can apply for low-interest federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans for losses tied to drought that began October 6, San Angelo LIVE reported, citing the U.S. Small Business Administration. The loans cover working capital for operating expenses caused by the drought.
Loans can reach $2 million, at interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofits, with terms up to 30 years and no payments for the first 12 months. Applications are due June 21, 2027, at sba.gov/disaster; the SBA help line is (866) SBA-HELP.
- Publication date: October 29, 2026
- Deadline: June 21, 2027
- Source: San Angelo LIVE
Public Safety & Courts
ONGOING
Safe Haven Baby Box is in service at Central Fire Station
San Angelo’s first Safe Haven Baby Box has been available at Central Fire Station, 306 W. 1st Street, since officials and community members blessed and unveiled it Monday, October 5, San Angelo LIVE reported. The organization says it is the 477th Safe Haven Baby Box in the nation and the 23rd in Texas.
During a demonstration, Safe Haven Baby Boxes founder Monica Kelsey said a parent places an unharmed newborn in a heated bassinet and closes the door, which sets off an alarm for firefighters inside the station, San Angelo LIVE reported. Firefighters then retrieve the infant, perform a medical assessment and take the baby to a hospital. Kelsey said parents may still walk into the station and hand a child to a person, and that community donations, not taxpayer dollars, covered the project.
ONGOING
Sheriff’s Office warns of phone scammers posing as deputies
The Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office says callers are falsely identifying themselves as members of the office or as bail bondsmen and demanding immediate payment, often through Bitcoin or gift cards, San Angelo LIVE reported. Callers may claim a person missed jury duty, failed to appear in court, owes fines or has a warrant, and may already know personal details.
The office says it will never call to demand payment or threaten arrest over the phone. Anyone unsure about a call can reach the Sheriff’s Office directly at 325-655-8111, and the office urges residents to check on elderly relatives and neighbors.
ONGOING
DPS: trooper fatally shot man who opened fire during traffic stop
A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper shot and killed a man who opened fire on him during a traffic stop Friday afternoon, October 23, in San Angelo, according to a DPS statement reported by San Angelo LIVE. DPS says the trooper stopped a white 1999 Chevrolet pickup around 4:30 p.m. at Archer and Culberson streets for a seatbelt violation, and the driver got out, brandished a handgun and began shooting.
According to DPS, the trooper returned fire and was struck in the foot, and he struck the man multiple times. Both were taken to Shannon Medical Center, where the man died; his name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The trooper underwent surgery. Police Chief Travis Griffith said Friday that one civilian was also injured, and the Texas Rangers are investigating.
UPDATE
Showers continue today, with flooding possible in low-lying areas
The National Weather Service forecast for San Angelo, updated early today, Friday, October 30, calls for showers, mainly before 4 p.m., with a 100% chance of rain and another half to three quarters of an inch possible. The high should be near 65. Tonight has a 40% chance of showers before 4 a.m.
The weather service’s San Angelo office says heavy rain and flash flooding are possible for parts of the area, mainly west of a Sonora to San Angelo to Sweetwater line, with the heaviest rain most likely later this morning and possibly lingering through midday. A flood watch is in effect until 4 p.m. today for Crockett, Irion, Kimble, Schleicher and Sutton counties; Tom Green County is not included.
San Angelo LIVE reported Thursday that the weather service expected the heaviest totals from the system over the Concho Valley and Edwards Plateau, with most likely amounts of 1 to 2.5 inches, and that muddy conditions and standing water could affect outdoor Halloween activities. Halloween, Saturday, October 31, has a 20% chance of showers between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., with a high near 74. The weather service urges drivers never to drive onto roads covered in water.
ONGOING
San Angelo man gets 10 years’ probation in 2019 fatal crash
Ismael Hinojos, 28, of San Angelo pleaded guilty October 20 to intoxication manslaughter in a 2019 crash that killed 25-year-old Amanda Soto, San Angelo LIVE reported. Judge Gonzalo Rios of the 119th District Court sentenced him to 10 years in prison, suspended, and placed him on 10 years of probation, with a $2,500 fine and $3,037 in restitution.
