TEXAS — 2024 was marked by political upheaval nationwide and in Texas. The year saw its share of triumphs and tragedies. From a major hurricane and other significant weather events to a series of shootings and even a rare liger in the Lone Star State, Spectrum News 1 captured the events that mattered most to Texans.
Here are the top stories on the Spectrum News 1 app for every month in 2024.
January
Quaker Oats expands recall of granola bars and cereals for salmonella risk
Sometimes the most important news is the news that hits home. Quaker Oats in January expanded a recall of more than 40 products that may have been contaminated with salmonella. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration received at least 24 reports of adverse events related to the products initially recalled, but no illnesses were confirmed to be linked to the foods.
February
Police: Three people shot at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church, including the shooter
February saw tragedy unfold at Lakewood Church in Houston. On Feb. 11, a woman opened fire, injuring two people. Among the victims was a child. The shooter was shot and killed by two off-duty police officers who were serving as security.
It’s thought that the shooter may have been struggling with mental health issues.
March
2 people killed, dozens injured in Bastrop County school bus rollover
March saw a horrific scene in Bastrop County. A child and an adult were killed and more than 40 people injured in a school bus rollover. A cement truck veered into the path of the bus. The truck driver was indicted on multiple charges, including negligent homicide and manslaughter.
April
Tornado Watch issued until 6 p.m
As is common in spring in Texas, several tornadoes touched down. In late April, the National Weather Service out of Fort Worth has confirmed that 10 tornadoes touched down north of Waco.
May
Grayson Murray dies at age 30 a day after withdrawing from Colonial, PGA Tour says
May saw more tragedy in Texas when Grayson Murray took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event. His family asked for privacy and that people honor Murray by being kind to one another.
June
2 killed and 6 wounded in shooting during a Juneteenth celebration in a Texas park
It was a crime that shocked Central Texas. A shooting at a park in Round Rock left two people dead and 14 wounded. An altercation began between two groups during a concert at a Juneteenth event and someone started shooting. Three suspects were eventually taken into custody.
July
Hurricane Beryl bears down on Texas
In July, Hurricane Beryl came ashore in Texas, knocking out power to millions and killing at least 36 people. Houston residents were without power for days during sweltering summer temperatures. Beryl knocked out electricity to nearly 3 million people in Texas at the height of the outages.
August
Shooting reported at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland between guards and passing vehicle
It was a scary scene when U.S. Air Force security guards exchanged gunfire with someone who opened fire at an entrance to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in August. No injuries were reported.
September
Rare liger found in abandoned home near Texas-Mexico border
In September, authorities discovered a liger, a hybrid offspring of male lion and a tigress, in an abandoned property near the Texas-Mexico border.
The liger, who officials determined to be about 1 year and 2 months old, was found inside a cage and in good health. The feline was secured by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection for safekeeping.
October
DPS says San Antonio gang bust netted members of Tren de Aragua
In October, a multi-agency gang bust in San Antonio netted 19 arrests, including members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.
In September, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a proclamation designating TdA as a foreign terrorist organization. The transnational criminal gang originated in a Venezuelan prison and slowly made its way to the United States in recent years.
November
Bullet strikes Southwest Airlines plane without injuries at Dallas airport
In November, another terrifying event unfolded in Texas when a bullet struck the body of a Southwest Airlines airplane preparing for departure from Dallas Love Field Airport.
No injuries were reported and law enforcement was contacted after the bullet struck the right side of the aircraft just under the flight deck.
December
Police identify Abundant Life Christian School shooting suspect as 15-year-old female student
A tragedy that took place in Wisconsin. Three people were killed, including a female juvenile shooter who attended Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. Six others were sent to area hospitals for injuries.