According to the indictment, Hinojos was driving while intoxicated when the vehicle struck a tree in the 2900 block of Southland Boulevard on July 6, 2019. Soto, a passenger, died from her injuries. Hinojos was indicted in May 2022 and arrested in late June 2026.
- Publication date: October 26, 2026
- Event date: Plea and sentence October 20, 2026
- Source: San Angelo LIVE
Schools & Youth
ONGOING
San Angelo ISD breaks ground on new Glenn Middle School
San Angelo ISD broke ground on a new Glenn Middle School on Tuesday, October 13, beginning the replacement of a campus that opened in 1967. The district says more than 70 people attended and that the new campus will offer more flexible learning environments. Superintendent Christopher Moran said safety is a priority and that learning spaces need more flexibility than ever.
San Angelo LIVE reported that Glenn is the largest project in the district’s voter-approved $397 million Bond 2025 program. The roughly 187,000-square-foot building will go up on the existing site under a $103.7 million guaranteed maximum price with Lee Lewis Construction, with completion targeted in 2028. Glenn serves about 1,200 students, the outlet reported.
- Publication date: October 13, 2026
- Event date: Groundbreaking October 13, 2026; completion targeted in 2028
- Sources: San Angelo ISD; San Angelo LIVE
ONGOING
Sarah Coakley will become Angelo State provost November 30
Angelo State appointed Sarah Coakley, previously provost and chief academic officer at Georgia Highlands College, as provost and vice president for academic affairs, effective November 30. The university says she will oversee six academic colleges and 25 academic departments, among other duties. She replaces Don Topliff, who served as provost from January 1, 2015, until his retirement earlier this year.
- Publication date: September 21, 2026
- Event date: Appointment effective November 30, 2026
- Last movement: September 21 announcement
- Source: new provost announcement
ONGOING
SAISD board approves bond-funded portable restroom trailer on 5-2 vote
The San Angelo ISD board voted 5-2 Monday, October 19, to spend $74,265 in Bond 2025 funds on an ADA-accessible portable restroom trailer, San Angelo LIVE reported. Trustees Gerard Gallegos and Karla Cardenas voted against the purchase, after a motion by Cardenas to table the item and look at cheaper options failed.
Chief Financial Officer Merl Brandon said the district faces water or sewer interruptions three to five times a year, and that the charter buses now used as a backup are hard for students with disabilities to use, the outlet reported. Brandon also said $100,000 in capital outlay was available if the board preferred not to use bond proceeds, but the approved motion used bond funds.
Cardenas called the spending irresponsible. Trustee Kyle Mills said the trailer could serve the district for 10 years or more.
ONGOING
Central senior named 2027 National Merit Semifinalist
Central High School senior Akash Vukoti has been named a 2027 National Merit Semifinalist, San Angelo ISD announced October 22. The district says more than 1.2 million students take the qualifying test each year, and semifinalists who advance to finalist standing will be notified in February.
ONGOING
SAISD trustee Ami Mizell-Flint elected to state school boards association board
San Angelo ISD Board Vice President Ami Mizell-Flint has been elected to a three-year term on the Texas Association of School Boards Board of Directors, representing TASB Region 15, the district announced October 22. The vote took place at the association’s 2026 Delegate Assembly on October 9 in Houston.
Mizell-Flint joined the San Angelo ISD board in 2013.
- Publication date: October 22, 2026
- Event date: October 9, 2026
- Source: San Angelo ISD
ONGOING
Angelo State adds video game art and animation degree
Angelo State University has added a Bachelor of Fine Arts in video game art and animation that is enrolling students for the spring 2027 semester, San Angelo LIVE reported. The 120-credit-hour program is housed in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and will be the department’s first degree offered in a hybrid format, with in-person and online classes.
Sergio Ruiz, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, said the program focuses on the artistic side of game development, including concept art, 3D modeling and animation, and complements ASU’s computer science offerings.
- Publication date: October 28, 2026
- Event date: Enrolling for spring 2027
- Source: San Angelo LIVE
NEW
Angelo State cheer team schedules youth clinics in November and January
The Angelo State cheer team will hold three clinics for area students at the Ben Kelly Center for Human Performance, 2050 S. Johnson St., San Angelo LIVE reported. A recruitment clinic for high school and college students is 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, November 14 ($30, registration through November 13), and a Mini Spirit Camp for kindergarten through sixth grade is 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, November 21 ($30, registration closes November 18).
A free open practice for grades seven through 12 and college students is 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, January 23, 2027, with registration opening December 4. Advance registration is required, and participants under 18 must have a parent present.
- Publication date: October 27, 2026
- Event date: November 14 and 21, 2026; January 23, 2027
- Source: San Angelo LIVE
Arts, Culture & Events
ONGOING
Halloween weekend: House of Horrors tonight and Saturday, library critters on Halloween
Fort Concho’s House of Horrors runs from 7:30 to 11 p.m. tonight, Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, in the fort’s historic Quartermaster Building, 630 S. Oakes St., according to the Historic Downtown San Angelo calendar. San Angelo LIVE lists general admission at $12, and $10 for children and members. More information is available at 325-657-4444.
Also tonight, Fort Concho Mission Church, 500 E. Ave. D, holds a trunk-or-treat at 5:30 p.m., and Car Town Hyundai, 501 N. Bryant Blvd., hosts one from 5 to 8 p.m., San Angelo LIVE reported. The YMCA runs a $10 haunted house tied to Toys for Tots tonight and Saturday.
On Halloween, Saturday, October 31, the Tom Green County Library hosts a Mad Mouse Zoodio meet and greet with animals and critters from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in its upstairs Sugg Community Room. The library says all ages are welcome and no registration is required.
ONGOING
Little Shop of Horrors opens tonight; Rocky Horror screening late tonight
Little Shop of Horrors, by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, runs today, Friday, October 30, through Sunday, November 1, at the San Angelo Performing Arts Center, 82 Gillis St., according to the Historic Downtown San Angelo calendar.
The same building’s Brooks & Bates Theatre screens The Rocky Horror Picture Show at 10:30 p.m. tonight, with doors at 10 p.m., a costume contest and sing-alongs, the calendar says. The event is for ages 18 and older, and tickets are $10.
ONGOING
TLCA San Angelo band advances to UIL state marching contest
The TLCA San Angelo marching band will compete in the Class 3A UIL State Band Contest on Wednesday, November 4, in San Antonio, San Angelo LIVE reported. Area bands from Wall and Water Valley also advanced.
Bands in Classes 2A, 4A and 6A compete in area contests tomorrow, Saturday, October 31, for a chance to advance to state November 9 to 11. Tickets are sold at the Alamodome box office and through Ticketmaster.
NEW
Art Alliance of San Angelo seeks artists for November 8 Midwinter Market
The Art Alliance of San Angelo will hold its Midwinter Market from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 8, at 82 Gillis St., the Concho Observer reported. The holiday market is inviting local artists to set up tables, and the alliance asks interested artists to contact it on Facebook.
The alliance says on its flyers that it will not allow art made with generative artificial intelligence programs, the Observer reported.
- Publication date: October 29, 2026
- Event date: November 8, 2026, 3 to 8 p.m.
- Source: Concho Observer
Sports
ONGOING
Canon Wiese named Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Week after four-touchdown game
Angelo State senior running back Canon Wiese was named the Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Monday, October 26, San Angelo LIVE reported. The Water Valley native scored all four of the Rams’ touchdowns and ran for a career-high 173 yards in a 28-14 win over Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday, October 24, at LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field.
Wiese had touchdown runs of 9, 74 and 49 yards and caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Maddox Maher. The Rams are 3-5 overall and 3-3 in the Lone Star Conference. Angelo State plays at UT Permian Basin at 6 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, October 31.
UPDATE
Lake View beats Andrews 31-22 for first district win
Lake View rallied in the rain to beat Andrews 31-22 at home Thursday night, October 29, the Chiefs’ first win over the Mustangs in their last 20 meetings, San Angelo LIVE reported. Quarterback Chris Alvizo threw five touchdown passes, four of them to receiver Gabe Alvarez, including a 90-yard catch and run that sealed the game in the fourth quarter.
Andrews led 14-6 at halftime and 22-18 late in the third quarter before Lake View scored the final two touchdowns. The win moves the Chiefs to 1-1 in District 3-4A Division I play, a week after a 41-13 loss to Plainview. Lake View closes the regular season at Midland Greenwood at 7 p.m. Friday, November 6.
ONGOING
Central hosts Midland High tonight as Zey Johnson chases school rushing record
Central hosts Midland High at 7 p.m. today, Friday, October 30, at San Angelo Stadium in a District 2-6A game with playoff seeding implications, San Angelo LIVE reported. Both teams are 1-1 in district play; Central is 5-3 overall and Midland High is 4-4.
Central junior Zey Johnson has 1,452 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns through eight games, about 250 yards short of the school’s single-season record of 1,701 yards set by Daven Manning in 2016, San Angelo LIVE reported. Johnson ran for 235 yards and four touchdowns as the Bobcats beat Odessa High 38-14 on Friday, October 23, a game in which Central’s defense forced five turnovers. Central closes the regular season at Odessa Permian on November 6.
ONGOING
Central’s John Isiah Morales qualifies for state cross country meet
Central junior John Isiah Morales qualified for the UIL Cross Country State Championships by finishing 17th of 184 runners at the Region I-6A meet Monday, October 26, at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock, San Angelo LIVE reported. He ran the 5,000-meter course in 15 minutes, 48 seconds. The state meet is Friday, November 6, at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.
Morales led Central’s boys to fifth place, one spot short of advancing as a team. Lady Cats Emma-Claire Beers and Miley Ragan also ran at the regional meet.
ONGOING
No. 5 Angelo State volleyball closes home schedule today and Saturday
Angelo State swept West Texas A&M 25-22, 25-19, 25-21 in Canyon last weekend to extend its winning streak to 15 matches, San Angelo LIVE reported. The Rambelles are 23-1 overall and unbeaten in Lone Star Conference play. Julia Hopkins led all players with 16 kills.
ASU closes the regular season at home at the Junell Center/Stephens Arena, hosting Midwestern State for Senior Day at 6 p.m. today, Friday, October 30, and Lubbock Christian in the annual Dig Pink match tomorrow, Saturday, October 31.
Today’s match also includes the athletic department’s annual Trunk or Treat at 5:30 p.m. at the Junell Center, and children in eighth grade and younger who come in costume get in free, San Angelo LIVE reported. Saturday’s Dig Pink match benefits the Side-Out Foundation.
ONGOING
Central honors 1966 state championship football team tonight
San Angelo ISD will honor members of Central High School’s 1966 state championship football team during tonight’s game against Midland High at San Angelo Stadium, marking the title’s 60th anniversary, San Angelo LIVE reported. Under coach Emory Bellard, the 1966 Bobcats went 13-1 and beat Spring Branch 21-14 in Austin for the Class 4A title, then the state’s largest classification.
About 15 former players, student trainers and managers are expected. They will be recognized on the field immediately after the first quarter.
- Publication date: October 28, 2026
- Event date: October 30, 2026
- Source: San Angelo LIVE
NEW
Angelo State women’s basketball opens season today in Canyon
The Angelo State Rambelles open the 2026-27 basketball season at 2:15 p.m. today, Friday, October 30, against New Mexico Highlands at a tipoff tournament in Canyon, then play Metro State-Denver at noon Saturday, San Angelo LIVE reported. ASU was picked sixth in the Lone Star Conference preseason poll.
Coach Alesha Ellis, entering her sixth season, is six wins from 100 at ASU. The Rambelles’ home opener is 5:30 p.m. Friday, November 13, against Adams State.
- Publication date: October 29, 2026
- Event date: October 30 and 31, 2026; home opener November 13, 2026
- Source: San Angelo LIVE
AI in Your Community
BACKGROUND
San Angelo Police operates Flock readers and a drone first-responder program
The San Angelo City Council approved a $309,050 agreement with Flock Group in October 2025 for license-plate readers and a drone first-responder system, San Angelo LIVE reported. The Concho Observer, reporting from a May 2026 police press tour, described the Flock system in active use through the department’s Aviation and Real Time Information Center, including its use to identify a vehicle in a fatal hit-and-run investigation. The Observer reported that police had shortened plate-data retention from 30 days to 15 days and had begun using drones for rapid first response.
The city’s February 2026 technology-funding notice separately describes federal money for 911 dispatch and records systems but does not address Flock safeguards.
The Observer’s May report describes operations at that time.
BACKGROUND
Tom Green County removed Flock cameras from a grant, while the sheriff’s office said it still intended to proceed
Tom Green County commissioners voted 4-1 on August 25 to accept part of a motor-vehicle-theft grant while removing the camera equipment line. San Angelo LIVE reported that the change reduced the grant by $28,975 and that commissioners raised privacy and data-access concerns. The outlet also reported Chief Deputy Roger Looka saying the money for the cameras would come from the sheriff’s budget instead. That statement was a stated intention, not a report that county cameras were purchased or activated.
The investigator portion of the grant was approved. Whether the sheriff later bought cameras with other funds, and what policy would govern access to their data, has not been reported.
- Publication date: August 25, 2026
- Event date: Commissioners Court vote August 25, 2026
- Last movement: August 25 vote and stated intent
- Source: Tom Green County Flock vote report
ONGOING
Angelo State and Zoom are developing an AI Center of Excellence
Angelo State announced a plan to incorporate Zoom technology into its Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence, which the university says launched in fall 2025. The center is to be housed in the 40,000-square-foot Nexus at Angelo State on Sunset Drive, where renovations were still underway at the time of the August 4 announcement. ASU says the center will develop student AI skills through real-world community problems, expand faculty and staff capabilities and support operational efficiency. The entire campus is also transitioning from RingCentral to Zoom Phone.
The Nexus will also house the university’s Kay Bailey Hutchison Institute and its Regional Security Operations Center, according to the announcement.
The announcement does not specify the Nexus opening date, procurement terms, models or data-governance rules, selection of community projects or published program outcomes.
- Publication date: August 4, 2026
- Event date: AI center launched fall 2025
- Last movement: August 4 collaboration announcement
- Source: Zoom collaboration announcement
ONGOING
Pfluger introduces AI security research bill
Congressman August Pfluger of Texas’s 11th District, which includes San Angelo, introduced the Reliable Artificial Intelligence Research Act, San Angelo LIVE reported September 30. The bill would create two Department of Homeland Security research competitions on AI interpretability and resistance to malicious manipulation, investing $10 million over five years. It is a House companion to a bipartisan Senate bill from Senators Jim Banks and Maggie Hassan. Introduction is the first step in the legislative process.
BACKGROUND
Angelo State’s online artificial intelligence degree among 13 nationally ranked programs
Angelo State’s online Bachelor of Science in artificial intelligence was one of 13 programs on the MastersInAI.org 2026 rankings list, the university announced April 17. The degree, offered through the Department of Computer Science, covers machine learning, robotics, AI ethics and natural language processing, with internships including the university’s Regional Security Operations Center.
ASU says it is one of four Texas universities offering degrees in AI and also offers an online master’s degree in AI and a certificate in AI policy and ethics.
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